Benefits Of Acupressure: Pain Relief, Energy, Digestion & Immunity
Acupressure is a natural and non-invasive treatment which works on the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Below are the benefits:
- Helps in releasing the body's natural pain-relieving endorphins, which are very effective for headaches, joint pains, menstrual cramps, cervical pain, tennis elbow, etc.
- Helps in clearing the energy channels to promote stamina, clarity in mind and relaxation.
- Balance the energy, which helps in mood swings, stress, tension and panic attacks.
- Stimulates digestive organs' meridian points, which help in digestion, bloating and constipation.
- Boost up the immune system, which helps in fighting the illness.
- Helps in lymphatic drainage for detoxification of the body.
- Promotes mind and body relaxation, which improves the sleep pattern
- It also helps in reducing the mental tension and stress-related disorder.
The 12 Meridians: Key Energy Pathways In Traditional Chinese Medicine
The 12 meridians according to Chinese traditional medicine are attached to all organs, and Qi energy flows through them. They follow the concept of Yin and Yang, in which all these meridians are divided, which are as follows: Yin: Heart, spleen, lung, kidney, liver. Yang: Small intestine, large intestine, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder. The san jiao and pericardium meridian.
- Heart Meridian: It is known as the king of all the organs. It controls the blood circulation, emotions and mental health.
- Lung Meridian: It controls the breathing and respiratory system.
- Spleen Meridian: It controls the digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Kidney Meridian: It controls the water balance and bone health.
- Liver Meridian: It controls the detoxification and emotional balance.
- Small Intestine Meridian: It helps in nutrient absorption and waste elimination.
- Large Intestine Meridian: It helps in waste elimination and skin health.
- Gallbladder Meridian: It helps in decision-making and courage.
- Stomach Meridian: It helps in digestion and grounding.
- Urinary Bladder Meridian: It helps in fluid balance and fear management.
- San Jiao Meridian: It regulates the body's temperature and energy flow.
- Pericardium Meridian: It protects the heart and manages relationships.
Types Of Acupressure: From Shiatsu To Reflexology
Acupressure is known by different names worldwide. Different types of acupressure are as follows:
- Shiatsu: It is a Japanese technique. In this, pressure is given on the meridian points with the help of fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet. It helps in balancing the Qi flow.
- Reflexology: It is known as zone therapy. Pressure is applied on hands and feet to cure the illness in the body.
- Jin Shin Jyutsu: It is a Japanese technique in which gentle pressure is applied on 52 points to balance the body's energy.
- Auricular acupressure: Pressure is applied on the ear points to balance the body's energy.
- Tui Na: It is a Chinese technique in which 'tui' means pushing and 'na' means grasping. The techniques used are pulling, grasping, rolling, pressing, vibration, etc. It is used for a particular ailment or to restore the balance of the body.
- Jin Shi do: it is a deeply therapeutic treatment but done in a gentle way. In this, deep pressure is applied on meridian and acupressure points to relieve stress and mental blockage and emotions.
- Tapas acupressure technique: It is the gentlest technique done on the face to release emotional trauma and charge the energetic aura in the body.
- Su Jok: 'Su' means hands, and 'Jok' means feet. Hands and feet are the microsystem for human organs. Certain pressure is applied on the particular points which relieve the pain and keep the health in good condition.
- Many more acupressure therapies are also available which are used worldwide with different techniques, philosophies and pressures.
Tools Used For acupressure:
- Acupressure Mat and Pillow: It contains spikes which help in relaxation of mind, neck, back and lower back.
- Rings: made up of metal used for finger joint pens.
- Balls: smooth material suitable for hand and feet relaxation.
- Sticks and wands: wooden or plastic material used for a particular point.
- Gua Sha: Flat tools for facial massage and face muscle relaxation.
- Reflexology gloves/socks: this is for beginners to practise pressure points.
- Vibrators: electronic devices that help in relieving pain and stress.
Top 10 Acupressure Points:
- L14: pressure point present in between the thumb and index finger suitable for headache and facial pain.
- PC: pressure point present in three fingers above the inner wrist crease and suitable for nausea and anxiety.
- ST36: pressure points present in 4 fingers below the kneecapsuitable for energy boost and immunity.
- SP6: pressure points present in 4 fingers above the inner ankle bone suitable for menstrual cramps.
- LV3: pressure point present on the top of the foot and all fingers suitable for stress, anger, and anxiety.
- GB20: Pressure point present on the base of the skull suitable for migraine and headache.
- Third eye: Pressure point present in between the eyes suitable for insomnia and mind relaxation.
- KD1: Pressure point present on the sole of the foot suitable for high BP control
- BL23: pressure point present on lower back suitable for lower back pain.
- HT7: Pressure point present on the wrist crease suitable for emotional balance.
