How often do you crash your knee or bump your toe while walking and your first inclination is to touch the spot that hurts? That immediate reaction or say the belief that rubbing the spot that huts will ease the pain is the theory that drives acupressure. 

Acupressure is the practice of applying pressure to specific points on the body, usually by hands, to restore or balance the flow of energy. The human body has hidden lines for energy flow called meridians. If the flow of energy is blocked at any point on a meridian, it results in health issues along the meridian. Nevertheless, meridians can be unblocked by applying firm pressure on specific points on your body along the energy line. Now you exactly know why you need to apply pressure to an acupressure point on foot to cure a headache.

Acupressure has been around for more than 5,000 years now and is being invariably used to assist a wide variety of health issues, including pain gained during a soccer game, stress; from not being able to find online assignment help and essay help for yourself, and even depression. Moreover, what makes acupressure a must try is the fact that you can do it by yourself.  

You can press a spot on your hand to depreciate arthritis pain, avoid an asthma attack by pressing a spot on your arm, reduce stress by grasping your ankle, pinch a certain point to suppress a sick tummy, avoid an unhealthy craving, and so much more. 

Now as you seem excited to try acupressure by yourself, it is “the time” to inform you about the precautions that you must consider while indulging into acupressure. Acupressure should never be painful. Thus, if you experience pain at any stage, you are doing it wrong. Acupressure should never be done over open wounds. If you are pregnant or dealing with health issues like uncontrollable blood pressure, cancer, heart disease or any related health issue, then do speak to your doctor before attempting acupressure.

Pressure points for neck pain GB21 (Gall Bladder 21)

GB21 or Gall Bladder 21 is chiefly used to achieve relief from pain, neck stiffness, headache or shoulder tension. The point, GB21 is located in the top of the shoulder, midway between the base of the neck and the tip/point of your shoulder. 
 
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To use acupressure on this point, locate the point as mentioned above and using your index finger, apply earthward pressure to massage and arouse the area for 5 to 6 seconds while releasing your pinch. 
*Pregnant women must not use this point  

Pressure Point S1-3 for Back Pain.

There is an acupoint that resides on the outside edge of the hand, just below the base of the little finger called “Houxi” meaning Back Stream. The acupoint when pressed targets the Spine and Occiput region and helps alleviate back pain, stiff neck, headaches, and lower back pain. 
 
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It is also practiced by professionals to aid the treatment of the eye, ear, and mood disorders.  Press or massage this point - shown in the picture - firmly on a daily basis or throughout the day to help reduce pain.

Large Intestine 4 for Stress 

L14 or Large Intestine 4 is clinically used to fight stress, neck pain, facial pain, easy bowel movement, and toothaches. The acupressure point recommended for students to tackle stress by paperdoers , Top Assignment Experts  and essaywriter4u is positioned between the thumb and the index finger – the flesh part. To use the acupressure, slide your thumb along the webbing until you reach the joint of the thumb and index finger bones. 


 
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Breathe deeply while you move your thumb in a small circular motion for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes as you massage the area. If you feel pain, then it should be a good-hurt, stop immediately if you feel uncomfortable. 
*Pregnant women should not apply pressure to LI 4.

ST36 to Boost Stamina  

ST 36 or stomach 36 is one of the most challenging acupressure points to locate often used by runners and hikers to squeeze out some extra miles of energy for their workout session. The point when pressed also helps in better digestion and improves overall wellness. 
 
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The point is located four fingers width below the kneecap and one finger width off the shinbone to the outside. Once you have found the spot, apply pressure on it with a finger or thumb for a minute or 2 when you need to fill up some energy. 

Three Yin Intersection (Spleen 6)

This point is situated where the three yin meridians – liver, kidney, and spleen – cross. Applying pressure to this point not only nourishes the three meridians but is also good for nursing menstrual pain, pre-menstrual discomfort, digestive problems, insomnia and pain in the lower abdomen.

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Before performing the acupressure, make sure that you are comfortable in your shoulders, arm, and hand, and legs. To locate the point, squeeze your thumb into the center of your ankle bone and slide up the inner leg. You will feel the point just off the shinbone toward the back of your leg. Spleen 6 is a very sensitive point hence do not apply pressure rather start by holding for 15 to 30 seconds. 
*Do not use this point on pregnant women

Sea of Blood (Sp 10) for Cleansing Blood

The pressure point when pressed does not only cools and nourishes the blood but also nourishes the skin for a healthy glow.
 
To perform this acupressure, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Try to locate a bulge in your thigh muscles which would be approximately two thumb widths above the top edge of the knee. Caress the bulge on the top inside portion of the leg with the knuckle of your middle finger or the thumb.

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Acupressure is a healthy practice that has this amazing ability to support overall body wellness. Try these acupressure points mentioned above – while keeping the precautions in mind – and do let us know if you experience a change. Moreover, if you are already into acupressure, do share your experience with us.