Know The Hidden Power of Acupressure Therapy

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Nitika’s mind is filled with the following thoughts. She needs a saviour.

“My back is excruciating. The pain is killing me. It always keeps my body in fight mode, stopping me from living my life to the fullest. I need rescue from anxiety and stress, too. Who can help me?”

Pressing the right acupressure points might be the solution she is looking for.

Your fingertips are your secret healing tool. According to a 2019 publication in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, acupressure reduced anxiety levels by 46% in pre-operative patients.

A 2020 meta-analysis published in Pain Management Nursing found that acupressure helps with lower back pain, arthritis and other chronic conditions. Let’s understand how your body's acupressure points help in getting your health zen.

What is Acupressure Treatment?

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese tradition and supportive therapy in which pressure is applied to certain body points (acupoints). It is a kind of massage that helps muscles relax and improves blood flow. This Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) promotes energy flow and stimulates the body’s own healing abilities. 

Acupressure is an alternative medicine that relies on hand or tool-based pressure, unlike acupuncture needles. It’s easy to learn; you just need to know the right method. The blog will direct you to the right approach to pressing your body's acupressure points so that people like Nitika can get some relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and stress.

Best Acupressure Points for Pain, Stress & Anxiety Relief

If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or dealing with body aches, these acupressure points can help provide quick, natural relief. Here’s how to find them and use them safely. As a Chinese tradition, the acupressure point names come from the country. Look at the acupressure points that may help you provide temporary relief from pain and anxiety, clear energy blockages, and balance hormones.

LI4 (Hegu): Acupressure Point for Pain Relief

It activates the nervous system and releases endorphins and other chemicals, promoting relaxation and healing. 

• Where: It lies between the base of your thumb and index finger.
• Helps with: Neck pain, toothaches, headaches, and overall body tension.
• How to use: Press the point firmly with your opposite thumb in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Tip: Avoid during pregnancy.

PC6 (Neiguan): Acupressure Point for Anxiety and Nausea

It stimulates the inner forearm points and activates the body’s natural ability to soothe digestive discomfort and calm the mind.

• Where: It lies on your inner wrist, at a width of three fingers below the palm.
• Helps with: Heart palpitations,  anxiety, nausea, and motion sickness.
• How to use: Breathe slowly and press gently with your thumb for 1 minute.

LV3 (Tai Chong): Best Acupressure Point for Stress

If you feel stressed out and need an emotional balance in your life, then reap the benefits of acupressure at this point.

• Where: On top of your foot, in the soft space between your big toe and second toe.
• Helps with: Fatigue, stress, irritability, and cramps.
• How to use: Press the area firmly with your finger or thumb for 1–2 minutes.

ST36 (Zusanli) – Energy & Pain Relief Point

It is known as the “longevity point” in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

• Where: Four fingers below the kneecap, just to the outside of the shinbone.
• Helps with: Fatigue, stomach pain, low immunity, and muscle aches.
• How to Use: Press and knead with your thumb on each leg for 1 minute.           

SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Hormonal & Anxiety Support Point

Do this acupressure therapy before bed, and you can reap the most benefits.

• Where: About four fingers above the inner ankle bone.
• Helps with: Anxiety, hormonal imbalances, period pain, and sleep problems.
• How to Use: Apply gentle but firm pressure for 1–2 minutes. Great before bed.

How to Use Acupressure Points Safely

Acupressure treatment is a powerful relaxation tool when used correctly. How should you do it correctly? Know below-

• Sit in a quiet, relaxed position.
• The thumb or index finger is best for applying pressure.
• Hold each point for 30–60 seconds, and breathe deeply.
• Repeat 2–3 times daily or as needed.
• Consult a doctor if the pain worsens.

Are there Any Precautions with Acupressure?

Acupressure therapy is considered safe; provided you visit only certified and licensed acupressure practitioners. You must consult your doctor for chronic conditions, such as arthritis, cancer, or heart disease. Discussing this before trying the therapy is important because it involves moving muscles and joints. 

Avoid acupressure therapy if you’ve any of the following conditions-

• If the body acupressure points are near the area of a cancerous tumour.
• Completely avoid it if the cancer has spread to the bones.
• Must avoid it if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
• A bone disease or spinal injury that can be worsened by physical manipulation.
• Avoid it if you have varicose veins.
• Pregnant women must avoid it as certain points may induce contractions.

How Certain Health Problems Benefit from Acupressure?

Nitika felt the need for acupressure after her surgery, but many other health concerns can also lead to the use of acupressure. People can feel nauseous after surgery, spinal anaesthesia, motion sickness, or chemotherapy. Acupressure on wrist points helps prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. 

Fatigue and mood may improve due to the massage of the body, which aids in anxiety and depression. 

Some studies also suggest that the therapy releases endorphins and promotes anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, it helps with certain types of arthritis.

What’s Next?

Acupressure provides temporary relief from pain, anxiety, and stress, etc. But the pain Nitika or people like her have been facing for a long time might be a sign of some deeper medical issues. Say, chronic illnesses, hormonal disorders, or neurological conditions. Acupressure masks the symptoms, but one must get a timely and proper diagnosis and long-term care to keep things in control.

The sooner the better.

>>Read More: Does My Insurance Cover Therapy?

Is Acupressure a Substitute for Medical Care?

Your body is asking for your attention. It is giving you signals in the form of pain, stress and fatigue. Use acupressure to feel better, but ongoing care is needed to protect your health. You must be proactive about your health, whether it is about regular check-ups, specialised treatments, or preparation.You can manage your health more affordably and accessibly with the help of the right health insurance coverage. Comprehensive care removes all the stress of managing long-term conditions. 

Protect your current and future health with confidence. Get the coverage you need today. 

Your future self will thank you!

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.