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Pressure Points for Stress Relief

Jul 09, 2023

For centuries, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have targeted pressure points to relieve stress. This type of alternative medicine is known as acupressure.

Acupressure is considered to be a type of massage. During acupressure, a practitioner puts pressure on specific spots around the body. The practice is used to help relieve pain, nausea, stress, anxiety and more.

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, which involves placing thin, painless needles at specific points along a meridian or pathway. Both acupressure and acupuncture use the same system to target points of interest.

“Acupuncture is perhaps better known than acupressure within the U.S.,” naturopathic medicine and acupuncture expert, Muftiya Issa, ND LAc says. “However, both practices have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years.”

Needle-free acupressure has one advantage over acupuncture – you can try it at home.

During acupressure, practitioners rub and put pressure on meridians for pain or stress relief.

Practitioners believe that pressing on acupoints helps to balance the Qior natural energy. Stimulating acupoints along different meridians may relieve pain or stress, restoring the Qi.

Some research has confirmed that acupressure is effective at relieving stress. Studies have shown that acupressure has a calming effect, compared to other treatments.

“Specific acupoints help to relieve stress, while other acupoints may improve overall health and wellbeing,” Muftiya says. “A licensed acupuncturist will discuss your symptoms with you and be able to curate a plan tailored to your needs, targeting specific acupoints.”

You don’t need to see an acupuncturist or massage therapist to start your journey in relieving stress, it is possible to perform acupressure on yourself to help you feel calmer and more relaxed.

To relieve stress through acupressure, you’ll need to put pressure on specific acupoints. There are several acupoints that can be manipulated to reduce stress.

Try targeting these acupoints:

If you’re targeting acupoints at home, follow this basic guidance:

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

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meridiansacupointsThe Concept Behind AcupressureHow to Perform Acupressure at HomeBetween the eyebrows.Between the thumb and index finger.Where the neck and shoulder meet.The top of your head.Between your big toe and second toe.Tips to make acupressure more effectiveDon’t press too hard.Avoid pressing on damaged skin.Hold each position.See a practitioner.Repeat as necessary.Next Steps & Resources: