Acupressure therapy basics- Part 2

Today we are learning about what are the meridians and how we can locate acupoints.
Meridions and How to Locate an Acupoint:

Acupressure is an alternative and natural way of treating many emotional and physical disorders. Acupressure doesn’t require any visit to a professional and can be performed also by a layperson. The techniques of acupressure are simple and easy to learn. Learning basic knowledge about acupressure therapy can help you start this alternative therapy with ease and confidence yourself. You may need the guidance of a practitioner to perform acupressure therapy for first few sessions.

In acupressure therapy certain points on the body are manipulated in order to regulate the energies of the body. These points of manipulation are called acupressure points, acupoints, or pressure points. A normal acupoint is a special point at a channel. A human body has twelve normal channels and eight strange channels. There are 361 normal acupoints along 14 channels that include 12 channels.

All of the acupoints are on 12 channels. All of the acupoints have fixed location on a human body.

Acupressure for lower back pain

Acupressure massage or therapy is useful for reducing pain and improving body function and level of disability in low back pain. Acupressure massage for lower back pain is a safe solution as it has been found effective in reducing low back pain in terms of disability, pain scores and functional status.
Acupressure massage is the same technique of applying fingertips pressure at specific points on the body used in acupuncture. The doctors at the 'National Taiwan University' found an 89 percent reduction in physical disability compared with physical therapy and the benefits of the treatment were sustained for six months.

There are two acupressure points which can help you get relief from lower back pain.
These acupoints are GB30 and B48:

Acupressure point B48:

Get relief from aching legs and sleep tight with easy acupressure therapy

Tired, aching or heavy legs is a common symptom and complaint. You may get a good night sleep using a simple acupressure tool for few minutes before going to bed.

The tingling, aching, and itching of restless legs syndrome is usually worse at night and can prevent you and your partner from getting the sleep you need. Aching legs at night can cause serious discomfort and can give you sleepless nights for a prolonged period.

In recent years, experts have discovered better ways to manage and relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS).

Get relief from aching legs with acupressure therapy:
The best home and natural remedy which I use to get relief from leg ache is use of acupressure tool which is called 'foot roller'. The foot roller I personally use is made of wood.
Getting self acupressure therapy with this foot roller is easy and effective.

How to use foot roller?
Press your foot over the Wooden Foot Roller for 5-10 minutes on a daily basis to warm your leg and see instant relief from a variety of problems

This treatment is both convenient and pain free, and there are NO side affects. To begin with you may experience a slight tingling sensation. This is because the skin on the soles and palms of your feet and hands are sensitive. This sensation will soon pass but if you prefer, you could wear socks on your feet to reduce this sensation.
SOLES OF FEET: - Roll each foot, at a time, on the roller while seated on a chair or sofa. Each foot is to be rolled, for a maximum of five minutes, beginning from the tips of the toes to end of the heel. Medium pressure is to be exerted while rolling.
PALMS OF HANDS: - Hold the roller in both hands so that the pointed tips on the roller presses along the whole of the palms and fingers. Press intermittently on the roller for a maximum of two minutes only.Both these exercises can be repeated three or four times daily. It should not be used within one hour of taking meals nor, on the feet, whilst you are standing. You should continue to use the roller daily even if the pain has subsided.

Call your health care provider if:
The painful leg is swollen or red

You have a fever

Your pain gets worse when you walk or exercise and improves with rest

You are on medications that may be causing leg pain. DO NOT stop taking or change any of your medicines without talking to your doctor.

Medical treatment, healthy lifestyle changes, and even simple stretches and home remedies can help you quiet your restless legs and enjoy a refreshing night’s sleep. 

More online links:

* Technique: How to get a good night's sleep

* How to Sleep Better

Acupressure therapy to improve short term memory

Short-term memory is also known as active or primary memory. Anxiety, stress, food intolerances, headaches, and plain old lack of sleep cause short-term forgetfulness while life-changing events such as strokes, dementia, toxicity, and head injuries lead to chronic memory loss.
Scientific research results show that  most of us can sharpen our minds with proven, do-it-yourself strategies.
Acupressure therapy can help you improve your memory. It is one of those alternative therapies which can be adopted without any risk of side effects.

There are many things that disrupt your conscious processing of new memories. For example, if you can't absorb new information properly, then you have no hope of remembering it later. It's quite normal to forget things committed to recent memory, like what you had for breakfast or where you put your keys. This is a sign of aging, and its the biggest cause of short term memory loss.

For short-term memory’ during exams. activating (St-36) just before breakfast has given good results according to a few parents.



       Acupressure therapy for short term memory improvement ­:

St-36:

It is one of the most important and commonly used acupressure points. It is also called Three Mile Points and is used to boost overall immunity and vitality.
Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. If you are on the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down.
GB-41 (Gall Bladder 41): This point is useful for migraine type headaches located in the temple region or behind the eyes.
Location: It is located on the foot in the space between the 4th and 5th toes. If you flex your foot you will see a tendon running across this space. GB 41 is located on the side of the tendon closest to the ankle.

LI-1: Great Esteem (Liver 1) Location: On the big toe, at the bottom corner of the nail at the side of the other toes.
Effects: Assertiveness, discerning when to go along with others and when to assert oneself. Self-esteem.

TW-10 for Consciousness.
Gallbladder 14: Use this point when you lose your train of thought, when you're trying to remember a name, or when you can't find your keys. You'll be surprised at how effective it is.

To find this point, feel for the slight depression in the bone about a thumb's width above the eyebrow. The point is directly above the center of the eye.

GB 14 is located above the center of your eye, one finger’s width above your eyebrows. Use only very light touch on these points. You can use one hand to hold these points by placing your thumb on one side and your middle fingertip on the other side of your forehead. Apply a very gentle touch, as you breathe slowly and deeply for a couple of minutes. Use acupressure simultaneously on both the left and right side of your head.

