We've become accustomed to taking pain relievers for migraines or downing a cup of coffee when we're feeling fatigued. But did you ever consider massaging a magical pressure point on your body to make the pain subside or to give you an added jolt?
Before you thumb your nose at the idea, know that the Chinese medical practices of acupuncture and acupressure have a lot of real-world proponents. Many believe that using pressure points will "improve the physiological function of the body" and "promote the natural process of self-healing by inducing specific areas of the body," says Irina Logman, L.Ac., MSTOM, a licensed acupuncturist and owner of Advanced Holistic Center in New York.
These target areas on your body are called acupoints and they can be stimulated in different ways for healing purposes. In the case of acupuncture, these pressure points are stimulated with a very thin needle. But that's not necessarily for everyone. Acupressure, however, is simply the practice of using firm pressure to massage the acupoints. And believe it or not, there is mounting evidence out there to back up the idea that manipulating these pressure points has the ability to change everything. So read on to find out how some of the body's pressure points can help you manage the pain or emotions you might be experiencing.
1 | The Top of the Head
ShutterstockWhen you find your mind wandering, Logman recommends "gently massaging or scratching" an acupoint at the top of your head called Du 20. "This point benefits the brain by giving you energy while also calming any anxieties," she says.
In order to find this specific pressure point, place your fingers at the top points of your ears and trace a line to the top of your head. Once you're at "the top center of your head," simply give it a good massage and "immediate benefits should occur."
2 | Between Your Thumb and Index Finger
For those headache sufferers who can't ever seem to get relief, Logman points to a pressure point known as LI 4. This acupoint is located "on your hand between your thumb and index finger," and massaging it is "great for headaches or facial pain." If you often suffer from headaches, be careful that you're not dealing with one of the 4 Headache Pains That Aren't Actually from a Headache.
3 | Between the Toes
The Liver 3 acupoint is between the big toe and second toe, right where the two bones meet. Massage this secret spot when a migraine comes on, says Mona Dan, LAc., an herbalist, acupuncturist, and founder of Vie Healing. When you do decide to take advantage of this pressure point, Dan notes that "bringing the energy down from the head is key."
4 | Between the Eyes
Commonly referred to as your third eye or Yin Tang, the point between your eyes is a great pressure point to take advantage of when you're feeling stressed, says Logman.
5 | Below the Kneecap
Image via Big Tree HealingRight below the outer edge of your kneecap—about four finger widths below, to be exact—lies an acupoint known as ST 36. This pressure point is the "best overall point for immunity and energy," says Dan. Kneading it (no pun intended) for a few minutes should instantly revive you when you're feeling fatigued.
6 | Inside the Wrist
Image via YouTubeWhen you're feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach, you can use a pressure point on your wrist called Pericardium 6 to relieve some of that queasiness. To find this area, "take four fingers and place them on the inside of the wrist," says Logman. "The point is right under the middle finger, in between two tendons."
7 | Near the Outer Ear
"Ear Shen Men is one of the best stress-relieving points for calming anxiety," says Annie McDonnell, L.Ac., a licensed acupuncturist and owner of Joy Alchemy Acupuncture. "Located toward the top of the outer ear, this point is part of a treatment used in some drug detox clinics. It's great for tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system and helps regulate mood." If massaging this point is too much for you, McDonnell recommends using an ear seed—a "small metal bead or herbal plant seed that you press several times a day"—or a mood-elevating essential oil, like geranium.
8 | Near the Belly Button
When your bowel movements are all out of whack, the pressure point ST 25 can come in handy. Located roughly two inches from the navel on either side, this area "can help regulate both constipation and diarrhea," says McDonnell.
9 | Near the Heart
According to Dan, Ren 17, found "right in the center line of the body on an axis in line with the nipples," has been found to lower anxiety when activated. For more ways to combat anxiety, check out 12 Genius Tricks for Turning Anxiety into Excitement.
10 | Under the Foot
You may never need melatonin again once you discover the wonders of Kidney 1, otherwise known as the Bubbling Spring Point. Located on the sole of the foot in the groove that appears when you curl your toes, this point can be used to effectively stabilize energy levels and induce soothing sleep.
11 | Below the Sternum
Image via Jun Xu, MDIf you're dealing with indigestion and don't want to take any medication, try working with Ren 12. This part of the body, found "right in the center line of the body below your sternum," is the "best point for digestion" as far as pressure points go, explains Dan.
12 | Under the Knees
Though it seems like your back and your knees couldn't possibly have any relationship, there is a point at the back of the knee called UB 40 that, when massaged or engaged in any way, can help treat lower back pain, says Logman.
13 | On Both Sides of the Ankle
Image via Big Tree School of Nature HealingThere are two pressure points on either side of the ankle called KID 3 and BL 62. When grasped, these acupressure areas "can help with lower back pain and sciatica," says McDonnell.
14 | Above the Ankle
Image via AcuTakeThere's a little-known pressure point hiding near your ankle called Spleen 6. It's located "about four finger spaces from the inside of the ankle bone, up the leg," says Dan. Acupuncturists believe it's where the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians intersect, which is why it's called the Three Yin Intersection. For women, Sleep 6 is often used to combat any gynecological issues. But anyone can use it to help with digestive disorders as well.
15 | On the Pinky Toe
This point on the pinky toe, called BL 67, is largely used to help pregnant woman. But the approach isn't simply massaging it. "Doing moxa—burning a certain kind of Chinese herb that deeply warms—on BL 67 can turn a breech baby," says McDonnell. Obviously, this isn't for an acupressure newbie. McDonnell says you should "consult an acupuncturist on how to do moxa," and ideally start doing it around the 34th week of pregnancy.
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