Wellness on Wednesday is all about the natural you!
Acupressure is an ancient healing technique that uses pressure points to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are addressed, they release muscular tension, promote circulation, and enhance qi (the body’s life force energy) to aid healing. There are 365 potent points on the body and each one can be found either by their assigned identification number (which most of us don’t know) or with simple guidance (which all of us can follow).
Once of the greatest aspects of acupressure, is that we can easily do it ourselves. Lia Andrews, one of the owners of Cinnabar Acupuncture Clinic and Spa in San Diego, has generously offered to share her favorite tricks for the self-treatment of three very common ailments: headaches, stress, and insomnia.
To Heal a Headache
Large Intestine 4 is a master point for any affliction of the head and neck and is very effective for headaches. Locate on the webbing between the index finger and the thumb. When you find the point, slowly rub the point with your finger, gradually increasing the pressure. Take deep breaths and concentrate on the point you are pressing.
To Heal Insomnia
With insomnia, it is very important to relax the mind and bring the energy down to the feet. An easy trick is to soak your feet in water as hot as you can stand until the water reaches room temperature. Add calming essential oils such as lavender to help you relax. Two pressure points are important in treating insomnia. Yin Tang, is commonly referred to as the third eye point and can be used to soothe the mind. The “Kidney 1″ pressure point can be found by tracing your second toe to the middle arch of the foot. It is the most grounding point on the body. Slowly rub the points with your finger, gradually increasing the pressure. Take deep breaths and concentrate on the point you are pressing.
To Heal Stress
Gallbladder 21 is a very important point to relax the shoulders and neck and release pent up energy downward. To locate, extend arm out to the side at shoulder height. Point your finger. Bend arm at the elbow and bring pointing finger towards the top of your shoulder until it touches. You will feel a tender point. When you find the point slowly rub the point with your finger, gradually increasing the pressure. Take deep breaths and concentrate on the point you are pressing.
Acupressure is an amazing technique and a wonderful, natural way to heal. Next time you find yourself battling a headache, insomnia, and stress, take the problem into your hands and address it yourself with acupressure.
~Kristen Kancler
Related Articles:
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Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam, GlamSpirit, Wellness, Health, GlamNetwork, Acupressure, Headaches, Stress, Insomnia, Cinnabar Acupuncture Clinic and Spa, San Diego, Self-treatment
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Megan | 26-Apr-08 at 2:20 pm | Permalink
I just started acupuncture and LOVE it. I’m amazed at how fast it works and how great I feel after only two sessions. I can’t speak highly enough about it!
My “issues” seem to be liver and spleen (spleen is for out of control sugar cravings). It really excites me to think that the treatments are bringing me into greater balance overall.