10 Best Acupressure Points To Relieve Stress In 2023

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10 Best Acupressure Points To Relieve Stress

Anxiety is typically treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. There are also several alternative treatments, including acupressure, that can help. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine that may provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms. It involves stimulating pressure points in your body, either on your own or with the help of a professional.

Acupressure, an alternative medicine, may complement other treatments to ease anxiety. Several acupressure points for anxiety may offer relief, including areas on the hands and face. Doctors consider acupressure a form of alternative medicine, and although it is a newer form of treatment in Western cultures, it has been part of Chinese medicine for centuries. While some research supports acupressure for anxiety, more research is the only way to prove its effectiveness.

Acupuncture is well-known for inducing a relaxation response- hence the “acu-nap” many clients take on the treatment table! The insertion of extremely fine needles into the skin at specific acupuncture points releases endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing chemicals.

It also affects the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with mood. This is a very stressful and challenging time for many of us. If acupuncture isn't accessible to you right now, give acupressure a try! A simple acupressure routine may help manage some of the effects of stress and anxiety on the body.

Applying pressure to acupuncture points mobilizes energy in the channels and communicates with the nervous system to stimulate the release of those feel-good chemicals. In Chinese Medicine theory, emotions and mental functions are viewed as components of qi (the body's vital energy) and blood.

Correcting the movement of qi and blood in the meridians brings balance back to the mind, body, and spirit. Most acupuncture points will calm the nervous system, but a few favourites for reducing stress and easing anxiety are Du 20, Yin Tang, Ren 17, GB-21, Ht-7, Sp-6, and Lr-3.

In Chinese Medicine, all emotions have a particular directionality. The “qi” of anxiety and stress is generally concentrated upwards, settling into the mind, shoulders, heart, and chest. Acupressure can help redistribute this energy through the meridians so you can ground again.

To do this, we recommend starting with Du-20, the point at the top of your head, and ending with Lr-3 on the feet for a grounding treatment. You can press the point on each side of the body to feel more tender/sensitive. If you notice a difference, spend more time on the tender side.

If you're still feeling unsettled, press into the bottom of your feet, which is your thumb or a tennis ball, to anchor that energy. When locating points, feel for a tender spot or a place when your finger seems to dip slightly. Most acupuncture points are noticeable once you find them! Spend 30 seconds on each point with firm pressure while taking nice deep breaths into your abdomen.

What Is Acupressure?

An acupressure point is a point on your body where pressure is applied to the skin. An acupressure point is a point on your body where pressure is applied to the skin. An acupressure point is a place where pressure is applied to the skin. Numerous nerves surround it, and scientists call the point a sudomotor, a nerve bundle, or a meridional division. Scientists use a sudomotor to pinpoint the point that stimulates the nerves.

It is a point between the fourth and fifth intercostal nerves, just beneath the skin's surface. There are 12 nerves and 33 meridional divisions on the hand, some of which can be stimulated with acupressure. The name acupressure comes from the Sanskrit words acupa (meaning pressure) and terma (meaning work).

Unlike many other forms of alternative medicine, acupressure is based on scientific research. Although acupressure points for anxiety may seem overly simplistic, there is some evidence that it effectively relieves stress. Acupressure can help by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which promotes rest and relaxation.

This also means that acupressure may work to quiet the brain, which may otherwise keep you from calming down. For some people, acupressure may not be as effective as other forms of therapy. Possibly the most famous acupressure point is the needles placed on your fingertips. If you're trying to relax your shoulders, you may want to place needles on your neck, forehead, or forearm. Acupressure may also help by activating your bottom brain.

Acupressure Points For Anxiety

Alignment points. These are commonly found on fingers and feet and stimulate the dantian, a central energy channel that affects the body's nervous system. If your anxiety is reduced by stimulating the dantian, you might benefit from using this point.

Though there is not a definitive list of acupressure points to treat anxiety, a great deal of scientific research supports them. These points, primarily located in the hands and face, may be linked to different anxiety symptoms. While many of these points have no established connection to anxiety, others are said to alleviate anxiety symptoms in people with anxiety disorders.

Hand: The fingers and palms of the hands are linked to brain areas linked to stress. Try pressing pressure points on these fingers, such as on the base of the thumb, index finger, and ring finger. The same is true for the area on the palm of the hand.

The four most commonly used points for acupressure for anxiety are

the root of your thumb,
the base of your little finger,
the middle of your forefinger, and
the base of your pinky finger.

Using a heating pad to stimulate these points can also be helpful.

Other points, such as those on the side of your thumb or in the center of your thumb, and on your left index finger, may also be helpful for some people. Anxiety is a common and often troubling condition. Acupressure may help some people find temporary relief from their anxiety. However, more research is needed to verify the effectiveness of this practice, and many doctors don't recommend it.

Alongside standard therapies, an acupressure point for anxiety may provide relief. An online search reveals many options for acupressure, including creams, gel patches, and piercings that stimulate pressure points on the body. Each acupressure point has its unique significance, and your acupressure specialist can decide which areas to target for your anxiety.

