Essential Acupressure Points

Here are a few quick acupressure points remedies you can do to yourself.

This month we thought we would share some of our massage wisdom with you! Here are a few quick acupressure points remedies you can do on your own. Acupressure uses the same principles as acupuncture, but simply uses pressure instead of needles.

Acupressure points are areas that energetically align with certain other areas of the body via 'meridians' or 'channels'. By pressing on a specific point you can remove energy blockages in that channel that may be causing you discomfort.

How to use acupressure points:

Locate a point and apply firm* pressure for 1-3 minutes
Breathing is important while you are doing this. Breathe deeply in and out

* Some points may be located in sensitive areas that should be touched gently. Make sure to know the appropriate amount of pressure before you begin.

Sinus Pressure and Congestion

Here are a few points that are helpful in relieving discomfort caused by sinus pressure and congestion:

The indentations right underneath the middle of the brow, between your eyes and your nose.

From the brow, you can slide your fingers down to the sides of the nostrils

There are more points just below the cheekbones (these two areas are also helpful for eye fatigue)

Motion Sickness and Nausea

Perhaps you have seen travel items like the motion sickness bracelet. They use the very same pressure point:

There are points below the wrists on the inside of the forearm and between two tendons.

Headaches

Along with the pressure points used for sinus pressure, there are other useful areas for relieving headaches:

Acupressure points are located in the webbing between your thumb and index finger, the exact spot is at the highest part of the muscle (*Pregnant women should not use this point, for it helps induce labor)
There are also five points on the back of the neck. The first is located centrally, right underneath the skull
The other four are located on both sides of this point. Two are just below, in the hollow between the vertical neck muscles

The last two are one-half inch below the skull, located on the vertical neck muscles

Stress and Mental Clarity

There is little argument about the power of foot massages to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation.

You can locate this point by flexing your foot downward and finding the indentation in the upper middle area of your foot. This area is also used for insomnia and depression. (*A useful technique for this area is to use a tennis ball. Simply place the ball on the ground roll the bottom of your feet over the ball- it is very relaxing!)

Another great way to improve mental clarity is to use the point between the centre of your eyebrows, the area where your nose and forehead meet (This point is also used to improve memory and concentration)

Focus and Memory

There are a number of different acupressure points that aid in concentration and memory:

There are points aligned with the centres of the eye, approximately a finger width above the brow
The indents of your temples are also points that aid in focus, however this is an area that should be touched gently.

Good To Read: Brain Boost - Improve Your Memory