6 Acupressure Points to Combat Stress

Stress can affect the entire body and all of its systems, including muscle tension, immunity, cardiovascular health and digestion. Stress is even believed to contribute to serious diseases like cancer and several autoimmune diseases.

Acupuncture and Acupressure for Stress Relief

• Acupuncture, based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), uses a series of points located on the meridians, or energy pathways of the body. It is believed that energy, or qi, travels throughout your body through these pathways. Blockages and stagnation of qi lead to disease.
• Acupressure utilizes these points, but rather than inserting needles, simply calls for the application of pressure to the points for 2-3 minutes to stimulate the healing action.

6 Amazing Acupressure Points to Diminish Stress

Several acupressure points that are beneficial in reducing stress and the symptoms of stress in the body are:

1. Lung 1 – Located 3 finger widths, or cun, below the lateral third of the clavicle, this point is known as Letting Go. Excellent for grief, Lung 1 is also great for moving blocked energy, or qi, when we become stressed. This point is commonly used to treat fatigue, anxiety, and depression. This point also allows us to take a deep breath, which is a great way to beat stress!
2. Conception Vessel 17 – Known as the Sea of Tranquility, CV17 is located four cun up from the bottom of the sternum in the center of the chest. This point is great for balancing emotions and transforming negative emotions.
3. Pericardium 6 – Also known as Inner Gate, P6 is located three cun up from the center of the wrist crease (palm side) between the bones. This point is excellent for balancing emotions and calming someone who is upset.
4. Gallbladder 20 – Located in the occiput just under the back of the skull, GB20 is great for relieving muscle tension, eye strain and neck stiffness.
5. Large Intestine 4 – Great for reducing muscle tension and stress, LI4 is located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger.
6. Third Eye Point – Located between the eyebrows, gentle pressure on this point helps relax the face, head and neck – and brings a feeling of peace and relaxation.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet also go a long way in managing and reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Stress Relief can be a brilliant supplement to complement a healthy diet as it is rich in B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and magnesium, all necessary for the body to combat the stress of daily living.