Acupressure Points in the Chest

Acupressure is branch of traditional Chinese medicine that is similar to acupuncture, in which channels across the body are open and the body's energy is realigned. Instead of using needles to manipulate pressure points, acupressure uses the fingers as the tool of manipulation. Acupressure is an effective form of pain relief and stress reduction for many people. Several acupressure points in the chest address problems in the chest itself as well as other body areas.

Abbreviations

Acupressure uses abbreviations related to the meridian, or zone, they involve. Acupressure points in the chest belong to the lung (L or LU), kidney (K) and conception vessel (CV) meridians. English names for each point are based on a translation of the original Chinese.

Elegant Mansion

The Elegant Mansion pressure point is called K 27, and is located at the bottom of your collarbone near your uppermost rib. Manipulating this pressure point can help relieve chest congestion, as well as anxiety and sadness.

Letting Go

Letting Go is sometimes also called "central treasury" or LU 1. This point treats emotions such as depression and grief as well as tension in the chest area and coughing. It is located on the upper part of your chest near where your arm connects to your trunk.

Sea of Tranquility

CV 17 is called the Sea of Tranquility. This pressure point on the chest also addresses depression, anxiety and chest congestion. Find this point by feeling for your sternum and following it down to the same level as where your nipples lie.

Warning

Don't try acupressure on yourself or others unless you have received appropriate instruction in the area of self-use. Applying pressure to the wrong area of your body could cause injury.