Acupressure - 10 specific points

The human body is like a map with key points that, when pressed, can stimulate the body's natural healing and self-curative abilities. Acupressure, the more than 5,000-year-old healing art of using the thumb and fingers to press on these key locations, is one of the most effective complementary modalities a massage therapist can employ. Acupressure can release muscular tension, promote circulation of both the blood and the body's vital energy (Qi) and enable the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens the body's resistance to disease and promotes wellness

There are hundreds of effective acupressure points that influence the functioning of the body. Ten of the most common and useful points to facilitate health are described below:

1. Lung 1, "Central Treasury"
Location: On the chest, 6 cun lateral from the midline, at the level of the first intercostal space, 1 cun below the lateral extremity of the clavicle.

• This is the collecting point for all the energy of the lungs.
• Helps the lung Qi to descend downward in the body to connect with the kidneys.
• Supports the lungs.
• Addresses acute coughs, asthma and a tight chest.
• Alleviates pain in the shoulder and upper back.

2. Large Intestine 4, "Union Valley"
Location: In the dorsal web space, between the first and second metacarpal bones, approximately level with the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. Also - on the highest point of the bulge formed when the thumb is adducted.

• This is the command point for the face, mouth and head.
• Treats sinus congestion, allergies, headaches, sore throat, fever and toothaches.
• Strengthens the body's defensive Qi and is helpful for colds, sneezing, runny nose and sore eyes.
• Alleviates pain in the shoulder and arm.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy.

3. Kidney 1, "Gushing Spring"
Location: On the sole of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, one-third the distance from the webs of the toes to the heel.

• This is a very important point for grounding, connecting with the earth and rooting the energy downward.
• Helpful to calm someone who is in a disturbed state of restlessness or shock.
• Useful for headaches, anxiety, hypertension, diarrhea and insomnia.

4. Bladder 23, "Back Shu Point of the Kidney" or "Sea of Vitality"
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae, on the quadratus lumborum muscle.

This point is a powerful place to strengthen both the yin and yang kidney energy.
• Helps strengthen the lower back and knees.
• Builds core energy.
• Helps the body replenish during times of personal transformation.
• Alleviates low back pain and fatigue.
• Fortifies the digestive organs and the immune system.

5. Liver 3, "Great Surge"Location: On the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 2 cun superior to the web margin.

• This point is the source point of the liver meridian.
• This is a thoroughfare for Qi activity.
• Releases pent up energy that causes anxiety, anger, irritability, tension headaches, depression and PMS.
• Liberates energy that is caged.
• Smoothes energy that is aggressive and edgy.
• Nourishes tendons and ligaments by alleviating tightness, tension and spasms.
• Particularly effective in conjunction with Large Intestine 4.

6. Gallbladder 30, "Jumping Circle" or "Jumping Round"
Location: In the gluteal region, 1/3 the way along a line drawn from the greater trochanter to the inferior end of the sacrum.

• Benefits the low back and all leg joints.
• Strengthens and comforts the low back and leg.
• Alleviates sciatic pain, hip pain and rheumatism.
• Relaxes tendons and restores joint mobility.

7. Heart 7, "Spirit Gate" or "Mind Door"
Location: On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the insertion of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris into the pisiform bone.

• Calms the mind when overactive thinking is the culprit.
• Relieves insomnia due to overexcitement.
• Relaxes and eases anxiety.
• Reduces heart palpitations by regulating the heart and strengthening the spirit.

8. Small Intestine 11, "Celestial Gathering"Location: In the depression of the scapula half way between the left and right borders of the scapula and 1/3 the distance down from the spine of the scapula and the inferior angle of the scapula.

• Alleviates soreness of the shoulder and back.
• Reduces rigidity of the neck.
• Helps pain and numbness in the arm.
• Helps gather scattered or manic Qi in the body
• Sorts the real from the dream and the authentic from the inauthentic.

9. Spleen 6, "Three Yin Intersection"
Location: Three cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, less than a finger's width posterior to the border of the tibia.

• This is the meeting point of the three yin channels (spleen, kidney and liver).
• Important for treatment of all gynecological, sexual, urinary, digestive and emotional imbalances.
• Nourishes and builds the blood.
• Use in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, headaches, menstrual cramps, abdominal distention/pain and diabetes.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy.

