There are 12 primary meridians running throughout the body — 6 in the arms, and 6 in the legs. To learn more about these, visit https://www. amcollege. edu/blog/what-are-meridians-in-traditional-chinese-medicine-tcm. Although there is no physiological proof that these meridians exist, they seem to follow the paths of nerves throughout the body. For example, the lung meridian, often referred to as L, connects the lungs and intestines to nerves in the wrist (acupressure point L7) and the back of the hand (acupressure point L14). [3] X Research source The stomach median, referred to as S, starts in the brain and runs down into the foot, and contains acupressure points S36 and S37, which are just below the knee.
You may want to play soft music or diffuse scents like lavender to help create a relaxing environment.
Familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the area you’ll be working on if you’re planning on doing acupressure on yourself. [5] X Expert Source Peter D’Aquino, L. Ac, MS, NCCAOMLicensed Acupuncturist Expert Interview. 14 April 2020. To learn more about the different acupressure points, visit https://exploreim. ucla. edu/self-care/acupressure-and-common-acupressure-points/. Examples of conditions which may be relieved by acupressure include headaches, nausea, back pain, and more.
Acupressurists sometimes use their palms, knuckles, elbows, or even their feet to apply pressure to their clients. Acupressure techniques may include firm pressure, kneading, brisk rubbing, or tapping on the pressure points. [7] X Research source
If you find that acupressure relieves a headache, for instance, but that it returns after a few minutes, just apply more pressure whenever the headache returns until it’s gone completely.
This method is also thought to relieve headaches, toothaches, and facial pain. Jian Jing is said to induce labor, so use this technique with caution if you are pregnant.
You can rotate your thumbs slightly or rock them in an up-and-down motion to increase the effect. Other conditions affected by Feng Chi include eye blurriness, fatigue, migraines, and cold or flu symptoms.
Nei Guan is often used to relieve motion sickness and upset stomach.
If you can’t reach this spot yourself, you may want to ask someone to help you with this.
This acupressure point is known as He Gu, or LI4. It is one of the most commonly used acupressure points, and can also be used to treat facial pain, toothache, and neck pain.
TE3 is often used to treat temporal headaches, shoulder and neck tension, and upper back pain.
Tai Chong is also said to relieve menstrual cramps, digestive issues, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
SP6, or San Yin Jiao, is also used to relieve urological and pelvic disorders, as well as insomnia.
To check if you’re in the right place, move your foot up and down. You should feel a muscle move in and out as your foot moves. Zu San Li is also used to treat nausea and vomiting and to promote longevity.
