Acupressure points that help relieve anxiety

Anxiety, as defined by Meriam-Webster Dictionary, is "painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill." It is part of being human as people face the challenges of life and the unknowns of the future. Although it is not pleasant, good can come from it.  The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) states, "Anxiety helps us get out of harm’s way and prepare for important events, and it warns us when we need to take action."

Although anxiety may be helpful in life, too much anxiety can create problems. Anxiety Centre says that anxiety can cause headaches, heart palpitations, an upset stomach, chest pains, dizziness, shooting pains and insomnia. These are just some of the side effects of anxiety. Rather than taking medication to deal with the problems that create anxiety, acupressure offers to help relieve anxiety through massaging a few key points.

Modern Reflexology recommends massaging the TW15 and taking in deep breaths when you are feeling anxious or stressed. This point is supposed to help relieve nervousness and palpitations and "is located on both the shoulders, midway between the base of the neck and outside of the shoulders, one-half inch below the top of the shoulders."

Another pressure point for anxiety, nervousness, nausea, chest discomfort and palpitations is the P3. It is "on the inside of the arm, at the lower edge of the elbow crease when the arm is bent." The recommendation is to press the spot for one minute while breathing "intensely" through the nose.

The most well-known acupressure point for relieving anxiety is CV17. Accupressure.com reports that this point is referred to as the Sea of Tranquility and is located at the center of the breastbone where the sternum dips.

To make it work, Modern Reflexology tells you to breathe deeply and press the point firmly for one to two minutes. "It helps to soothe chest tension, emotional imbalance, nervousness, anxiety, anguish, depression and hysteria."

Besides helping with anxiety, the CV17 is supposed to help with asthma, sore throats, insufficient lactation and mastitis.

Besides acupressure, you can do a number of other things to help manage and relieve stress. ADAA recommends taking time out to rest and relax. Proper nutrition is also important. Since caffeine and alcohol can trigger panic attacks, limiting how much you take in is wise. Laughter is always good medicine, and humor should be welcomed. Take time to figure out what causes your stress and anxiety. Lastly, many find that exercise is excellent for stress relief, and it keeps the body healthy at the same time. Although stress and anxiety may be useful to motivate people to be prepared, learning how to deal with the stress so that it does not harm you is even more important.