10. Stomach 36, "Leg Three Miles"
Location: Three cun below the inferior border of the patella, one finger width lateral to the edge of the tibia. There is a small notch next to the tibia at this point.

• Ancient physicians said working on this point could treat all diseases.
• Chinese foot soldiers used to halt every three miles and massage Stomach 36 for renewed energy.
• Restores and builds energy in the stomach and spleen.
• Strengthens the stomach and improves digestion.
• Indicated for all digestive disturbances including gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea and constipation.
• Alleviates abdominal pain, distention, coldness and numbness in the legs.

Acupressure - Ancient Therapy

Acupressure (sometimes written as "accupressure") is a technique related to acupuncture, where the energies of the body are regulated by manipulating points on the body. This has effects on the emotions, tension and physical conditions.

The points are commonly called "acupuncture points," "pressure points," "acupoints" or "acupressure points."

Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and vibrant health

The Applications of Using Acupressure include reliving pain, balancing body energy, and maintaining good health. Acupressure's healing touch reduces muscular tension, increases circulation, and enables deep relaxation. By relieving stress, Acupressure Therapy strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. 

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Back Care Acupressure Therapy is highly effective for relieving muscular tension in all areas of the back. Important points are located along either side of the spine and on the upper back. For self back care, lie down on a couple of tennis balls tied in a sock. Many people especially appreciate the release of tightness associated with lower back pain and sciatica. Acupressure, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, and self-acupressure for relieving back pain can also be an effective .

Addictions: Compulsive behaviors occur in cycles and are cumulative; one stress leads to another. Poor choices and emotionally unhealthy situations contribute to muscular tensions, pressures and pain. People commonly use drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or overeating to avoid the stress and tension in their lives and to escape from feeling pain in the body.

Acupressure can break the negative cycle of addiction, since it releases pain, stress, and tension, and heightens body awareness. Instead of the numbing affects of drugs, acupressure increases the circulation, helping to lift the fog of addiction and bringing a person back to the present moment. There are acupressure points for regaining stability, reducing cravings, for heightening morale, self-esteem, and self-confidence, and for boosting will power - all of which are vital for combating addictions.

General View on Yoga

Yoga is a Sanskrit word has the meaning to join, to unite or to attach.

Yoga is not mere a acrobatics - it is a holistic approach of uniting the body, mind and spirit.
Yoga and yoga postures are beneficial as they bring a harmonious balance within your system. A total well being is not just a healthy body, but a healthy mind and spirit too.
The yoga postures improve the flexibility of the muscles and joints. It heals various chronic illnesses in a natural and simple way and also improves the body's immunity.
Meditation being one of the main aspect of yoga  which first concentrate on mind and then improve the strength of Soul or spirit .In meditation one develops deep into self. When the yoga coordinated with the breath, then the yoga practice becomes effortless.

Patanjali is widely regarded as the compiler of formal yoga philosophy .Patanjali's yoga is known as RAJA YOGA.

Patanjali defines the word "yoga" in his second sutra - "Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodhah" means yoga is the inhibition ( Nirodhah ) of the modification ( Vritti ) of mind ( Chitta ) .

 Patanjali's writing also became the basis for a system reffered to as ASHTANGA YOGA (Eight limbed yoga). They are as follows:-

1.  Yama - The five 'abstention' are
             a. Ahinsa (non – violence)
             b. Satya (non - lying, truth)

 c. Asteya (non - covetousness

 d. Brahamcharya (non - sensuality, celibacy)

 e. Aparigraha (non - possessiveness)                    

2. Niyam - The five 'observances' are 

 a. Shouch (purity)

 b. Santosh (contentment)

 c. Tapa (austerity)

 d. Swadhyay (study of vedic scripture to know about God, Soul)

 e. Ishwar pranidhan (surrender to God)

3. Asan - " Sthiram Sukham Asanam " refers to seated position used for meditation .

4. Pranayam - Pran means ' breath 'Pranayam means control of life force .

5. Pratyahar (Abstraction) - Withdrawal of sense organ from external object.

6. Dharana (Concentration) - "Deshbandhh Chittasya Dharana" means fixing the attention on single object.

7. Dhyan (Meditation) - Intense contemplation of the nature of objects it.

8. Samadhi (Liberation) - Merging consciousness with object of meditation.