Acupressure (a blend of “acupuncture” and “pressure”) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture.
Acupressure workshop class
In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices. Reviews of acupressure clinical trials have been conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration and Bandolier according to the protocols of evidence-based medicine; for most conditions they have concluded tremendous effectiveness in well-conducted clinical trials.
Acupoints used in treatment may or may not be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom. The TCM theory for the selection of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating the meridian system to bring about relief by rebalancing yin, yang and qi (also spelled “chi”). This theory is based on the paradigm of TCM .
Many East Asian martial arts also make extensive study and use of acupressure for self-defense and health purposes (chin na, tui na).
The points or combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate or incapacitate an opponent. Also, martial artists regularly massage their own acupressure points in routines to remove blockages from their own meridians, claiming to thereby enhance their circulation and flexibility and keeping the points “soft” or less vulnerable to an attack.
According to the principles of TCM, qi flows through the body via 14 primary meridians or channels. To strengthen the flow of qi,or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at certain specific points (called acupoints) along the channels. There are four to five hundred named acupoints along the meridians, some of which are associated with specific internal organs or organ systems. If you are suffering from nausea, for example, needles might be inserted into acupoints on your wrist, while a vision problem might be treated with needles in the foot. (Additional ear, scalp, and hand points are also commonly used by some practitioners.)
A variant system known as two point acupressure attempts to bypass a blockage of vital flow by using one acupoint to create a link with one of the collateral meridians, and then using one additional acupoint to stimulate or reduce the flow around the obstruction.
Acupressure is the ancient healing art that uses finger pressure on the body’s acupuncture points and meridians to release muscular pain and increase circulation.
5,000+ years ago the Chinese found that, by pressing certain points on body, pain was relieved in those areas and that parts of the body that were remote from the pain and the pressure point also benefited. It was later discovered that when pressure was applied to certain parts of the body it influenced the functioning of various internal organs.
Acupressure is now commonly practiced by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners on their patients, as well as by individuals who learn the skills to practice ‘self-acupressure’.
How does acupressure?
Like acupuncture, acupressure works by treating points on the body’s ‘MERIDIANS’. Meridians are the human energy pathways that connect the various acupressure and acupuncture points and the internal organs.
There are numerous pressure points along each meridian at areas of higher levels of electrical conductivity and these are the ‘POTENT POINTS’ used in acupressure and acupuncture.
Finding the point
Each potent point used in isolation can have a beneficial effect and one or two targeted points used on yourself whenever you have a free hand can help.
By using selected points together in sequence – a ‘PROTOCOL’, you can deliver even more powerful results.
Acupressure for tension release & relaxation
There are 14 meridians in total with numerous pressure points along each. The meridians that we commonly use in treating stress and tension are:
- Bladder (B)
- Gall bladder (GB)
- Governing vessel (GV)
- Stomach (St)
- LI (Large Intestine)
- Lv (Liver)
- TW (Triple warmer)
HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
Most headaches are caused primarily by tension in the head, neck and shoulder muscles, which constricts the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the nerve cells of the brain. A headache is a warning that the brain may not be getting enough oxygen
We often repress these warning signs with paracetamol rather than relieving the root cause – the stress or muscle tension.
Common causes of headaches:
MISALIGNMENT of the vertebrae of the neck
SINUS HEADACHES caused by build up of fluids in sinus cavities
EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS / STRESS
Acupressure workshop
Potent points for relieving headaches and migraines
Gates of consciousness (GB 20)
Location:
Below the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two vertical neck muscles.
Benefits:
Relieves arthritis, headaches (including migraines), dizziness, stiff neck, neck pain, neuromotor coordination problems, eye strain, and irritability.
Wind Mansion (GV 16)
Location:
In the centre of the back of the head, in a large hollow under the base of the skull.
Benefits:
Relieves pain in the eyes, ears, nose and throat, as well as headaches, vertigo, and stiff necks.
Drilling Bamboo (B2)
Location:
In the indentations on either side of where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows.
Benefits:
Relieves eye pain, headaches, hay fever, eye fatigue, and sinus pain.
Third Eye Point (BV 24.5)
Location:
Directly between the eyebrows, in the indentation where the bridge of the nose meets the forehead.
Benefits:
Balances the pituitary gland, and relives hayfever, headaches, indigestion, ulcer pain, and eye strain.
Facial Beauty (St 3)
Location:
At the bottom of the cheekbone, below the pupil.
Benefits:
Relieves eye tiredness and pressure, nasal and head congestion, eyestrain, and toothaches.
Joining the Valley (LI 4)
CAUTION: Do not use on pregnant women – this point can stimulate premature contractions of the uterus.
Location:
In the webbing between the thumb and index finger, at the highest spot on the muscle that protrudes when the thumb and index finger are brought close together.
Benefits:
Relieves frontal headaches, toothaches, shoulder pin, and labour pain
Bigger Rushing (Lv 3)
Location:
On the top of the foot, in the valley between the big toe and the second toe.
Benefits:
Relieves foot cramps, headaches, eye tireness, hangovers, allergies, and arthritis.
Above Tears (GB 41)
Location:
On the top of the foot, one inch above the webbing of the fourth and fifth toes, in the groove of the bones.
Benefits:
Relieves hip pain, shoulder tension, arthritic pains that move all over the body, headaches, sideaches, water retention, and sciatica.
Working together
Potent point exercises for reliving headaches and migraines
The following protocol can be done lying down of sitting comfortably
STEP 1
Rub your head, as if you were washing it all over [1 minute], then press your stomach by placing your fingertips two inches above your belly button, slowly pressing into the pit of your stomach while you breath deeply [1 minute].
STEP 2
Firmly press point GB 20 [1 – 2 minutes]
Use your thumbs to press underneath the base of your skull into the hollow areas on either side, two to three inches apart depending on the size of your head. Slowly tilt your head back with your eyes closed, and firmly press up underneath the skull as you take deep breaths.
STEP 3
Hold GV 16 with B 2 [1 – 2 minutes]
Use your right thumb to press GV 16 in the centre hollow at the base of the skull. Use your left thumb and index finger to press B2 in the upper hollows of the eye socket near the bridge of the nose. Tilt your head back and breath deeply.
STEP 4
Lightly press GV 24.5 [2 minutes]
With the palms of the hands together, let your head tilt downward and position your index fingers on the point. Concentrate on this spot as you breath deeply.
STEP 5
Press St 3 [1 minute]
Use your middle and index fingers to gently press up underneath the cheekbones, directly below the centre of your eyes.
STEP 6
Firmly press LI 4 [1 minute on each hand]
Place your right hand over the top of your left hand. Use your right thumb to press the webbing between the thumb and index finger of you left hand. Angle the pressure toward the bone that connects with the index finger. Hold for one minute then press the same point on the opposite hand.
STEP 7
Stimulate Lv 3 and GB 41 [1 minute each foot]
Place the top of your right heel on top of your left foot to rub in between the bones on the tops of your feet. Stimulate the sensitive spots between your big and second toe as well as between the bones that connect your fourth and little toes. Then switch and work on the other foot.
SHOULDER TENSION
Potent points for relieving shoulder tension
Heavenly Rejuvenation (TW 15)
Location: On the shoulders, midway between the base of the neck and the outside of the shoulders, ½ inch below the top of the shoulders.
Benefits: Relieves muscular tension, stiff necks, and shoulder pain.
Shoulder Well (GB 21)
CAUTION: Pregnant women should press lightly on this point.
Location: On the muscle at the highest point of the shoulder, one or two inches out from the side of the lower neck.
Benefits: Relieves shoulder tension, nervousness, irritability, and fatigue
Outer Arm Bone (LI 14)
Location: On the outer surface of the upper arm, one-third of the way down from the top of the shoulder to the elbow. Find a wiry muscle band by rubbing the fingers over the bone on the outside of the arm.
Benefits: Relieves aching in the arm, shoulder tension, and stiff necks.
Gates of Consciousness (GB 20)
Location: Below the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two vertical neck muscles.
Benefits: Relieves arthritis, headaches (including migraines), dizziness, stiff neck, neck pain, neuromotor coordination problems, eye strain, and irritability.
Potent point exercises for relieving shoulder tension
The following protocol can be done sitting comfortably
STEP 1
Gently pound your shoulders: lightly pat your left shoulder with a loose fist, tapping the side of the neck, across your chest, and back to the shoulder. Then repeat on the other side. Spend more time on the shoulder that feels the tightest.
STEP 2
Firmly hook into TW 15 [1 minute]
Curve your fingers on both hands and place them over the tops of your shoulders, your right hand on your right shoulder, your left hand on your left shoulder. Feel for a ‘marble’ of tension directly above the top of the shoulder blade.
Press the tightest spot on your shoulders with your index, middle, and ring fingers. Let the weight of your arms relax forward with your fingers hooked onto the shoulder tension. Breath deeply as you hold this point.
STEP 3
Hold GB 21 with LI 14 [1 minute each side]
Place your right index, middle, and ring fingertips on the top of your left shoulder (GB 21), and your left fingertips on the outside of your upper right arm (LI 14) and press both points. This is an excellent combination for relieving chronic shoulder tension.
Hold these points for one minute as you take long, deep breaths and gradually press deeper into the shoulder muscle as it softens and relaxes. Then switch sides and repeat.
STEP 4
Press GB 20 [1 minute]
Place your thumbs under the base of your skull, in the indentations that lie 2-3 inches apart. Slowly tilt your head back as you gradually press up and under the skull with your eyes closed. Take long, deep breaths and direct the pressure firmly up under the skull and inward. Hold for 1 minute until you feel a regular, even pulse on both sides.
Acu-Yoga Exercise for Releasing Shoulder Tension
This exercise is excellent for relieving shoulder tension, frustration and irritability.
Position your body so that your weight presses the muscles and points on your shoulders to release the tension there – don’t forget to breathe deeply.
- Lie on your back
- Bend your knees so the soles of your feet are flat on the floor
- Place your arms above your head on the floor and relax them
- Inhale, arching the pelvis up; hold for several seconds
- Exhale as you slowly come down; continue to inhale as you move up and exhale as you move down for one minute.
- Relax on your back with your eyes closed and your hands by your sides – breath deeply