Enjoy the experience of clearing your mind. Clear negative patterns to release stress and increase your overall happiness! ~ Michael Reed Gach, Ph.
The rule with acupressure is if a point is tender, it will probably benefit from being pressed. Next time it should be less tender as progressively the energy clears. However some points are far more sensitive than others - S36 for example is nearly always a little bit tender, even in healthy people.
Related: http://acupressureclub.org/

* Using acupressure points in the ear lobes, this quick and easy exercise improves poor memory, lack of concentration, clumsiness and emotional instability.

Useful links:
* Memory imporvement tips and techniques 

* Short Term Memory Test

* How To Improve Your Short Term Memory Learning and Memory

* Acupressure For Memory And Concentration Improvement

Acupressure Point St 36 to boost vitality and immunity

ST 36 is one of the most important and commonly used acupressure points. It is used to boost overall immunity and vitality. ST 36 is known as one of the most important points to tonify Qi and Blood and promote general wellness.
It is also called "Leg Three Miles" because it is said that if you are so tired you can no longer walk, if you stimulate this point you will be able to walk another three miles.

                                 

Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. If you are on the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down.

To locate ST 36 find the bump on your bone about one inch below the knee. This bump is called the tibial tuberosity.

 Benefits of applying acupressure on St 36 for healing: 

• It is the most effective point to rejuvenate the ch'i and blood. It strengthens the whole body, especially the immune system; tones the muscles and aids digestion as well as relieves fatigue. 
• It is particularly useful in children or adults with poor digestion, which can often be the root cause of chronic illnesses such as ear infections.    
• This is the 36th point on the stomach meridian. It balances the digestion power of the body. This point can prevent diabetes. 
• It can prevent aging and weakness for which it is commonly used in China. The functions of this point include aiding in nearly all digestive and weakness issues, building the "wei-qi" which is the loose equivalent to our immunity to colds/flus and other infections, the strengthening of our blood (a strong part of our overall immunity).
• It also helps in curing problems with the breasts (distention, lactation), pain in the lower leg, aids the lungs in conditions such as asthma and wheezing, and serves to balance a range of psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. 
• This point can also be used to treat tonsils,rheumatism,appendicitis,fatigue,headache etc.
• This point is very effective for stomach distress but more importantly for this post, it is also beneficial to strengthen the whole body and tone muscles in your legs.
• To reduce menstrual cramps: you should first gently examine ST 36 area. If the muscles there are tight, then pressing deeply and strongly with your thumb will help reduce the cramping and pain.
• The combination of Li 11 and St 36 is used extensively to treat hypertension. Excess sitting can damage the stomach and spleen meridians, which can contribute to anemia or digestive disorders. Stimulate the St 36 on the outsides of your calves to benefit these meridians.

 How to Apply Pressure?

 Apply moderate to firm pressure on St 36. Hold the pressure for one minute. This point can also be stimulated either with the heel of your opposite foot, or with your fingers. Place your right heel on the Three Mile point (St 36) of your left leg and briskly rub it up and down on the outside of your shinbone, just below your knee. After one minute, do the same on the other side.

Don’t forget to drink water at the end of your exercise session or any time you begin to feel thirsty.
Caution: If you have or have had problems with your kidneys, please consult your physician.

First published at 'Factoidz'


More related articles:
* Acupressure Therapy for Emotional Health
* Popular Acupressure Points Everybody Should Know to Treat Common Diseases
* Do's and Dont's of Acupressure Therapy

Acupressure Point K 27 to boost your energies

Acupressure points K27 are located below the collarbone and are called 'energy buttons' as they are meant to boost your natural energies. It helps boost your natural energies and resets your electro-magnetic body.

For getting more energy, clearer thinking and improved vision, stimulate these energy boosting buttons before arising in the morning and start the day smoothly.

Location: In the hollow below the collarbone next to the breastbone. To find the K 27 acupressure points place your fingertips below your collarbone. Rub with firm pressure, feeling for an indentation and soreness. When you get the point, you will feel a connection with your throat or chest, especially when you deepen your breath.

Benefits and uses of acupressure point K 27:

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupressure point K 27 is an effective point for relieving throat, chest, and back pain. It opens your ability to breathe deeply, which is key to releasing endorphins, the neuro-chemicals that relieve pain.

It helps reinforce immune system functioning by strengthening the respiratory system.

K 27 (on both sides) are good for most of the respiratory problems like: chest congestion, phlegm, coughing, throat spasms, sore throats, shallow breathing, difficult breathing, chest tightness, chest pain, allergies associated with chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, and sore throats.

It helps getting relief from anxiety, agitation and thyroid gland irregularities.

 Hot flash symptoms due to menopause can be treated with acupressure including K 27. It is used to strengthen the immune system and treat depression. If your fatigue is depression-related, this can be a useful point for reinvigorating you.

Some acupressurists say that 'it is the most effective acupressure points for balancing the health and functions of the body. When you open K 27 by holding it for a couple minutes while breathing deeply, the benefits of this acupoint increase.

For self acupressure massage:

Use the right hand to stimulate the left K-27 and the left hand to stimulate the right K-27 while the opposite hand is placed over the navel. It is important to always ground at the navel. Stimulate K-27 points with firm rotary pressure for 15 to 30 seconds each or until the pain at the points subside.

 Related: - www.energybalancing.com

First published on 'Factoidz'


Useful links:

* How to Manage Your Menopause Symptoms with Acupressure Therapy?

* Acupressure Points for Indigestion and Related Problems

Acupressure Point CV 17 for getting relief from stress and anxiety

We know that Sea of Tranquility is the body of water located on the surface of the moon, but there is an acupressure point with similar name. Acupressure point CV 17 is called 'sea of tranquility' because it has an ability to quiet agitation and promote relaxation.

Acupressure point CV 17  is considered to be the best point to relieve anxiety and stress, especially to stop a panic attack before it has a chance to escalate.

Other names: The Sea of Tranquility, Conception Vessel 17, Chest Hall, Upper Sea of Qi, etc. "Chest Center" (dan Zhong) is named after it's location in the center of the chest.

Location: On the center of the breastbone three thumb widths up from the base of the bone.

Benefits: This magical point quiets emotional upset and deepens breathing, which promotes relaxation. And because of its location on a primary meridian that runs down the center of the body, it also balances the levels of yin (quiet, reflective) and yang (energetic, action-oriented) energies of the body and brings your emotional and physical selves back in to equilibrium.

It helps to get relief from post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotional stress can damage the small intestine and heart meridians, which can create emotional imbalances. CV 17  is an excellent point for balancing these meridians.

Relieves anxiety, anguish, nervousness, and depression; boosts the immune system and regulates the thymus gland.
Good for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, hormonal imbalances, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, trauma, fear, recovering from a injury or surgery and much more.

 It is a remarkable calming point which works in just a couple of minutes, and with practice can balance your emotions and alleviate hundreds of health disorders.

How to apply acupressure therapy?

An effective way to work with the this acu-point is to lightly place the middle fingertip directly on the point while allowing your index and ring fingertips to rest gently just above and below the point next to the middle finger. Try the gentle placement of your fingertips on the area of the Sea of Tranquility along with a few slow gentle breaths in and out, and see if this brings you into a calmer state.

You can also try gently tapping on the area with your fingertips. Working gently with it may be helpful in falling asleep at night, reducing stress while at work, and at any time when you need a gentle reminder to restore calm.

In prayer pose: Keep your hands in pray position with your spine straight, supported by a straight back chair. Close your eyes gently. Inhale, as your head slightly comes upward. Exhale slowly as you head relaxes downward.

Deep breathing during meditation heightens your senses and makes you more aware of your feelings. Holding the acupressure point known as CV 17 while you do slow, deep breathing in and out of your nose will regulate the amount of air you assimilate and is an excellent technique for calming anxiety and nervousness. Continue this healing movement breathing meditation for two or three minutes to discover the benefits. Practice this twice a day to reduce stress.

You need to keep-up this practice for a few months to see substantial health condition changes.

Caution: This acupressure information is not a substitution for qualified medical advice. If you’re unsure of the source of anxiety, pain or other symptoms, you may be best served to consult a medical doctor before you start treating yourself. 

Related: www.acupressure.com

First published at 'factoidz'


 Useful links:
* Acupressure and anxiety
* How to get Diagnose and Healing with Acupressure?

Reduce stress and relax with acupressure point

How auricular therapy works?

Auriculotherapy, or ear acupressure is probably, the most effective and accessible alternative treatment for reducing pain, lowering blood pressure, shedding unwanted pounds, alleviating insomnia, and correcting alcohol and drug addiction etc.

How auricular therapy works?

Auricular therapy is not simply ear reflexology, which uses acupressure to unblock the energy meridians of the body. Rather, ear acupressure stimulates the nerve connections between the ear and the central nervous system.

Applying pressure to the correct points on the external ear triggers nerve impulses from the ear to the brain, thereby communicating powerful healing messages to the organ or system in which the health problem manifests. Upon receiving the ear’s recommendations, the brain releases pain-relieving protein molecules called endorphins into the blood stream, soothing chronic pain and discomfort quickly and with no side effects.                                      

Since the outer ear is a microsystem that connects to every part of the human body, auriculotherapy relieves a wide variety of health problems. Virtually all health conditions can be improved to some degree by stimulating the ear points.

Auricular acupressure points are the same as acupuncture points. Difference between acupressure and acupuncture, is that in acupuncture needles are used to apply pressure on specific points but in acupressure pressure therapy is applied through pressure of fingers or tools.

Auricular Acupuncture:

Auricular Acupuncture is widely used throughout the United Kingdom to treat people with a variety of conditions. It forms the basis of a number of protocols used in the treatment of Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Pain Management. It is also commonly known for the treatment of smoking cessation, weight loss, substance misuse, and alcohol cessation, and has been growing steadily since the 1970’s.

One of the significant advantages of Auricular Acupuncture treatment is that it is complementary to conventional acupuncture treatments. Auricular Acupuncture whilst originally based upon the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture, has its origins in Modern Europe. It was developed by Dr. Paul Nogier, a neurologist from Lyons in France in 1957.He noticed the correspondence of specific parts of the body to the ear based upon the concept of an inverted foetus. Dr. Nogier believed that pain and other symptoms in the body could be alleviated by needling, massaging or electronically stimulating the corresponding region of the ear.

There are over 200 acupuncture points on the ear, each point named after an area of our anatomy. The outer ear acts like a switchboard to the brain. Each acupuncture point being treated, triggers electrical impulses from the ear via the brain, to the specific part of the body being treated. Clinical Reports demonstrate that acupuncture

• Stimulates the production of pain modulators
• Regulates blood pressure
• Regulates seratonin
• Regulates the sympathetic nervous system
• Enhances the immune system
• Reduces the allergic response 

Useful links:

* Ear Acupressure: The Most Accessible Alternative for Self-Healing 

* Self-healing-ear-acupressure-auriculotherapy

*  A NEW AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT FOR SMOKING AND OVERWEIGHT PROBLEMS BY DR. JUNZO KOKUBO, D.AC (Research paper by Dr.Kokubo on clinical testing of PressPoint Ear Acupressure System, which was contributed to a Japanese acupuncture medicine journal in 1991.)
* Auricular acupressure as a treatment for anxiety in prehospital transport settings.
 Brain-Modulated Effects of Auricular Acupressure on the Regulation of Autonomic Function in Healthy Volunteers

Acupressure therapy for smoking cessation

Auricular therapy (Acupressure therapy of the ear region) has been used successfully for Smoking cessation. Auriculotherapy is thought to be 7 times more powerful than other methods used for smoking cessation; a single auriculotherapy treatment has been shown to reduce smoking from 20 or more cigarettes a day down to 3 to 5 a day.