For anxiety, certain areas can relieve anxiety symptoms. For example, the acupressure point for anxiousness is called a CS, also known as the headache. You can use an acupressure point on your head or neck to relieve anxiety. The proper location of the pressure point may help your brain adjust to the increased adrenaline levels.

How To Self-Treat With Acupressure

To stimulate acupressure, hold the tips of your fingers together and press on your knuckles. Try pressing the points on your fingers first, then move onto the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. If acupressure relieves your anxiety, you may want to increase the number of points you use for maximum relief. Some places to focus on acupressure points include:

The point on your thumb (sometimes referred to as the “acupressure point of willow”). This point has been shown to relieve stress and is widely used to relieve anxiety.
The point on the top of your thumb (sometimes referred to as the “acupressure point of the octopus”). You can also find this point on the tip of your middle finger.
The point on your right middle finger.

While acupressure might not work for every type of anxiety, it might help some people overcome their anxiety symptoms. To test its benefits, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommends assessing whether you have anxiety symptoms by completing the anxiety questionnaire on the National Institutes of Health's Complementary and Integrative Health Web site.

If you have anxiety symptoms, using acupressure might help you relieve the associated symptoms. The best times to use acupressure for anxiety include when you feel symptoms at their peaks, such as during times of high stress or anxiety. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, relaxing your muscles, and using a lavender oil spray can also help relieve stress.

Alternative Treatment For Anxiety

According to one survey, around 35 percent of adults in the United States have experienced at least moderate to severe anxiety at some point in their lives. Fortunately, several treatments exist to help treat anxiety and stress. Acupressure may not be a proven alternative treatment for anxiety, but it's one of the oldest forms of therapy.

Acupressure points in the hands and feet are thought to help relieve anxiety and stress. Most acupressure points can be stimulated with a simple form of massage, such as on your own or with the help of a therapist. Acupuncture is generally safe and can provide temporary relief for symptoms. Many acupressure points can be stimulated with a simple form of massage, such as on your own or with the help of a therapist.

Acupressure points are located all over the body, not just on the hands and face. They include areas in the hand that are associated with stress and anxious feelings, such as the eyebrows, ears, shoulder, and the base of the skull, as well as on the palms of your hands. They are used in conjunction with other treatments and techniques for anxiety to provide relief from various symptoms. The most common acupressure points for anxiety include:

Heat points

These are located on the fingers and palms. They are beneficial for people who suffer from panic attacks and other anxious feelings that affect the chest and neck area. They are especially useful for people with generalized anxiety disorder.

Endpoints

Endpoints are located on the forehead, temples, and chin.

Where Are The Best Points On The Hands And Face For Anxiety?

The thumb may be a good choice for anxiety because it is the most primitive area of the hand. The area at the base of the thumb includes 12 pressure points used for acupressure. To alleviate anxiety, simply place your index finger on each of the pressure points in your thumb area for 15 seconds.

Repeat this a total of three times. Use your index finger on the side of your thumb, covering each of the 12 pressure points a total of three times. The point of the thumb is at about the 12 o'clock position. Place your thumb at 12 o'clock, with your thumb facing the direction your finger faces. Hold your thumb in place for 10 seconds. If this is too difficult for you, you can simply hold your thumb with the index finger for five seconds.

According to one study in the Journal of Applied Physiology, all acupressure points for anxiety are on the hands and face. If you press on a particular point, you may notice an effect within a few minutes. There are three points on the hand that can help relieve anxiety. For example, on the ring finger of your right hand, the point known as “Co2” causes relaxation, stress reduction, and anxiety relief.

While this is known as a “co2 point” because that's what it's named for, you can find similar points on other fingers and hands. There are two points on the hand that work well to relieve stress. The second point is at the base of your thumb, and it is called a “vertical skin organ.” The mechanism behind this point is similar to the “Co2” point.

How Does Acupressure Work?

Whether you decide to try acupressure or another form of alternative therapy for anxiety, your health care provider can help you get started. To relieve anxiety, stimulate pressure points in the hand, between your thumb and finger on your upper arm, and at points on your lower legs.

To use your hands, put pressure on the acupressure points with your thumb and forefinger, then let the acupressure points go and lightly massage the surrounding area to allow the pressure to stay for several minutes. Pressure on your legs may feel like aching, tingling, and even burning. Try the same technique, but massage the thighs before letting go. Take note of what type of pain or discomfort you're experiencing.

Several acupressure points for anxiety may relieve stress and anxiety. Certain areas on the hand and face may have particular significance for treatment. Other locations can be used, but they may require more experienced hands to perform the proper acupuncture technique.

Acupressure Points For Anxiety:

Clavicular point (upper third of the back of the right shoulder)
Torsional point (lower-middle back)
Epigastric point (middle of the chest)
Torsional point (lower-middle back)
Lower extremity (any point on the hand)
Right hand (palms)
Lower extremity (any point on the hand)

Place needles in the specific area for relief. Alternatively, acupressure can be done using gentle pressure on your hands and feet. This can be a great way to enjoy therapeutic benefits without the needles.

