As most of us know, our mental state affects our physical well-being. If something physical goes wrong, we usually try to find a remedy. Not so much with feeling anxious, stressed, or bad mentally. I’m sure you noticed that since the Covid pandemic, racial unrest, global warming, increasing crime, etc., anxiety has increased throughout the world. I could go on and on about the many reasons, but you get the picture. I also will refrain from naming the symptoms of anxiety or stress at this time. It would be unusual for someone to not recognize it in themselves or that a friend or family member would not point it out.
Perhaps you can’t afford a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or simply have no desire to consult with one. For many of the same reasons, you may hesitate or refuse to consider acupuncture. There are a few things you can do to temporarily calm your stress and/or anxiety. One of them would be Acupressure, which is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). By stimulating pressure points (acupoints) in your body, you may provide relief from those anxiety and/or stress symptoms.
Below are quite a few acupoints that you can try. Just apply pressure to and/or massage (using your thumb, middle finger, or index finger)one or more of the points below:
PC 6 (Neiguan) or Pericardium Point: This point is also known as the Inner Frontier Gate Point. Even though this point is often called the Heart Protector, PC 6 has a connection with the parasympathetic nervous system (your fight or flight mode). PC 6 is located on the inside of the forearm about 2 inches from the wrist crease. It can reduce your anxiety and improve your relaxation and sleep. Because it relaxes your diaphragm, it also enables you to breathe deeply, calm down, feel grounded, and at peace.
Shen men or Heart 7: This point is on the inside of your wrist and located on the side with your little finger. If you massage this point, it will calm your anxiety and your heart.
The Yintang (aka Third Eye)has also been called the Hall of Impression Point: The Yintang is located between the eyebrows, right over the pineal gland (which helps regulate melatonin). The Yintang can decrease restlessness and promotes overall well-being as it relaxes the sympathetic nervous system.
The Conception Vessel 17 (aka Chest Center): This point is located right between the nipples, in the center of the chest. Anxiety often causes people to become short of breath or feel tightness in their chest. When pressure is applied, it relaxes and opens the chest and the diaphragm.
Governing Vessel 20 (aka Hundred Meetings): The Governing Vessel 20 can raise Yang energy. This point is in the center of the top of your head, directly above your ears. Applying pressure will quiet racing thoughts and anxiety. It can also release jaw clenching, depression, and sadness.
The Heavenly Gate Point: This point is at the tip of the “triangle-like hollow there” in the upper shell of your ear. Once you locate the point (you can use a mirror if you desire), apply firm (but gentle) pressure for 2 minutes in a circular motion. This point can relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Shoulder Well Point: To find the Shoulder Well Point, pinch your shoulder muscle with your thumb and middle finger. Apply gentle, but firm pressure and massage with your index finger for 4-5 seconds. Don’t forget to release the pinch as you massage the point! This point relieves stress, headaches, and muscle tension.
Union Valley Point: This point is located in the webbing between your index finger and your thumb. Using the thumb and index finger from your other hand, apply firm pressure, and massage the point for 4-5 seconds while taking slow, deep breaths. This point reduces stress, neck pain, and headaches.
Great Surge Point: This point is about 2 or 3 finger widths (on your foot) below your big and second toes, in the hollow just above the bone. To find it, run your finger between your first 2 toes, straight towards your ankle. To reduce anxiety and stress, as well as pain and insomnia, apply firm deep pressure and massage for 4-5 seconds.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center tells their cancer patients that when they apply pressure, don’t press so hard that it hurts. If any pain is felt, the pressure is too hard. This is a good rule for everyone, even those without serious health issues.
Acupressure is a complementary therapy that can be done a few times a day to help ease your symptoms. Experiment to find the best method of release for you. It might be massaging in a circle. It can even be just using a steady pressure and holding it for 10 seconds before you release it. Not every method works for every person or is every Acupoint right for you.
In the past, most studies on stress/anxiety and Acupressure have had very promising results. However, studies have been small and were not related to general anxiety. Most research has focused on Acupressure prior to a medical procedure or potentially stressful situation. Obviously, larger studies need to be done on Acupressure for general anxiety and/or stress. Hopefully, that will happen in the near future.
Do remember that Acupressure is a complementary therapy and the results are temporary. That being said, it is a great tool to use when you feel stressed or anxious. If, however, your symptoms are chronic or severe enough to interfere with your life and well-being, do contact a medical professional!
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