Acupressure is a Chinese Medicine practice in which physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points or trigger points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices.
Acupressure can be applied at home using any of these methods:
1) hold the point with one or two fingers
2) tap the point with one to two fingers
3) rub the point in a circle with your fingers or palm.
When using Acupressure on yourself put gentle pressure on a few different points for up to 1 minute at a time.
For example, if you are stimulating 4 points start with point 1 and gently hold, tap, or rub in a circle for up to 1 minute. Do the same on point 2, then point 3, and finish with point 4. After point 4, start again at point 1, and repeat the series 3-5 times.
This method treats each point for 3-5 minutes total but spaces out the pressure to give each point time to rest and reset.
Acupressure is generally safe but here are a few cautions to keep in mind:
- If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, check with a Licensed Acupuncture Provider before performing Acupressure. Not all points are considered safe in pregnancy.
- Don’t do Acupressure on skin that is irritated, broken, or has a rash in the area of the point.
- If any irritation develops, stop the Acupressure.
Here are some Videos on Acupressure:
Please see the links to Veteran guides below if you’d like to try self-Acupressure for any of the following conditions:
