"Acupressure" is one of the latest buzz words in health and wellness. There is good reason for this. Acupressure is a healing method that has been used for thousands of years, says Acupressure.com. The best part about acupressure is that it requires no fancy equipment. Only the power of your very own hands. You can perform acupressure on yourself and on other people. You can also seek the expertise of an acupressure practitioner.
Acupressure relies on points all over the body that stimulate different body systems. It can be understood as a more gentle, or less invasive, form of acupuncture, which uses needles to stimulate pressure points. Acupressure is proven to boost the immune system, relieve pain, release stress, and treat a range of ailments, from stomach problems to headaches.
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One of the easiest ways to start acupressure is by learning the main meridian points in the hand and what they can do for you.
1. Hand Valley Point. Located in the firm skin between the thumb and index finger, the hand valley point is known to reduce stress, relieve migraines, toothaches, shoulder tension, and neck pain, says Acupressure Points Guide.
2. Base of Thumb Point. Acupressure Points Guide explains the base of thumb point, located above the wrist at the base of the thumb, helps respiratory and breathing problems.
3. Wrist Point 1. New Health Advisor says one of the best things you can do for stress is to stimulate this pressure point located on your wrist and in line with your pinky finger. Regularly pressing your wrist point 1 will improve your emotional state.
4. Inner Gate Point. Hold your hands out with the bases touching like you are receiving a gift. In the middle, approximately 3 centimeters from the crease of your wrists, you will find the inner gate point. Firmly massage this point with your thumb in order to aid digestion and relieve nausea or stomach pain, says New Health Advisor.
5. Outer Gate Point. You've already learned about the inner gate point. But what about the outer gate point? According to Modern Reflexology, there is a point located between two tendons on the back side of the arm 3 finger widths above the wrist. Press here to give your immune system a boost and a rush of energy.
6. Lung Meridian. If you are suffering from a cold, Ying Yang House recommends running your fingers along the Lung Meridian. This meridian runs from the tip of your thumb down the side of your hand and stops just below the crease in your wrist. You may find a sore spot somewhere along this meridian. Massage the sore spot for relief from cold symptoms like sneezing, chills, runny nose, and sore throat.
7. Small Intestine 3. The small intestine meridian is located on the outer edge of your hand. You will find a depression just below the pinky. Ying Yang House says that by pressing here, you can release neck pain, earaches, and headaches located in the back of the head.
8. Heart 7. This pressure point is found in the crease of the wrist and is inline with the space between the ring and pinky finger. You will feel a bone directly next to this pressure point, says Ying Yang House. Pressing into this tender spot can help against anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, and depression.
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The science behind acupressure is real. An article published in The Atlantic explains the different theories behind why the ancient practice of acupuncture (and by extension, acupressure) actually works. So why not try it today?
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