Summer is winding down, kids are back in school and the long days of sun are getting shortened ever so slightly each day. Now that vacations are coming to an end and people are back to full weeks of work, I’m noticing my patients’ stress levels increasing. I’ve observed an increase in migraines, shoulder and neck tension and poor sleep patterns over the last 2 weeks. If this sounds like something you’ve been experiencing recently it may be time for an acupuncture tune up! Whether you need to kick your digestive track back in gear, improve your sleep and stress or fix a nagging pain, acupuncture can help you get back on your journey to a healthier you.

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involves putting pressure with the fingers or the hand on certain points of the body. The pressure can unblock the flow of Qi to release tension and restore inner harmony. The great thing about acupressure is it is something you can do on your own to promote health, relieve stress and prevent disease. 

Whether you are at home, stuck in traffic or stressed out at the office, acupressure for anxiety will provide instant relief. Here are some points you can massage on your own to reduce anxiety, stress and overall tension.

PC 6– Starting from the wrist, measure down with three fingers as shown in the picture to the right. Where your third finger touches the middle of your wrist is the acupoint. Take your thumb and apply firm pressure to this point until you feel some mild discomfort. Only apply enough pressure to interrupt the normal blood flow but not too much that it causes pain. Hold this pressure point and gently knead your thumb in a tight circular motion for about 2 minutes. Do this to both wrists and you will feel your anxiety descend immediately. This point is also good for nausea! 

HT7– Apply pressure with your thumb at the point where your wrist forms a crease with your hand. Hold the acupressure point for about 2 minutes, applying a generous amount of pressure. This point is good for relieving tension.

K1– This is my favorite point especially at night when I want a good night’s sleep. In a sitting position, cross one leg over your opposite leg and rest your foot on your knee. Start with your thumb between your 2^nd and 3^rd toes and draw a straight line down until you are about a 1/3 of the way down the foot. Push firmly on the center of your foot (see picture). Hold this pressure point and knead for at least 2 minutes and repeat on the other foot. This is a great point for anxiety and relaxation.

Ears– Gently massage your ears with your thumb and forefinger. There is no exact pressure point so simply give yourself a relaxing ear massage. Pull down gently on the lobes and rub the inner surface of the ear for about 2-3 minutes. When you relax and massage your ear, you will feel soothed and calm all over.