Things You'll Need:
- Map of the acupoints
- Blunt object or instrument (fingertips work as well)
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Step 1
Use a product to make your skin more supple and responsive. Talcum powder and oil are recommended.
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Step 2
Apply pressure, but do so in a gentle yet effective way. You should not experience any bruising or redness after treating yourself.
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Step 3
Practice a couple of hours after eating. It's best to let digestion take place before pressing into points on the body. Also, resist the temptation to practice after a strenuous workout when the body may be sensitive.
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Step 4
Avoid skin irritations. If you have a bruise, skin infection or open wound, avoid that acupoint and save it for when your body has fully healed.
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Step 5
Be aware of the limits if you are pregnant. You should always avoid acupoints on the abdomen and lower back. The same applies for women during menstruation, as these areas are very delicate.
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Step 1
Locate the acupoints you need to practice on. Visit the Eclectic Energies Web site for a detailed map (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Press the points. This is called reinforcing. You will usually press these points for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
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Step 3
Reduce the point next. Many people are not as familiar with this procedure, which is achieved by moving pressure in a counter-clockwise direction for a few minutes.
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Step 4
Focus more time on reducing the points. This is highly recommended for individuals who are weakened by fatigue, disease or age.
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Step 5
Alternate your patterns. To achieve maximum benefit, change the amount of time you hold a point and be sure to press different points each day. Since many people experience different ailments each day, it is best to vary your practice to encourage better overall health.
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Step 6
Consider visiting a professional. Phonebooks and Internet searches usually reveal practitioners by searching under either 'acupressure' or 'acupuncture,' since many people perform both.