Acupressure is state-of-the-art therapy for the treatment of over 350 diseases, and is clinically recognized by the World Health Organization and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 One of the core principles of this healing technology is that the outer portion of the ear (i.e., the auricle) is a microsystem that represents every part of the human body. In other words, every point of the outer ear corresponds to, and is associated with, a specific part of the human anatomy. Whereas general body acupuncture addresses health problems by working on the energy meridians of the body, auriculotherapy is based on nerve connections (in the human nervous system) and offers specific localized treatment for the organs or systems involved in the health problem.

 'Acupressure diet' suggests these two acupoints:

There are two acupressure points "stomach" and "mouth" in the ear. If those are stimulated, work of the stomach becomes normal and luxury goods like tobacco will become wanting less. It may be hard to keep quitting smoking for one week after quitting smoking. To get through the one week, stimulate the acupressure points in the ear by hands when you want to come to smoke.

Stomach: The acupressure point for the stomach is located around the tip of the cartilage that crosses the hole top of an ear.
 Mouth: The acupressure point for the mouth is located a little inside the one for the stomach.
 Stimulation method: Stimulate each acupressure points with the back (side which is not sharp) of a fingertip or a toothpick. If you want to come to smoke, please push and rub the acupressure points. 

How is the auricular therapy administered?
 While professional auriculotherapists may employ a small electronic pulse to stimulate the point, this is not the only method. Pressure, as in acupressure, can be used, such as finger pressure, or a blunt probe, like the end of a match stick, is all that is required to administer auriculotherapy treatment. Pressure may also be applied by using the forefinger and thumb, on any given point. The point is pressed for between 30 to 60 seconds. The norm is 30 seconds per point. To know that the auriculotherapy is being effective, the ear being treated should turn reddish in color and develop a warm sensation upon being treated.

Useful links:
* Effects of auricular acupressure therapy on smoking

* Research paper by Dr.Kokubo on clinical testing of PressPoint Ear Acupressure System 'Acupressure treatment for smoking and overweight problemss'

Auricular therapy and its benefits

The art of healing with finger pressure over the specific points on the ear is known as Ear Acupressure or Auricular Therapy. In 1957, Dr. Paul Nogier, a well known French Neuro-surgeon, made a careful study of the ear and its relationship to the rest of the body and developed this “Auricular Therapy”.

The ear contains more than 120 acupoints that correspond to various parts of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that all major meridians, or energy pathways in the body, pass through the ear, making auricular acupressure effective in treating a variety of ailments throughout the body. It is perhaps the most effective and accessible alternative treatment for reducing pain, lowering blood pressure, shedding unwanted pounds, alleviating insomnia, and correcting alcohol and drug addiction, to name just a few of the ailments this age-old technique relieves.

Ear acupressure was first advanced by Chinese acupuncturists in 500 BC and documented in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. But it was French doctor, Paul Nogier, who pioneered modern Auriculotherapy as a complete healing system in the 1950s. Dr. Nogier sought to explain the connection between ear acupoints and their effects on
the body with his apt scientific metaphor of the ear as the micro-imitation of the human bodily system, comparing the shape of the ear to an inverted fetus.


Benefits:
Auriculotherapy is not simply ear reflexology, which uses acupressure to unblock the energy meridians of the body. Rather, ear acupressure stimulates the nerve connections between the ear and the central nervous system. Applying pressure to the correct points on the external ear triggers nerve impulses from the ear to the brain, thereby communicating powerful healing messages to the organ or system in which the health problem manifests. Upon receiving the ear’s recommendations, the brain releases pain-relieving protein molecules called endorphins into the blood stream, soothing chronic pain and discomfort quickly and with no side effects.

 A 2003 study by the University of Vienna in Austria found that patients who received ear acupressure during ambulance transport reported decreased pain and anxiety. A study conducted by the New Mexico State University in 2006 used auricular acupressure in addition to regular substance abuse treatment. Patients who received ear acupressure showed a significant reduction in cravings and emotional stress. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, auricular acupressure may help improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia. Pressure points in the ear that relate to the stomach may help control the appetite and help with weight-loss efforts.

 How to locate the ear acupressure point?

Imagine a fully grown-up foetus inside the mother’s womb.The whole body is represented by the ear in much the same be activated by pulsating the corresponding points on the ear way as the foetus fits (Fig. 17b). Different parts of the body can be activated by pulsating the corresponding points on the ear.The ear acupressure chart provides a ready-reference for this Purpose.

 An ear massage is very detoxifying and stimulating to the system. Auricular acupressure improves the circulation, strengthens the immunity and relaxes the body and the mind. Briskly rub the palms of your hands together and then cup them over the ears for twenty seconds or more. Then massage the ears for a minute or more. Auricular acupressure massages may also be performed by kneading, rubbing, pulling and pinching the ear.
YouTube video:

  Useful links: 

* Stimulation of auricular acupuncture points in weight loss

Acupressure therapy for relieving palpitations

Pal·pi·ta·tion means:  A trembling or shaking, irregular, rapid beating or pulsation of the heart.  The term heart palpitation refers to sensations that the heart is racing, pounding, beating irregularly or skipping beats.  Sometimes it can be due to anxiety, stress or nervousness. 


