It would be great if you could find quick relief from a headache or anxiety just by pressing a button. Well, if you know a few of the acupressure points in your extremities, you might be able to do just that. While recovering from some ailments does take the prescribed set of sessions with your acupuncturist, there are a host of pressure points you can use to get a quick dose of natural "first aid" relief until your next appointment.
Headache Relief in Your Hands
To find drug-free tension headache relief, try squeezing the “Valley of Harmony” (LI-4) pressure point in the fleshy web extending between your thumb and forefinger. Use the opposite thumb of one hand to press into this point on the other hand for up to 2 minutes, then do the same with the point on the other hand. This is also helpful for stimulating the immune system, and overcoming fatigue.
Revival under Your Nose
Acupressure point GV-26 is a great point to know to stimulate alertness when you are tired, and bring clarity to sluggish or scattered thinking. It’s great for staying alert on long road trips, while studying or even helping kids with ADHD focus. Press the point directly under your nose, about 1/3 of the way down to your lip, with your finger tip for about one minute.
Detox from the Feet Up
The LV3 on the top of the foot is a great place to press to for detoxification, lowering blood pressure and relieving stress, anxiety and insomnia. The point is located about two finger widths back from the fork between the big toe and the next toe, on the top of the foot. Massage this point for about 5 seconds.
Of course, these are just three of the nearly 2000 acupuncture points on the body that can be used for healing, but they are three that you can use today. To find out more, visit with your acupuncturist to discuss any specific ailments or needs you may have to improve your health and wellness.
Sources:
Kim, Dr. Ben. “How to Quickly Boost Mental Alertness and Energy with Acupressure.”
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Acupuncture: What You Need to Know.”
University of Maryland Medical Center, “Acupuncture.”
UCLA Health, “Acupressure Point LV3: Liver 3 or Tai Chong.”