Acupressure is essentially a method of sending a signal to the body (by needle or other means) to “turn on” its own self-healing or regulatory mechanisms.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that Acupressure helps increase the flow of Qi, which is your life force. Your Qi is made up of two equal, yet opposite forces: Yin and Yang. TCM practitioners believe that having an imbalance of Yin and Yang can lead to illness and disease. In order to maintain the balance of your Qi, you must maintain balance between your organs as well as external elements. By stimulating the meridians that are connected to your organs, you can help restore balance.
Acupressure and Acupuncture are both ways to stimulate your Qi, but they are slightly different. Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific meridian points by a licensed acupuncturist. Acupressure instead uses firm pressure to massage those points.
Two Self-Acupressure Points
Acupressure has been a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a treatment method for a wide range of conditions. Let's dive into TWO easy Self-Acupressure Points to ease you into relaxation before your meditation practice.
1. GALL BLADDER 21 OR “SHOULDER WELL”
Where? Your “Shoulder Well” is located at the highest point of your shoulders.
Why? The “Shoulder Well” point helps release any stress or tension in your upper body. It also helps clear any anger. Just do NOT use this point during pregnancy as it can induce labor.
2. “HALL OF IMPRESSION” OR YIN TANG
Where? Your “Hall of Impression” is located right in the center of the eyebrows, also known as your “third eye.”
Why? This is another great pressure point for emotional well-being. With everything going on in the world these days, emotional overwhelm can be hard to avoid. By activating your “Hall of Impression,'' you're connecting with the pineal gland which helps promote deep relaxation. Use this acupressure point when you need to calm down or clear out any anxiety or overwhelm.
Remember, after an acupressure ritual, you may feel sore or slight bruising on any acupressure points. But, acupressure should never feel painful. If you are pressing or massaging to the point that it is uncomfortable, try using a lighter touch. Besides that, acupressure is considered a very safe form of massage. That being said if you have any underlying conditions or are pregnant, you should speak with your doctor before beginning an acupressure ritual.
Written by Izzy Liyana, content creator & writer for HOA