For centuries, acupressure has been used to help with several matters in health and wellness. This alternative medicine is practised by applying pressure on specific body parts. Based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, Acupressure believes that certain points in our body are connected to various systems and internal organs. Therefore, applying pressure helps with a balanced flow of energy and helps relieve pain and stress. 

Millions of people worldwide are affected by stress. While the causes can vary from work, finances, and relationships to any other matters, the implications can be heavy for all sufferers. Over a long time, stress causes a negative impact on physical as well as mental health and can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, insomnia and more.

 

In such a time, acupressure can be a first aid to relieve stress. The practice works by applying pressure on body points connected to the nervous system. Specific acupressure points for stress help release endorphins, which act as the human body’s natural painkillers. With time, as one learns these techniques, acupressure helps release stress and promotes relaxation.

 

One major benefit of acupressure for stress relief is its non-invasive and drug-free nature. As no medication is involved, you don’t need to worry about any side effects with this technique. If you want to start with acupressure at home, here are some pressure points to learn quickly and try out:

Find your nearest Accupressure Clinics in India

As the name suggests, this method involves applying pressure between your eyebrows for stress relief. In addition, as this point is connected to the pineal gland, it helps regulate melatonin, a hormone that caters to sleep regulation. Hence, acupressure on the third-eye point can help with better sleep and relaxation, eventually reducing stress levels.

Another acupressure point for stress relief is located on your earlobe. As this point is connected directly to the heart, it helps with the rhythmic regulation of your earlobe. Additionally, the earlobe is also known to be a point that helps with nausea and motion sickness relief. 

Our hands and feet are also capable of storing stress. Hence, several points in these organs can help with stress relief. For example, one common acupressure point in your hands is between the thumb and index finger. Use another thumb to apply pressure to this area and reduce the stress stored in your hands.

Secondly, pressing the tip of your baby's finger and thumb helps your mind relax. Stimulation in this point is known to help with stress relief and muscle tension.

You may like to read: Why Consult a Cardiologist? What do they do? 

This acupressure point is located between your big toe and second toe. Applying light pressure here can help reduce stress and tension in the feet.

Along with stress relief, acupressure can also help with the pain. This is because the technique stimulates the body’s healing mechanisms for reduced pain and inflammation. As a result, the treatment can come in handy for various conditions such as headaches, back pain and arthritis. 

 

As mentioned earlier, this technique is non-invasive and does not include medication. Hence, the worries associated with the side effects of painkillers are no longer an issue with the use of acupressure. Here are some points that you can learn quickly at home and try out:

This is just outside your shine bone, right below the kneecap. Applying light pressure here helps with improved digestion, bloating and relieving constipation. Hence, the pain associated with acid reflux can be tackled with the help of acupressure.

This acupressure point is located at the base of your palm. Massaging it gently can be extremely helpful for nausea and vomiting. Use your index and middle finger to press this point for a few minutes and continue till you feel relieved.

Also read: Best Strength Training for Women, Exercises and Yoga 

Located at the centre of the breastbone, this acupressure point helps you feel emotionally balanced. Many body pain conditions cause one to stress out emotionally and hence, result in increased pain. In such times, this acupressure point can help relieve pain-induced anxiety.  Make sure that you are sitting upright when you try this out. Put your palms together in prayer and press the thumb knuckles into your breastbone.

This acupressure point is located right below your neck, above the spine level. Massaging it gently helps to tackle the pain in your neck and headache.

Especially important for women, the sacral point is located above the tailbone below your spine. Massaging can help relieve lower back pain and menstrual cramp comfort. To practise this, start by lying down on your back, put one hand on another, and gently massage the point below your spine for a few minutes. Repeat this process until you feel relieved. 

This acupressure point will rescue you if lower back pain doesn’t leave your side. Start by standing up and grabbing your waist with both hands. Next, make sure that your thumbs are wrapping around your back. Then, keep your thumbs intact and apply a circular motion with firm pressure. Count to five seconds, and repeat the same three times.

The point between your eyebrows is excellent for relieving sinus pressure and pain. Use your thumb or index finger to apply light pressure in a circular motion. Continue this movement for 5 minutes. Another option is tracing your fingers from your temples to either side of your nostrils.

At first, you might be tempted to implement these acupressure practices several times a day. But, experts claim that giving your body a break is essential when points get sore to touch. Hence, keep the definitive rule in mind and proceed gradually with light pressure. 

 

While using acupressure, you must be patient and cautious. While improvements might take time, seeing and feeling results takes consistency. So, set aside a few minutes to learn the technique you wish to implement, figure out the correct method and start gradually. If you find several acupressure techniques difficult, it’s always okay to ask for help from family or friends.