Acupressure involves applying pressure to certain acupoints throughout the body. Applying pressure to these points can help relieve different types of pain.
Acupressure is an ancient healing technique that originated in China.
Each pressure point corresponds with a different part of the body. Applying pressure to a given acupoint can lead toTrusted Source positive effects in these other areas.
Acupressure can help treat lower back pain and period pain. It can also help manage pain during labor. Some individuals with cancer have also found that acupressure eases their discomfort.
This article discusses pressure points that can help relieve pain.
What are pressure points?
Pressure points are different points on the body used for acupressure. Applying pressure to a given pressure point affects a corresponding body part.
According to researchTrusted Source, massaging pressure points can activate nerves in the muscles. These nerves then send energy signals to the central nervous system. This process may help reduce sensations of pain.
It can also lead to chemical effects on the body. For example, acupressure can help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Targeting certain pressure points can also increase the flow of endorphins to the brain. These chemical changes can relieve stress and even enhance blood flow.
Acupressure
Acupressure involves targeting certain pressure points to help manage various conditions. Depending on the condition, an acupressure specialist may target one or several pressure points.
According to ancient teachings, acupressure helps balance energy levels in the body. This balance may promote pain reliefTrusted Source and healing from different conditions. Because acupressure is cost-effective and noninvasive, it is a typically accessible and generally safe form of alternative medicine.
Research has found that acupressure can reduceTrusted Source pain intensity among individuals with cancer. It can also decrease pain associated with childbirth, heart disease, headache, and osteoarthritis.
Forehead (Yin Tang)
Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The yin tang pressure point is between the eyebrows in the center of the forehead. Applying pressure to this point can help reduceTrusted Source anxiety.
It can also relieve tension in the eyes, head, and face. Relieving tension in these areas can help reduce headache pain and improve sinus problems.
Temples (Tai Yang)
Design by Diego Sabogal
The temples contain the Tai Yang pressure points. Massaging the center of the temples activates these pressure points.
Applying pressure here can help treat headache pain from migraine attacks. It can also decrease dizziness and promote healthy vision.
It is easy to press too hard on this pressure point. A person should stop if the pressure causes a headache.
Ear-gate (San Jaio 21)
Design by Diego Sabogal
The ear-gate, or ermen, pressure point is between the top of the jawbone and the ear. Targeting the ear-gate pressure point can help treat pain from toothache.
This pressure point can also help address tinnitus, lip stiffness, and ear discharge.
Ear apex
Design by Diego Sabogal
At the top of the ear is the ear apex pressure point. Massaging this pressure point may improve a variety of ear conditions.
It can also help decrease migraine pain in certain cases. This was studied using acupuncture and responses to acupressure may vary.
Gallbladder 21 (Jianjing)
illustration by Diego Sabogal
The Jianjing pressure points are on the top of the shoulders on either side of the spine. Applying pressure to the Jianjing pressure points can reduce neck stiffness.
It can also reduce pain in the back, shoulders, and neck.
Gallbladder 20 (Feng Chi)
Illustration by Diego Sabogal
The Feng Chi pressure points occur on either side of the spine at the base of the skull. Targeting these pressure points can reduce lower back pain.
Research has also shown that applying pressure to Feng Chi points can help treat depression and Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to note, the point was studied using acupuncture so the results may vary when using acupressure.
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