Known as an ancient healing method that incorporates gradually pressing key points with your fingers on your body, acupressure relieves energy blockages to promote healing. This practice is important because the energy flows connected in 20 different pathways affect all functions in your body — your mindset, ability to focus, and your breath. With hundreds of pressure points, the practice of acupressure can seem overwhelming. We’ve picked a few points for you to consider working into your wellness routine.
GV17, Governing Vessel 17 This point, also called the Brain’s Door, is located on the head, 2.5 cun (a cun is a traditional measure and is the width of a person's thumb at the knuckle) above the midpoint of the back hair line, in the depression on the upper border of the external occipital protuberance. Stimulating this point helps in relaxing your heart, promotes relaxed breathing and relieves anxiety. It can also be useful for easing neck pain and alleviating headaches.
SP6, Spleen 6 Also called the Three Yin Intersection, this point promotes circulation. Once you have located the point 3 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus (or that bump on the inside of your ankle), you should apply pressure with your thumb in a circular motion to reap the benefits of this acu-point. The increased blood flow promotes wellness in the liver, kidney and spleen. It can also be used to treat digestive disorders, alleviate menstrual cramps, and help you fall and stay asleep.
CV17, Conception Vessel 17 A great mind-body balancing point, CV17 provides relief from stress and anxiety. You can find this point 3 cun up from the base of your breastbone, in the center of your chest. Slowly massage up and down in the center of your breastbone to feel for an indentation, then place your middle finger tip directly on the point while allowing your index and ring finger tips to rest gently just above and below the point. Pair the movement with a few slow gentle breaths in and out, and enjoy being transported to a more relaxed state.
HT7, Heart 7 This powerful acupressure point is located on the wrist crease, on the side toward your pinkie, in the middle of the ulna and the pisiform bones. This point is known to address many emotional conditions, including anxiety, panic, and insomnia. It can also be helpful in promoting focus in times where your mind may wander. When this wrist point is stimulated with firm pressure worry and anxiety will slip away.
