How to Apply Acupressure
What is Acupressure? Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique based on similar ideas as acupuncture. It involves placing physical pressure on various points on the body, which can affect emotions, tension, and physical conditions.
Acupressure Technique
Once you have identified the pressure point location, use thumb, index finger, or a pencil eraser to apply pressure. Place your index finger on the selected point and turn it in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. You can change directions if you become tired. Apply firm pressure to the point. The points may feel somewhat tender to the touch, and pressure should be enough to elicit a feeling of numbness, warmth, tingling, aching, or buzzing sensation. If no sensation is felt, try applying more pressure. Please note that some points are more sensitive than others, and in fact you may not feel any sensation at certain points.
Pressure should be applied for 3 minutes per point, yielding a total time of 27 minutes per treatment session. Treatments are done every day, once per day. Acupressure points should be done in the order provided, starting from the head down to the feet. Apply pressure to ONE point at a time. If a point is located on both sides of the body, apply pressure to the LEFT side, followed by the RIGHT side prior to proceeding to the following point.
Do NOT lose contact with the point. If you need to, you may take a break in between points for a couple of minutes. Please do NOT take a break in the middle of applying pressure to a point.
Acupressure can be performed sitting, standing, or lying down.
Pressure Points
Pressure Point #1: This point is located on the forehead, between the eyebrows. To locate this point, place the pad of the index finger between the eyebrows.
Pressure Point #2 (Right and Left side): Located on the posterior aspect of the neck. Locate the bone behind the ear, and roll your index finger into the backside of the bone. You’ll feel a slight depression or tender spot.
Pressure Point #3 (Right and Left side): Located on the palmer surface of the hands on the wrist crease. To locate this point, follow the pinky towards the wrist crease. The point is located off the edge of the tendon towards the middle part of the wrist. Feel for a slight depression using your index finger.
Pressure Point #4 (Right and Left side): This point is located on the inside of the lower leg. Sit with the right ankle crossed over the left knee (vice-versa for the left side). Locate the bone of the ankle, and measure approximately 4 fingers width from the tip (peak) of this bone in a straight line towards the inside edge of the shinbone. This point will be located in a slight depression.
Pressure Point #5 (Right and Left side): This point is located on the foot. Sit with the right ankle crossed over the left knee (vice-versa for the left side). Measure the width of your index and middle finger from the web between the big and second toe in a depression above the joint.