How to Use Acupressure Points to Relieve Stress

Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives. One of the keys to health and long life is learning to manage stress so the detrimental effects of stress are minimized or eliminated. By using simple acupressure techniques you not only minimize the long term negative effects of stress, but also help reduce the anxious feelings brought on by the stress itself.

Things You'll Need

• Chart of acupressure points
• Pencil with full eraser

Instructions

1. Apply steady pressure to the point where your smallest finger and wrist meet. This point helps relieve stress headaches. Remember to stimulate the same point on both wrists.

2. For stress headaches, press directly below the fingernail on your middle finger. This pressure point is on the side closest to the thumb.

3. Pressure to the bottom of the foot, in the middle, behind the ball or bone of the foot, is another way to help relieve stress headaches.

4. For overall relaxation, and stress reduction, make a fist with your left hand, and bring your thumb over so it rests on your first finger. The acupressure point is just above and to the left of where your thumb and first finger meet. Apply firm pressure to the point for 30 seconds, repeat on right hand.

5. To reduce stress and encourage overall relaxation apply pressure to the point two thumb widths toward the ankle from the space between your big toe and your second toe.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform acupressure in the correct spot.

• Use either your fingertip, second knuckle or pencil eraser to stimulate the correct spot.

• Choose your acupressure points based on your current symptoms. If you have a stress headache, you would use different points than if you had a headache from chemical fumes.

• Apply steady, firm pressure for 15 to 30 seconds.

• Use the same point on both sides of the body.

• Consult physician before using acupressure if you have a heart condition.

• Do not use acupressure within 20 minutes of bathing, eating or exercise.

• Do not use acupressure points that lie under a mole, varicose vein, wart, cut, or bruise.

• Talk to your doctor before using acupressure if you are pregnant.

• If a certain spot increases symptoms, stop using that spot.

Resources

• The Beginners Guide to Acupressure
• Learn Self Acupressure