According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, in most cases heart palpitations are not serious and can be controlled by taking steps to lower stress levels and managing strong emotions. Practicing deep breathing and/or relaxation techniques, yoga or tai chi can all help to reduce the frequency and severity of heart palpitations.


 Palpitations Treatment with acupressure therapy:


 Acupressure therapy can be applied to get relief from palpitation. Acupressure can be very helpful for palpitations, but it's not for everyone. If your palpitations are part of a serious disease, acupressure may aid in healing, but it should not be your sole remedy. It may also be inappropriate if you suffer blood pressure problems, arteriosclerosis or bacterial infections.
Acupressure offers only symptomatic relief to angina and palpitations. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points.
  1. P6 :

Location: on the interior side of the arm, in the hollow between the bones of the forearm, three finger-width above the wrist crease.
Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Repeat the acupressure therapy on both arms. Duration: 3 min or more

2. H7 :

Location: on the inside of the arm; in the hollow formed by the wrist, inside bone of the arm, and the tendon. 
To find the point: 
1. straiten the wrist; 
2. slide your thumb along the wrist crease until the thumb falls into a hollow formed by the tendon, inside bone of the arm, and the wrist. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Repeat at other arm. Duration: 1 min

3. Yin Tang :
Location: Point between eyebrows higher than the nose bridge. Use of insomnia, tension headaches, calming a busy mind and sinus problems.

Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside

TW 15: Location: on the top of the shoulder blade. To find the point go directly up from the nipple, around the top of the trapezoid muscle, and down to the top of the shoulder blade.

Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. 
Repeat the therapy at other side of shoulder. Duration: 1 min


Source: www.soundtells.com/AcupressureOnline

Remember: Seek medical treatment if any other symptoms that indicate a serious illness occur alongside the palpitations. These may include trouble breathing, sweating, dizziness, chest pain, confusion or fainting.


Useful links: 


 * Acupressure and Reflexology for Anxiety:
 * acupressure points to help release tension and anxiety

What is the difference between pressure and trigger point therapies?

Trigger point therapy or acupressure therapy both are based on same principle of applying "finger pressure" to the effected part of bodies to get cure. Main difference between two therapies is that Trigger point therapy deals with applying pressure on muscle tissues for pain management and related dysfunction in body while acupressure therapy can be used as a diagnose tool as well as getting prevention and cure many mild to serious diseases. This article helps you learn about both therapies and what the difference between them is. What is acupressure therapy? Acupressure is a way of accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centres in the body. Acupressure enables us to diagnose and cure diseases like Common Cold, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Migraine, Heart Attack, Paralysis and even Cancer.


Acupressure is based on the theory that the body has fourteen meridians travel through it. Each of these meridians is attached to a specific body organ. When a meridian develops a blockage the body is adversely affected and diagnosing and removing the blockage through acupressure is the best way to cure the patient. Acupressure is a way of accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centres in the body. Acupressure enables us to diagnose and cure diseases like Common Cold, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Migraine, Heart Attack, Paralysis and even Cancer. 


The points on the palms and feet reflect the condition of their related organs. This makes acupressure a good diagnostic tool. By feeling the palms and feet with gentle pressure it is possible to get a fair idea about the diseased parts. If pain is observed on any point, the body part related to that point needs immediate attention. I have applied these techniques for self diagnose and found it very effective. Usually you feel pain in specific points of your hands whenever there is an abnormality around your body (in other words it is a symptom of some body or system disorder/pain or disease) The healing process is next step after diagnosis as you have to apply pressure for continues intervals at the effected or related painful points of your both hands.

      

Trigger point therapy

Trigger points are specific, hyperirritable and hypersensitive areas in muscle that suffer from decreased circulation, increased contraction and spasm. Lack of circulation creates a high anomaly of toxins and increased nerve sensitivity that can range from low ache to sharp pain.Trigger point therapy involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Sometimes massage and trigger point therapy are performed together. Research shows that sustained manual trigger point therapy is by far the most effective means of getting rid of chronic myofascial (muscle and tissue) pain. The purpose of trigger point therapy is to eliminate pain and to re-educate the muscles to perform pain-free habits. After several treatments, the swelling and stiffness of neuromuscular pain is reduced, range of motion is increased, tension is relieved, and circulation, flexibility and coordination are improved. 
Difference between both therapies: 
• Trigger point therapy involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction while in acupressure therapy, pressure is applied for accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centres in the body. 
• Acupressure points are concentrations of energy or blockages of the body’s energy pathways. 
• Trigger points are physical phenomena that can be felt by touch. 
• Trigger point aims to relieve pain and dysfunction on specific muscle areas while acupressure therapy is used to diagnose and treat illness including pain management. 
• Trigger points are mainly muscle centred point arount the body, while acupressure points are mainly at hands, feet and other parts of body.

Useful links and resources:
* What Is Acupressure?. Acupressure’s Potent Points: a Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments
* Health and Vitality, at Your Fingertips

First published: at factoidz 'Trigger Point Therapy Vs Acupressure Therapy'

How to speed up metabolism and stay healthy with acupressure therapy?

We know it that metabolism plays an important role staying healthy. We can speed up our metabolism with the help of acupressure therapy.

