Overview:

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that’s based on the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture.

Acupressure’s alternative medicine technique often used in conjunction with acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body.

In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points or trigger points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians.

Pressure may be applied by hand, by the elbow, or with various devices.

Acupoints used in treatment may or may not be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom.

According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, the goal of acupressure or other types of Asian bodywork is to restore health fitness and stability to the body.

Some proponents claim acupressure not only treats the energy fields and body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit.

In this article, we discuss the basics of acupressure and simple steps to do at home easily.

We also explore some pressure points on the feet and Acupressure points for migraine pain and Acupuncture treatments.

Acupressure:

Instead of needles, acupressure involves the application of manual pressure (usually with the fingertips) to specific points on the body.

Acupressure therapy stimulates the body’s circulatory, lymphatic, and hormonal systems.

It helps relieve stress and anxiety, improves sleep, relaxes your muscles and joints, regulates digestive issues, minimizes headaches and migraines, and is also beneficial for back pains and menstrual cramps.

During an acupressure session, you lie fully clothed on a soft massage table. The practitioner uses their fingers, palms, elbows, feet, or special devices to gently press on specific points on your body.

For some people with migraines, stimulating pressure points on the body may help provide relief.

A 2017 study indicated that acupressure applied to points on the head and wrist may help reduce nausea related to migraine

Acupressure is a natural, relatively safe method of pain relief for you to try.

You may have heard people raving about the benefits of acupuncture treatment for all kinds of health issues.

Back pain to chronic migraine headaches, but did you know that acupressure works the same way without all those scary needles.

This tradition attributes various ailments and illnesses to blockages in the flow of Qi. The purpose of acupuncture and acupressure is to clear those blockages and return your body to its natural state.

 

How to Do Acupressure on Your Own:

The best way to do it is to first move your thumb in an anti-clockwise direction followed by a clockwise direction on the pressure point.

They can be used to treat Stress and Anxiety, Migraines, Allergies, Nausea, Vomiting, Pain, and more. You can do acupressure yourself, at home or at work.

You simply apply pressure with the fingers or another small object to the same points targeted through acupuncture.

Acupressure Mat is also a very good option to use.

Acupressure Points on the Feet:

Now that you know the basics of acupressure, here are some pressure points on the feet given by the National Centre of Biotechnology Information:

1. Tai Chong:

   This pressure point can be located by pressing your finger in the indented spot between your big and second toe.

Uses Stress, Anger, Headaches, Irritability, Anxiety, and Menstrual Pain.

2. Yong Quan:

   There is a depression underneath the joint of the big toe which can be located by pressing your fingers along your foot. Located between your second and big toe, it is where the pressure can be felt the most.

Uses Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor Memory, Anxiety, Night Sweats.

3. Tai Bai:

   On the middle side and near the ball of your foot, you may find this pressure point.

Uses Abdominal Distension, Stomach Aches, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, and Vomiting.

4. Tai Xi:

   One of the many pressure points on the feet, it can be found in the indention between the Achilles’ tendon and the top of the medial malleolus (inner bony bump) of your ankle.

Uses Kidney Disease, Sore Throat, Bronchitis, Toothaches, Asthma, and Arthritis.

5. Xing Jian:

   This point is located within the thick part of the web of your skin between your first and second toes.

Uses Eye Diseases, Liver Disease, Leg Cramps, and Sinusitis.

6. Li Nei Ting:

Positioned between your second and third toes on the underside of the foot, it can be easily located due to the soreness felt when pressure is applied to this point.

Uses: Press this point to relieve Food Poisoning and Urinary Tract Infections.

7. Di Er Li Dui:

   Another pressure point on your feet is located in the toe area. The upper side of your second toe, just below your toenail.

Uses: Appetite, Hiccups, and Nausea.

 

Acupuncture treatment for Migraine headaches:

Acupuncture treatment for migraine headaches is an effective method. It is a form of traditional Chinese treatment that does not involve the use of drugs.

Over 2500 years ago, acupuncture was practiced in China to diagnose and treat diseases as well as improve overall health.

The treatment process involves the insertion of needles at specific points of the body to ease and relieve pain. On insertion of needles, some people may experience a sharp sensation momentarily.

The depth and placement of the needles, however, depends on the treatment and the practitioner.

As acupuncture can give relief to various health conditions and treat chronic headache pain, it has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a promising treatment for pain since 1979.

During the acupuncture session, various needles are inserted over the patient’s body for 10-30 minutes until the patient relaxes.

Acupuncture treatment comes from Chinese culture. In traditional Chinese medicine, qi or chi is the energy or life force.

Applying the correct pressure of needles with the right placements, the body’s natural flow of energy is re-balanced and symptoms of diseases can be relieved.

It may trigger a positive response. Acupuncture restores positive energy in the body by removing negative energy that causes pain.

During the course of acupuncture treatments, the body’s natural painkillers, also known as endorphins are released. They increase the blood flow and stimulate nerves and tissues which results in pain relief.

 

Acupressure points for Migraine pain:

It helps people dealing with Depression, Anxiety, Nausea, and many other conditions.

It provides immediate relief, so you can try it during a migraine attack, massaging the pressure point in a circular motion for 15 to 20 seconds.

You should use firm pressure, but don’t press so hard that it’s painful.

For migraine relief, the most important pressure point to know to relieve headache pain is the space between the base of your thumb and your index finger.

Other potentially useful points include your inner wrist, on the same side as your thumb, and the back of your jawbone, just below your ear.

Few scientific studies have assessed the effectiveness of acupressure for treating headaches. Of the studies that do exist, most use small sample sizes and lack adequate controls.

However, a larger body of scientific research focuses on the effects of massage therapy and compression therapy for treating pain and headache symptoms.

Both types of therapy involve stimulating myofascial trigger points. These are highly sensitive areas in the skeletal muscle that may contribute to tension-type headaches.

People who want to use acupressure techniques to treat headaches may benefit from:

• Sitting or standing in a comfortable and relaxed position when performing acupressure.
• Applying firm, consistent pressure when activating acupressure points.
• Practicing deep breathing to help relax the body.
• Stopping treatment if new pain or worsening symptoms occur.
• People can speak with their doctor if they have any questions about including acupressure in their treatment program.

People can also work with a trained Acupressure Massage therapist or Reflexologist to learn more about acupressure points.

Professionals can show people which acupressure points might benefit them the most, and how to activate them.

Acupressure may serve as a safe and effective complementary treatment for people who experience recurrent headaches.

People may want to speak with their doctor before starting new forms of treatment.

The beauty of acupressure is that it is something you can do for yourself anytime and anywhere.

Acupressure is especially for a serious condition, but it is worth exploring as a supplement to other therapies.

Ask your friends and loved ones for support. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counseling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain…

Hope you find this article helpful enough to give motivation. Kindly read our more articles and subscribe to us for staying updated on our all-new articles.

You can also read more health-related articles by subscribing and liking us on Facebook. Feel Free to leave comments below for any suggestions or your views on it.

 

Thanks!!!

Leave a Reply