Acupressure is a type of alternative medicine that uses pressure points to alleviate pain, balance energy, and promote health and wellness. It can help treat neck and back pain, calm motion sickness and nausea, and boost mental health. It’s a non-invasive treatment option that offers a natural alternative or complementary option to doctor-recommended treatments. The hands, in particular, have many pressure points, which are specific spots believed to improve energy flow through the body. Interested in learning more? Here are eight hand pressure points and how to use them.
What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a type of massage therapy that involves applying pressure to different parts of the body. It’s an ancient practice based in traditional Chinese medicine (TMC), and is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses fingertip pressure instead of needles. It works by applying pressure to free up energy blocks in the body and can help with a range of conditions from headaches to nausea to muscle tension. TCM focuses on balancing qi energy since it’s believed that imbalances in this energy can negatively affect your health.
Applying pressure to certain areas of the body can stimulate nerves, which may help reduce the sensation of pain. Acupressure has also been found to reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase endorphins, which can boost mood and reduce feelings of pain. It can also help improve blood circulation.
The overall goal of acupressure is to restore health and balance in the body and promote a state of relaxation. It can be done in conjunction with massage therapy or acupuncture, or as a stand-alone treatment. Many of the body’s most powerful pressure points are believed to be located in the hands. According to those who practice reflexology, applying firm but gentle touch to certain parts of the hands can energize and restore health to other areas of the body. Acupressure can be done by a professional, but you can also try doing it yourself with proper instruction.
10 Benefits of Acupressure
- Helps with sleep issues like insomnia
- Relieves stress
- Pain relief
- Headache relief
- Lessens menstrual cramps
- Calms motion sickness
- Helps to boost mental health
- Relieves muscle tension and pain
- Reduces nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
- Reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
3 Risks of Acupressure
Acupressure is generally considered safe and there is minimal risk. However, mild side effects can include:
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
If you’re pregnant, make sure to talk to your health care provider before starting acupressure. It’s typically not recommended for those in first trimester or those in the final four weeks of pregnancy.
8 Hand Pressure Points & How to Use Them
1. Heart 7
The heart 7 pressure point can be found in the crease of your wrist, in line with the space between your pinky and ring finger. There’s a bone right next to this pressure point. It’s believed that applying gentle pressure to this spot may protect against anxiety, irritability, insomnia, heart palpitations, and depression. It’s also believed to help regulate blood pressure, enhance circulation, and improve overall energy levels.
2. Lung Meridian
In TCM the lung meridian is an essential component of the body’s energy system. It regulates the flow of qi throughout the body and is vital in maintaining the respiratory and immune system, as well as overall health and wellness. The lung meridian contains multiple pressure points from the thumb tip down to just below the wrist crease. Stimulating these points will promote the flow of qi, balance the body’s energy, and promote health and wellness.
3. Inner Gate
The inner gate point is located on the inner forearm, about two finger widths above the wrist crease. It’s one of the most commonly used pressure points to treat various conditions. It directly affects the heart and its functions, as well as the digestive and immune systems. It’s also helpful for nausea and stomach pain.
4. Outer Gate
The outer gate point can be found between two tendons on the backside of the arm. It’s located two finger widths up from the wrist crease. Stimulating this point will help with headaches and migraines, as well as neck pain and stiffness. Reflexologists also believe applying pressure to this part of the hand could give you a rush of energy.
5. Hand Valley Point
The hand valley point can be found between the first finger and the thumb. Reflexologists claim that applying firm pressure to the hand valley point can reduce stress and tension, stop migraines, and reduce pain in the shoulders, teeth, and neck. This is also a popular point to apply pressure for a better night’s sleep. When applying pressure to this point, it’s important to use moderate force and hold the pressure for two to three minutes.
6. P6 Pressure Point
If you struggle with motion sickness and nausea, the P6 pressure point is the one to try. It’s located three finger widths away from the wrist, in the middle of the forearm. This pressure point can also be beneficial for anxiety and insomnia relief.
7. Base of the Thumb
To find this pressure point, follow your thumb down to the wrist and apply gentle pressure. This acupressure point helps improve respiratory function and alleviate breathing problems. It stimulates the lung meridian, which regulates the respiratory system and can help improve the flow of qi through the body. This can reduce symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. The base of the thumb point is also known to relieve headaches, anxiety, and stress.
8. Small Intestine 3
The small intestine 3 pressure point is found on the side of both hands just below the pinky finger and just above the hand’s first large crease. Applying gentle but firm pressure to this point can relieve pain and discomfort, including headaches, earaches, neck pain, and upper back pain.
If you’ve been interested in acupressure, we hope this post provided some insight and that the pressure point technique was helpful.
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