Metabolism is defined as being controlled by the chi, or life force present in all living beings, and by the chi's flow through various major organ systems. By manipulating the chi and changing how certain organs function, the Western concept of metabolism can be affected.
The Ear
The easiest to reach pressure points that affect appetite and metabolism are located in the cartilage above and in front of your ear canal. Pressing for several minutes on this cartilage will help to redirect the chi to lower appetite.
Spleen SP6
A pressure point that affects the spleen, called SP6, is a good pressure point for ensuring digestive health and optimal metabolism. SP6 is on the inside of your leg, around four finger widths above the ankle joint. The specific point is toward the back of the leg, very near the bone.
Spleen SP9
The pressure point SP9 also affects the spleen and has an effect on your body's water metabolism. SP9 is a little harder to find. To find SP9, look about three finger widths from the bottom of the knee cap and then go one finger width toward the inside of your leg. SP9 is located in an indentation just under the top of your tibia.
Stomach ST36
ST36 affects the stomach and the digestive system. ST36 is in the same general area as SP9. As with SP9, it is three fingers below the kneecap. However, it is on the other side of the leg, around one finger width toward the outside of the leg.
Stomach ST40
ST40 has a number of effects on your body. It clears excess phlegm, affects excess moisture in the chi and is important for digestion and metabolism. ST40 is around two finger widths behind your shin bone, half way down the outside of your shin.
Liver LV3
The LV3 acupressure point affects the liver, and thus has an effect on metabolism. LV3 is on the top of your foot in the skin between your first and second toes, where the bones for those two toes join in a "V" shape. LV3 also helps to prevent chi stagnation.
Liver LV11
LV11 is another pressure point that affects your liver. In addition, it clears additional heat and moisture from your body, and thus affects metabolism. It also helps your intestines. LV11 is located on the outside of the crease on the top of your elbow. To find it, hold your palm up; it is located on the thumb side of your elbow crease.

How to get relieve from nausea applying acupressure therapy?

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is a miserable feeling. There are many condition when you can feel vomiting like as motion sickness, morning sickness, cancer treatments, and surgery anesthesia etc.

There are numerous causes of nausea and vomiting. But treating nausea means fixing the cause of the nausea. Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying disease and not a specific illness. Nausea is the sensation that the stomach wants to empty itself, while vomiting (emesis) or throwing up, is the act of forcible emptying of the stomach.

Vomiting is a violent act in which the stomach has to overcome the pressures that are normally in place to keep food and secretions within the stomach. The stomach almost turns itself inside out - forcing itself into the lower portion of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) during a vomiting episode.

Practitioners of Chinese medicine techniques have long used stimulation of points on the wrists through acupuncture or acupressure to relieve nausea.

How to find acupressure point and start pressing it? 

• Take your index finger and middle finger and place them on your wrist at the base of your palm to measure where your nausea acupressure point is. Find your acupressure point -- two or three finger widths down from the top crease in the wrist, centered in the groove between the two large tendons. This is known as the P6 point (or "inner gate").
• Take your thumb and index or middle finger and press firmly on the points on both sides of the wrist when you feel nauseous. You should feel relief in 10-30 seconds. Sometimes, however, it can take up to five minutes. 
• Tap your wrists together gently at the acupressure points while taking deep breaths. You can alternate with tapping the outsides of your hands together.

 Get a wristband that applies pressure to the correct spot. They usually have a knob or flat button positioned over the acupressure point. You might feel relief as soon as you put it on, but after your body grows accustomed to the pressure, you'll need to press down on the acupressure point for extra relief.

Medical scientists don’t know for sure how acupressure wristbands relieve nausea and vomiting. But the theories they have so far point to two possible explanations of how BioBands works -- The first is that using an acupressure wristband interrupts the nervous system signals that bring about nausea symptoms in the body. The second is that continual pressure to the P-6 acupressure points causes the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as a natural painkiller within the body.

Wristband applies continuous acupressure to the P-6 acupressure point at the wrist to relieve nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, morning sickness, cancer treatments, and surgery anesthesia.

"The idea is to use it before you start vomiting," says acupuncturist Joseph M. Helms, M.D. Apply pressure to the webbing between your thumb and index finger on either hand. Use firm, deep pressure and a rapid massaging movement for several minutes, he says.

Using the same kind of motion and pressure, Dr. Helms says, rub with your thumb or thumbnail on the top of your foot between the tendons of the second and third toes. With any luck, your nausea will pass after a few minutes.

Picture and points are courtesy of 'wikiHow'

More links:
* Acupressure Wristbands Help Cancer Patients

Acupressure therapy for toothache

Acrpressure is a proven therapy for pain relief. Every one of us some experience of toothace and severety of this ailment. Acupressure offers a good relief from pain due to any complication related to teeth or gums.

I practiced this therapy to one of my students (5 year old) who complained a severe pain in her teeth. I asked which tooth was hurting her? I hold the opposite side palm and pressed the finger tip relevant to the teech position for some time and started talking with her. After a few minutes my students said that she is now better and doesn't need to go back home. Second time my son suffered from severe toothache and I tried the acupressure treatment for relief by applying pressure on relevant finger. After half an hour he could go to sleep after relief from pain.

There are times when you need to use painkillers for the toothache, but if you have a good knowledge of accupressure, you can apply the skill yourself to get rid of discomfort until you get an appointment to a dentist.

Acupressure points to relieve tootache:

Point 1 : This is on the right foot. This point is located on the line starting from the intersection of second and third fingers and going till the middle of the ankle joint. From the intersection of the fingers it is located one inch above. Press this point for 3 minutes.

Point 2 : This point is on the right hand. It is located on the joint of the index finger and the thumb near the wrist. Press this point for 3 minutes.

Point 3 : Clench your teeth. On the right jaw below the right ear the jaw muscle will come out prominently. Press this point for 3 minutes.

Point 4 : This point is on the tip of the toes on the foot. If the pain is on the right side press the toe tips of the right foot and if it is on the left foot then press the toe tips on the left foot. Press the all the toe tips for around 3 minutes.

Point 5 : This point is tips of the fingers on the hand. Select the hand on based on the side where you have pain similar to previous Point 4. Press all the finger tips for a total of 3 minutes.

You can repeat it after 1 or 2 hours if needed.

