Six pressure points that will help you feel better
There are over 400 acupressure points on your hands alone, which means you can discreetly apply pressure to these points for instant relief and no one would know. Ready to try acupressure?
Keep in mind that it does matter which hand you use when performing acupressure. “For systemic or non-pain complaints, either hand can be used,” says acupuncturist Jacqui Kinzi. "For acute pain, it's best to use the hand on the opposite side of the body from the painful area," she adds. So, for example, if you have lower back pain on the left side, acupressure should be done on the right hand.
Pressure points to relieve symptoms
1. Joining Valley
This hand pressure point helps “with any type of headache, migraine or facial problem, including Bell's palsy, sinusitis, nosebleed, sore throat, eye pain, tooth or mouth pain and allergy symptoms. . It is also used to stimulate labor, relieve neck pain, help with constipation or diarrhea, treat hand or arm pain, and relieve fever,” explains Tiffany Cruikshank, an acupuncturist. She adds that it's also a great spot to press on when you feel a cold coming on, because it will give your immune system a boost.
To find the point, start by extending your hand wide. "You'll see a triangle form between the base of your thumb and forefinger," adds Thomson. “This point is located in the middle of the triangle where you feel the most sensitivity when you squeeze it.” Once you've found it, Cruikshank says to find one or two tender spots in that area and apply moderate pressure for 30 to 60 seconds each.
2. Minor Palace
This is the pressure point for dealing with feelings of fear, sadness, worry, agitation, or anxiety. The point is in the palm of the hand. To locate it, simply make a fist. It will be where the little finger touches the palm.
3. Yao Tong Xue
If you suffer from low back pain and stiffness or acute lumbar spasms, this point is for you. It actually consists of two points on the top of the hand, Kinzig maintains. One is between the second and third metacarpals (also known as the bones of the hand) and the other is between the fourth and fifth metacarpals. "The points are located in the depressions just before the metacarpals join," he says. Once you find the points on your hand that are on the same side as your back pain, apply firm pressure to both points in a simulated fashion for 30 seconds.
4. Pericardium 8
Are you feeling anxious? Give the “Pericardium 8 points” a good massage. In this way “it can help calm our minds when we cannot fall asleep. It is also useful for palpitations or chest pain”, experts point out. To signal it, make a fist. It will be where the tips of the middle fingers touch the palm. You can use your middle finger, or another finger of the opposite hand, to press down firmly on the tip for 60 seconds. Read More…