May 21, 2022

Self Care Series #21
7 Acupressure Techniques for Better Mental Health

Acupressure is a TCM health practice that’s been used for over 3,000 years using fingers vs needles (Acupuncture). It is based on the concept of life energy, Chi, flowing through the "meridians" in the body.

There are certain acupoints on our bodies that are able to send messages to the brain, and produces endorphins and other neurotransmitters to circulate through the body. They lie along meridians, or channels, in your body. By applying pressure to these points, it encourages energy flow through natural pathways in the body, helping to restore a natural energetic flow. It return the body to a state of well-being, which help lower anxiety and depression and lift your mood.

Accupressure can be done anytime, anywhere, using your bare hands. GingerChi natural stone tools like the Guasha, either heated or chilled, can also be implemented to help boost the benefits.

In addition, applying our Stress Relief massage oil can help tame tensions, adding a comforting warmth with each touch. Made with fresh ginger, plai (from the ginger family), rosemary, lavender, German chamomile and other healing oils. This potent anti-inflammatory blend can be massaged into the points to help sooth muscle fatigue and calm the nerves.

Here are some simple acupressure points that you can use to help alleviate stress and regain balance from the inside-out using acupressure.

1. YIN TANG

The Yin Tang acupressure point is a wonderful point that calms the mind, reduces stress, and helps relax the sympathetic nervous system. This point is also excellent in treating anxiety, insomnia, restlessness and headaches.

Location: Forehead midway between the eyebrows.

Massage Direction: Using your finger or thumb, massage this point with your eyes closed. Take slow, deep breaths and apply gentle, firm pressure in a circular motion for 5-10mins. Repeat as many times as needed.

2. SHEN MEN

The SHEN MEN is a ear point to relax and heal. Shen Men literally means “Spirit Gate” in Chinese and it is use to help open the gate to relieve Chi / energy blockage for our mind.

This point is considered a Master Point and is commonly used to alleviate anxiety, stress, pain, tension, insomnia and boost energy.

Location: SHEN MEN is located in the upper shell of your ear; at the tip of the triangle-like cave.

Massage Direction: Hold the top of the ear between thumb and forefinger around the area. Apply pressure and massage using circular, pulling motions for 2 mins.

3. HE GU

A well-known pressure point is the HE GU - A point to relief almost any kind of pain, particularly around the face or head area. This pressure point is particularly useful for headaches, toothache, facial pain or neck pain.

He Gu means “Joining Valley” in Chinese. “He” pronounced as “Her” means to join, meet, or gather together. “Gu” means a valley or gap between to mountains.

Location: He Gu is located at the area between the thumb and forefinger. Think of the thumb and forefinger as two mountains which make the energy to gather together there. Thus it makes He Gu of the important acupuncture points with the most extensive treatment range and has a systemic therapeutic effect.

Massage Direction: Apply pressure using circular motions for 5mins. Repeat the process on the other hand.

4. JIAN JING

Jian Jing (Shoulder Well) is a place many people tend to store their stress. Jian Jing is a meeting point with the Stomach and Triple Heater meridians and the Yang Linking Vessel, making for a deep concentration of meridian Qi at this point. It has a strong descending action, drawing congested energy down the body. For this reason it is not recommended during pregnancy.

Location: Jian Jing is near the top of the shoulder halfway between the tip of the shoulder and the spine. The most precise point location is actually what feels best

Massage Direction: Using both hands, curve 4 fingers into a cup shape. Cross your arms and place the cupped fingers over the shoulders. Place your thumb directly on the point and give it a tight squeeze. Hold for 5 seconds, taking long deep breaths, releasing tension.

5. NEI GUAN

NEI GUAN is an effective acupoint to relieve feelings of nausea and reduces anxiety.

Location: Located on your inner arm below your wrists, between the tendons.

Massage Direction: Use your thumb to apply pressure and hold for 5 seconds, taking long deep breaths. Do this as many times as needed.

6. FENG CHI

Feng Chi is an acupuncture point that can help relieve a number of common ailments, including headache, stiff neck and nasal obstruction associated with allergies or the common cold. It is particularly useful for stress, migraine, eye blurriness, fatigue or low energy.

Location: At the meeting-place of the base of the skull and top of the neck, just lateral to the tendons of the trapezius muscle.

Massage Direction: Use your thumbs and follow the ear bone down the groove and apply pressure. Hold for 5 seconds, taking long deep breaths. Do this as many times as needed.

7. TAI CHONG

Tai Chong is commonly used for stress, lower back pain, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, limb pain, insomnia and anxiety. Proper massaging Tai Chong point can promote the blood circulation of the foot and detoxify the liver and dispel internal heat.

Location: In the "V" junction between your big and second toe.

Massage Direction: Apply deep pressure to the point until a slight soreness or numbing sensation is felt. Take deep breaths. Repeat the process on the other hand.

We hope that these health tips will be useful to you.
Stay well, grounded, and feel alive with good Chi.

With love,
♥
GingerChi