Note: Remember that for pain relief you need to press the point for few minutes ss you need an anaesthetic effect) it is different from pressing the point with intervals in normal therapy sessions.

I have drawn the facing picture, and it shows the finger tip points relevant to the tooth you have problem. Pressing the finger tips for few minutes is a definite relief from tootache.

With thanks (source): 'Headfirstyoga'

How to adopt Acupressure therapy for diabetes?

Acupressure can reduce the sugar level significantly in patients with diabetes, no matter what type it may be (types I and II both can be tackled with acupressure)

Acupressure stimulates different pressure points in the body and can help improve a person’s normal health levels. By tapping into these specific pressure points, you are helping your body release healing mechanisms. These healing mechanisms are normally trapped by stress and fatigue you subject your body to daily.

Ancient Chinese medicine teaches us that by releasing these “pressure points”, we are also releasing any negative energy that may be associated with that particular pressure point. This can have a huge healing benefit on the body. While acupressure can provide great results, it is still advisable that you speak to your health care provider before undergoing this type of non-conventional healing program.

If you are seriously considering acupressure as a treatment option, you must ensure that it is performed by a licensed practitioner. Check credentials, references and ensure that this person has the knowledge needed to perform successful acupressure sessions. Discuss your expectations of the treatment and ask if she/ he can share any success stories from previous patients with you. You might even want to ask if he/she has cured diabetes using acupressure.

Before you start acupressure, you should educate yourself as much as you can about this ancient medical practice. Go online and learn what it is all about. You need to be mentally prepared about the treatment, so find out as much information as you can about it. It might help if you knew which pressure points on the body apply to diabetes.

There are no negative side effects when using acupressure as a natural treatment for diabetes. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you should report this with your practitioner.

Though it has no side effects, it is advisable to research about Acupressure and its effectiveness in internet and consult the family doctor.

* 'Healthy-ojas.com' offers pressure points which can help you cure from Diabetes

Healing and cure from asthma with the help of acupressure therapy

Being in a country with the a humid atmosphere and increasing pollution, 9 out of 10 kids around the capital city show some kind of asthma symptoms. My son has asthma from the age of 3 which is much improved as I believe and try to use alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of asthma. This post is a help for people having asthma or related symptoms to get prevention and healing using the acupressure therapy.

I have mentioned and given links which are suggested by various acupressure practitioners, but don't be confused as there are many pressure points around the human body which can be used for the healing and cure of asthma. You may chose the points according to your ease and keep pressing these points.

Note: Never discontinue any prescribed asthma medication without the approval of your doctor.

A patient of asthma shows symptoms of wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest which is due to inflammation of the bronchioles (the tubes that carry air within the lungs). During an asthma attack, this swelling worsens, and the bronchial tubes narrow. Asthma can also make mucus glands work overtime, producing a thick, sticky fluid that congests the airways.

Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergies. Strong emotions such as fear and anxiety can also kick off an attack. See a doctor if you think you have asthma.

Natural remedies in conjunction with medical care and used with your doctor's approval may provide relief, according to some health professionals.

Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., director of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California, and author of Acupressure's Potent Points. He suggests pressing the Lu 1 points to breathe easier. To find these points, also named Letting Go, make fists in front of your chest with your thumbs pointing up. Place your thumbs on the outer portion of your chest, pressing on the muscles that run horizontally below your collarbone. You?ll find a sensitive, knotted spot on each side of your chest. Underneath each spot is Lu 1. Let your head hang forward, then breathe slowly and deeply as you press the points with your thumbs for two minutes.

Pressing the Lu 1 points is helpful for prevention as well as relief of asthma attacks.

You can also press the B 13 points, called the Lung Associated points. Each point is situated one finger-width below the upper tip of the shoulder blade, between the spine and the shoulder blade. Try using tennis balls to press these hard-to-reach points. Lie on your back with your knees bent, placing a pillow under your head for comfort, if you wish. Raise your shoulders slightly while you reach behind your back with your hands to position the tennis balls. Now cross your arms over your body and breathe deeply, letting your weight sink into the floor. Let the tennis balls press into your shoulder muscles for a few minutes or for as long as it feels comfortable.

Source: 'Mother nature'

Useful links and resources:

* 'YouTube' videos for acupressure points.

* Video of 'Acupressure points for asthma' at eHow.

* 'Instructions for acupressure points' with pictures showing the exact location of pressure points.

* 'Asthma Acupressure'

Learn about yoga and acupressure at - Head First Yoga

I love to read personal blogs with valuable stuff, because these kind of blogs consist posts based on blogger's own thoughts, ideas or experience. I have been practicing yoga for a long time and after quitting this useful practice, I am now addict to meditation which is satisfying and relaxing for me.

'Head First Yoga' is a personal blog from Nilendu Bhattacharya who has keen interest in Yoga and practicing it for more than 8 years. He does it to get confidence and peace.

He has good knowledge of Acupressure which he believes that it is cheapest and most easy healing technique. Professionally he is a Software Product Manager at a local company.

His blog 'Head First Yoga' is about yoga, but there are valuable posts about acupressure therapy. He is a practicing yogi and acupressures and it is clearly shown from his articles. He has written articles on the basis of his own experience.

Few acupressure related posts are:

• Treating Headache with Acupressure
• Acupressure and Home Remedy tips For Ear Pain
• Treat Leg Pain with Acupressure

These posts not only explain the pressure points but he has given pictures as well.

Aim:(In his own words)

'My Purpose is to spread the knowledge of Yoga and Acupressure so that people can attain healthy body and mind in natural way.
My motto is You should Choose what you Want to Achieve and go after that.'

He hosts another blog 'Pactips' where he talks about Goals, Lifestyle and Money.

