Anxiety disorders affect more than 18% of the US population every year, making it the most common mental health issue in the country. Unfortunately, while this condition is treatable, only a small portion of the people suffering from this issue opt for any medical help.
People suffering from stress and anxiety often take the help of alternative treatment options such as acupressure for relaxation. Based on traditional Chinese medicine, this treatment involves stimulating specific pressure points in the body to relax the nervous system. Several studies bear testimony to the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing stress and anxiety.
Alternative medicine, such as acupressure, may support conventional medication in reducing anxiety. Acupressure points on the hands and face, as well as other locations, may provide relief from stress.
While it’s best to take the help of a professional, you can try acupressure on your own too. But the key here is to know the right pressure points for the same. To help you out, below are some of the major acupressure points that help in reducing anxiety.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety Through Acupressure
Most people go through periods of anxiety in their lives. When confronted with a demanding or stressful circumstance, you might feel moderate symptoms. Additional, more severe symptoms that affect your day-to-day functioning include:-
- Sensations of anxiety, fear, or agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Nausea, headaches, or digestive concerns
- Feeling a lack of control
- Muscle tension
Usually, counseling, medicine, or a combination of the two are used to manage anxiety. Acupressure is one of the alternative therapies that can be helpful.
Traditional Chinese medicine, or acupressure, may offer momentary relief from anxiety symptoms. It entails activating pressure spots on your body, either by yourself or with a professional’s assistance.
Continue reading to discover six pressure locations you can use to reduce anxiety.
8 Pressure Points for Instant Relief
Inner Gate Point
The inner gate acupressure point can help reduce stress, pain, as well as feelings of nausea. It is located at the center of the wrist, roughly at three fingers’ width below the palm on the inner side. Applying pressure to this point stimulates digestion and relieves nausea. In addition, massaging the point firmly for a few seconds can help control restlessness and alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.
Heavenly Gate Point
Your ear’s upper shell contains the heavenly gate point, which is at the point of a hollow triangle. It is thought that stimulating this area can assist to reduce tension, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Find the ear-point location. Using a mirror could be beneficial.
- Press firmly yet gently for two minutes in a circular motion.
Hall Of Impression Point
The hall of impression point is located on the forehead between the eyebrows. It is thought that applying pressure here reduces stress and anxiety.
- Take a comfy seat. To relax, try closing your eyes.
- Use your index or thumb to press the area in-between your brows lightly.
- Inhale slowly and deeply, then push gently but firmly in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes.
The hall of impression point is highly effective in calming the body and reducing symptoms like anxiety, stress, insomnia, restlessness, etc. This acupoint can be found on the forehead, just between the two eyebrows.
Massaging this point gently in a slow circular movement for a few minutes can help calm your spirit and relieve pain or headaches. Massaging diluted essential oils on the area can also help.
Great Surge Point
One of the best and easiest to reach points for reducing stress is the great surge acupoint located on the feet. This point can be found around two or three fingers’ width (around an inch) below the first and second toes intersection.
Just like its name, massaging this point can provide you with a ‘great surge’ of calmness by regulating blood flow to the body. This point is useful in releasing tension, stress, and anger. In addition, applying pressure to this pressure point can reduce menstrual cramps and digestive issues too.
Shoulder Well Point
The shoulder well acupressure point is located approximately midway between the neck and shoulder joint. The point is present within the shoulder muscle and can be found by pinching the area with your fingers.
Your shoulder muscle contains the shoulder well point. You can find this acupressure point midway between the neck and the shoulder joint. Pinch your shoulder muscle with your thumb and middle finger to locate it. This pressure point is claimed to help with headaches, headache pain, and muscle tension. Use caution if you are pregnant because it can also cause labor to start.
- Locate the location on the muscle in your shoulder.
- Use your thumb and middle finger to pinch the muscle.
- Massage the point for four to five seconds while applying light to strong pressure with your index finger.
- As you massage the point, let go of the pinch.
Massaging this point firmly yet gently can help in stress relief and lower pain and headaches. It also stimulates energy flow into the body.
Union Valley Point
This pressure point is located in the web that connects your thumb and index finger. This point can supposedly be stimulated to relieve tension, migraines, and neck pain. Avoid this spot if you’re pregnant because it can induce labor, just like the shoulder well point.
- Firmly press the webbing between the thumb and index finger of your other hand with your index finger and thumb.
- While massaging the pressure spot, inhale and exhale slowly and deeply.
Inner Frontier Gate Point
The inner frontier gate point is located three finger widths below your wrist on your arm. This point can be stimulated to relieve pain and nausea as well as anxiety.
- Rotate one hand, so the palm is facing upward.
- Count three fingers below your wrist with the other hand. The hollow in between the tendons is where the key is.
- Massage the point for four to five seconds while applying pressure.
Great Surge Point
Your foot’s great surge pressure point is located two to three finger widths below the joint where your big toe and second toe meet. The point is located in the crevice directly above the bone.
This pressure point might aid in lowering stress and anxiety. Additionally, it can be used to treat pain, sleeplessness, and menstrual cramps.
- Start by pointing your finger straight down from between your first two toes to the point.
- Firmly press down on the point.
- Give it a four to five-second massage.
Conclusion
Although there is some evidence to support the use of acupressure as a treatment for persistent anxiety, it can be useful as a short-term technique for controlling anxiety symptoms. However, applying pressure to these spots when you’re feeling extremely stressed or nervous can be beneficial.
Just remember to adhere to any further therapies prescribed by your physician and get in touch with them or a therapist if your symptoms worsen or begin to interfere with your daily activities.
If you want instant relief from stress or anxiety, opting for acupressure is the best idea. By knowing the right pressure points, you can apply acupressure on your own without any help from others.