Benefits Of Acupressure

According to a 2004 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, acupuncture and acupressure may improve mental health. The study involved 15 people with major depressive disorder, with 12 of them receiving acupressure therapy and nine receiving placebo treatment.

The study found that the two groups reported significantly better mental health and satisfaction after the acupressure treatment. The acupressure group reported significant improvement in mental health compared to the placebo group. In contrast, the mental health improvement reported by the participants in the placebo group was not statistically significant.

Studies on acupressure are limited, so it's difficult to say whether it benefits anxiety. One 2017 review looked at the research into acupressure for anxiety and found some interesting results. One study, for example, found that acupressure relieved people with acute anxiety symptoms for just 30 minutes.

Another study found that a single session of acupressure was enough to reduce symptoms of mild anxiety. Even more promising, a separate study from 2013 found that acupressure helped ease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and those with social anxiety disorder. This finding was based on eight previously treated patients for generalized anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

How Can You Use Acupressure To Relieve Stress?

Place the tip of your index finger on one acupressure point of the fingers. With your other fingers, gently press the acupressure point on the knuckles. Press gently at the acupressure point for three seconds, then move on to the next. Do this exercise a few times per day.

If you want to see how effective your acupressure points are, you can buy an acupressure stick and test your effectiveness. This is done by applying the stick to a particular stress point, then taking a blood sample. If the platelet count in your blood drops, your body is in an emotional state of stress. Once the platelet count returns to normal, you know the acupressure point is effective. Acupressure works in a few different ways, depending on what it targets.

If you are experiencing chronic stress, you should discuss these relief points with your doctor. Traditional Chinese medicine cannot cure anxiety, but it can reduce the impact and allow some time to calm your mind. What are the best points of relief?

Stress and anxiety are often associated with the neck, chest, and abdomen, but there are various points that can be stimulated for temporary relief. Your acupuncturist may have specific points that help relieve symptoms. For example, they may choose specific points on the hands or body to help relieve backache or abdominal pain. Other points may be used to relieve chronic tension in the back, shoulders, neck, or head.

There are several types of acupressure, and each produces different effects. In a 2015 study, 7 participants received 15 minutes of direct acupressure on their legs. The participants then rated their stress levels at baseline, immediately after treatment, and 1 hour after treatment. In the first group, participants said their stress levels decreased significantly following treatment.

The second group reported the same stress level when they completed the baseline test and 1 hour after treatment. However, the acupressure group reported less-intense levels of stress than the baseline test and during the time between the baseline test and the hour-long survey.

Here are some ways to use acupressure to relieve stress:

Wear your acupressure point on your fingers and palms.
Wear your acupressure point on your fingers and palms. Use your acupressure point for regular self-massage.
Wear your acupressure point for regular self-massage. Use your acupressure point during other forms of exercise.
Use your acupressure point during other forms of exercise. Try a relaxing acupressure massage.
A therapist or acupressure points practitioner can also do these treatments for you.

Depression is another common anxiety disorder, and acupuncture may help treat it. The most common depression symptoms include a lack of energy and motivation, low self-esteem, and a lack of motivation or pleasure.

How To Do Acupressure At Home?

Home acupressure can relieve the symptoms of anxiety and improve overall health. Like acupuncture, the doctor will do most of the treatment while lying down. The skin on your palms will be placed at specific points on your body. Once on the spot, you'll continue to hold these points as you relax.

A trainer will assist you in placing the exact pressure you need. Also, with an acupressure roller, you can guide the roller to the places that help you most. It's important to do this treatment regularly to help achieve long-term effects. Many people find relief with the roller or on their own, especially if they use the home treatment in combination with other relief methods.

Acupressure's effectiveness for treating anxiety is often based on how much pressure is applied to each point. To make acupressure effective, make sure you don't press too hard or massage more pressure than is needed. You may be able to use the following pressure points for acupressure on your own:

Thumb: The thumb is located on the index finger's first joint. If you lightly press on this spot, it may help to ease stress. The thumb is located on the first joint of the index finger. If you lightly press on this spot, it may help to ease stress. Index finger: This pressure point, located on the side of the wrist, is considered the main acupressure point for anxiety.

Conclusion

There are numerous ways to treat anxiety disorders. However, not all treatments are as reliable as others. Only you can decide which treatment is right for you.

When diagnosed with panic attacks, many people with mild anxiety believe they will be completely cured. If you think you have anxiety, start by making an appointment with a mental health professional to talk about medication and how to treat your anxiety best.

Your doctor may also prescribe anxiety medication, depending on how severe your symptoms are and how often you're experiencing them. Treatment for anxiety disorders can include medication and psychotherapy, and supplements. There are several different treatment options, and it's important to discuss these options with your doctor.

I trust you enjoyed this article about the Best Acupressure Points To Relieve Stress. Please stay tuned for more blog posts to come shortly.

JeannetteZ

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