I know a few of you are without treatment at the moment so thought I would put together a few points that might help with some of the more common issues I am asked to help with in the treatment room.
Please note that if you are not currently a patient of mine, suspect or know you are pregnant, or have a serious underlying health condition, please contact an acupuncturist to confirm that the points listed are suitable for you as this information is generic rather than individualised.
What is acupressure
Acupressure is a technique related to acupuncture, where the energies of the body are affected by putting pressure on specific acupuncture points. Using acupressure prompts changes within the body without the use of needles and the beauty is that it can be used anywhere and is suitable for all ages.
Acupressure Technique
When massaging points, try to relax in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and breathe deeply
Use deep, firm pressure to massage and stimulate the chosen points. It may feel a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t hurt and will often feel different from the area around it
Repeat the massage as often as you feel is necessary for at least ½ minute
Some of the points are easy to do yourself, but it would be more comfortable for someone else to massage the feet points
First of all, I will list the points with a short description of where to find them on the body. Once you are familiar with the ones you would like to try, I suggest that you look on YouTube as you are likely to find easy to follow directions.
Liv3 Taichong – found on the top of the foot towards the junction where the first and second metatarsal bones meet.
LI4 Hegu – this point is found between the bones of the thumb and first finger. It lies at the highest point formed when the thumb is resting against the index finger.
Kid1 Yongquan – This point lies in a depression found in the top third of the sole of the foot. This depression lies between the second and third toe and is easily found by pulling the toes towards the sole of the foot.
GB20 Feng Chi – Is located where the neck muscles attach to the skull, on the outer side of the large tendon on each side of the spine. For this point use a firm deep pressure towards the skull and stimulate for a few seconds and then repeat.
YIN TANG – Found midway between the middle of end of the two eyebrows.
Ear Shen Men – is found at the apex of the triangular fossa of the ear. I would usually recommend ear seeds on this point as they are known to help with anxiety by calming the mind and bringing the whole body into balance. As I can’t provide you with them at the moment holding the area between the finger and thumb and applying pressure can certainly help when feeling overwhelmed. This can be done as often as you like.
Pc6 Neiguan –is found on the inside of the wrist and is approximately 3 of your own finger widths from the wrist crease. The point is located at this level between two tendons.
St36 Zusanli – Slide your fingers up the tibia (outside bone of the lower leg) until you feel the bone start to flare out. The point is approximately in a dip where the flare of the bone is.
So now to decide which points to choose…
Generalised Pain – Liv3 and LI4
Migraine – Liv3, LI4 and GB20
Feeling overwhelmed, anxiety or low mood– Ear Shen Men, Yin Tang, Kid1, or Liv3 and LI4
Feelings of frustration or anger – Liv3
Nausea and morning sickness – Pc6
Immune Support – St36
I hope these help and look forward to hearing how you get on.
Sharon
Resources: Giovanni Maciocia, Debra Betts
