Pressure Points and Stress

Stress affects the body and mind. Pressure points are used with massage to reduce the physical effects. Some level of stress is beneficial in motivation and endurance. Long-term stress processed by massaging pressure points relaxes contracted muscles that disturb skeletal alignment.

Where is Stress?

Stress exists in our daily habits of watching television, driving and interacting with co-workers, partners, family or friends. Reducing stress benefits mental health.

Effects

The reaction to outside stimuli (stress) causes habitual and subconscious contraction of our muscles. This contraction, if not consciously released, leads to misalignment of the bones and joints.

Stress-Reduction Tools

Massage and pressure-point therapy reduces the body's reaction to stress. Breathing exercises and applied pressure points support the release of contracted muscles.

Massage Schools

The use of pressure points requires education and practice. Learning can be done through independent study, working with a mentor or enrolling in a massage-certification program.

Trained Therapists

Learning how to apply pressure points is different for everybody. Work with a therapist.

References

• Integrative Yoga Therapy
• Acupressure

Resources

• Training Programs