Osteoarthritis treatment in acupressure

Acupressure massage performed by a therapist can be very effective both as prevention and as a treatment for many health conditions, including headaches, general aches and pains, colds and flu, arthritis, allergies, asthma, nervous tension, menstrual cramps, sinus problems, sprains, tennis elbow, and toothaches, among others.

Medical experts agree that no one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune disorders, or chronic pain. They say there is no known cure or way to prevent Parkinson’s disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, or dozens of other illnesses.
Modern medicine doesn’t attempt to cure these conditions. Instead, it manages them for as long as possible with symptom-suppressing procedures and drugs. But a growing number of physicians, medical experts, and health care practitioners believe they know how these illnesses begin and progress. It’s not all in your head, they say – but it is in the muscles and organs that store past traumas. Releasing stored traumas releases the illness’s underlying cause and helps the body heal from the inside out. The method they use is EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) a do-it-yourself acupressure technique.

'Holistic Online' has provided pictures showing acupressure points for the relief and cure of osteoarthritis.

1. (Li 4, Adjoining Valley) This is one of the most important points in Acupuncture and Acupressure. It is useful in relieving pain and circulating the chi.

Caution: Pregnant women should not press this point.

2. (St 36, Three Mile Foot)

3. (Kd 3, Supreme Stream) Disorders of the bone and cartilage are related to the Kidney energy in traditional Chinese medicine. That's why, for osteoarthritis (which is a degenerative condition), it is beneficial to strengthen the Kidney energy. Kd 3 is considered the source point of the Kidney meridian.

4. (B 23, Associated point of Kidney) This point in combination with Kd 3 greatly strengthens Kidney chi.

Source: 'Acupressure treatment of osteoarthritis'

Useful links:

* 'Rheumatoid Arthritis'


* GoldBamboo is a health and wellness web site where users can explore content from alternative healing disciplines ("Eastern") side-by-side with information from conventional medical science ("Western"). There is a good compilation of posts and links at the site/


Link: 'Gold Bamboo'

* 'Natural Arthritis Medication.com' offers a free arthritis course! This 6 part  course examines types of arthritis, managing pain safely, what to eat (and not to eat), the best exercise for arthritis, myths and legends etc.
Link: 'Sign up page'

Acupressure therapy for Fibromalgia

Middle aged women having pain in areas like neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, legs alongwith symptoms such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, and problems with thinking and memory then you may be a victim of 'fibromalgia'.

Fibromyalgia makes you feel tired and causes muscle pain and "tender points." Tender points are places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that hurt when touched. People with fibromyalgia may have other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, and problems with thinking and memory, sometimes called "fibro fog."

No one knows what causes fibromyalgia. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in middle-aged women. People with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are particularly likely to develop fibromyalgia. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but medicines can help you manage it.

If specific tender points are particularly painful, you can use acupressure to help calm them down. Simply find the spot with your fingertips and press, gradually increasing the pressure. The spot may initially feel sore, but within a few seconds, the pain should start to ease off, and you will feel the muscle relax. For hard-to-reach places on your back, you can lie down and roll your back on a tennis ball.

The following acupressure points are particularly useful in fibromyalgia:

bullet Gallbladder 20, 30, 31, and 34 are instrumental in strengthening and enhancing circulation to the muscles and tendons.

bullet Liver 3 quiets the nervous system and relaxes muscle cramps and spasms.

bullet Pericardium 6 relaxes the chest and upper digestive tract, and helps relax the mind.

bullet The combination of Spleen 6 and Stomach 36 enhances the absorption and transport of nutrients.

Acupressure

Acupressure Points for Fibromyalgia:

It is important to avoid acupressure points that Enhance Qi. Here are some valuable acupressure points that are safe for fibromyalgia and are not tonification points:

The Four Gates is a popular acu-point combination used for many conditions as it is able to relieve Qi stagnation anywhere in the body. The Four Gates are acupressure points LV 3 and LI 4.

Apply Even Pressure to Acupressure Point LI 4 (Hegu or Union Valley):

Large Intestine 4 is locatedon the dorsum of the hand between the first and second metacarpal bones in the middle of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side.
Acupressure Directions:

Release Acupressure Point LV 3 (Taichong or Great Surge) to Resolve Liver Qi Stagnation:

Liver 3 is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression just distal

to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones.

Causes of fibromyalgia in Chinese medicine...

Widespread pain is defined as having pain in both sides of the body and pain above and below the waist. In addition, pain must also be present in the cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine or lower back.

These tender points are located at:

• Occiput (2) - at the suboccipital muscle insertions (near the base of the skull)
• Low cervical (2) - at the anterior aspects of the intertransverse spaces at C5-C7 (the lower vertebra of the neck)
• Trapezius (2) - at the midpoint of the upper border (the neck, mid back and upper back muscles between the shoulder blades)
• Supraspinatus (2) - at origins, above the scapula spine near the medial border
• Second rib (2) - upper lateral to the second costochondral junction (the insertion of the second rib)
• Lateral epicondyle (2) - 2 cm distal to the epicondyles (the side of the elbow)
• Gluteal (2) - in upper outer quadrants of buttocks in anterior fold of muscle (the upper and outer muscles of the buttocks)
• Greater trochanter (2) - posterior to the trochanteric prominence (the upper part of the thigh)
• Knee (2) - at the medial fat pad proximal to the joint line (the middle of the knee joint)

Link: Fibromyalgia Pressure Point

Useful links and resources:

* The National Fibromyalgia Research Association is a free resource of information about treatment and cure for fibromyalgia.

you will find fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria and an Informational Guide.

Related Non-profit and Foundations

CFS/FM Management

Information on chronic pain treatments and prescription guidelines:
American Pain Society Partners Against Pain

Arnold Chiari Malformation