It is often said that the human body is one of the greatest mysteries in the universe. With every tiny detail working in tandem to keep us alive and functioning, the human body is a truly remarkable thing. With so much going on, is it any wonder that we often don’t know everything that is truly happening beneath our skin? One of those secrets are pressure points.
Pressure points are a unique kind of areas on the body that have a profound effect when stimulated and can have a positive impact on our physical and mental well-being. Here, in this article, we will be exploring some of the secret pressure points that you may not know your body had.
What is a Pressure Point?
Before we jump into the many pressure points on the body, let’s just take some time to understand what these ‘points’ really are. A pressure point is defined as any part of the body which, when pressed, can release tension and cause some kind of effect — both physical and psychological. Pressure points are usually used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and help to provide relief from pain and other medical issues. Although pressure points are predominantly found on the head, chest, and feet, there are other points spread throughout the body and can be used to stimulate healing.
Pressure Point Benefits
So, now we have a good understanding of what a pressure point is, let’s take a look at the many benefits they come along with.
Relief of Pain: Pain can be caused by a number of factors and can cause us undue stress. Pressure points help to reduce this pain, by stimulating these areas on the body, leading to a reduction in pain levels.
Relaxation: Applying pressure to the correct pressure points can also help with relaxation. This will happen through the release of endorphins which can have a positive impact on our physical and psychological well-being.
Better Immunity: Pressure points have a positive effect on the body’s immune system, so stimulating these points can help to improve the body’s response to infection and disease.
Understanding the Different Pressure Points
After understanding the many benefits of pressure points, let’s take a look at the various pressure points located throughout the body.
Head
The head is one of the most common areas for pressure points, and there are a number of points to be explored here.
Crown Point: The crown point is located at the top of the head, and is an important point for mental and emotional wellbeing.
Third Eye Point: Located between the eyebrows, pressing this point can alleviate headaches and boost mental clarity.
Facial Points: These points can be located on the forehead and temples, and stimulate relaxation and well-being.
Shoulders
The shoulders are just as important as the head for pressure points.
He Gu Point: This central point sits in the middle of the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger. This point relieves tension and headache, as well as stimulating relaxation.
Jian Jing Point: This point is located in the shoulder’s shoulder blade muscle, and can be found by feeling for the point between the spine and shoulder. This point can help to relieve patterns of pain, tension and discomfort.
Chest
The chest is also a great place to find important pressure points.
Pericardium Point 8: This point is located between the fourth and fifth rib and can be used to relief chest pain, indigestion and heart-ache.
Heart 7: This point is located between the thumb and pointer finger of the non-dominant hand and when stimulated can help to alleviate heart palpitations.
Feet
The feet are known for having plenty of pressure points.
Spleen 3: This point is located on the inner side of the ankle, about four finger-widths away from the ankle bone. Stimulating this point can help to eliminate fatigue and boost energy levels.
Liver 3: Also known as “Great Rushing Point” this point is located on the top of the foot and helps to reduce stress, anxiety and mental exhaustion.
Using Pressure Points to Your Advantage
After learning a bit more about some of the pressure points on the body, let’s look at the best ways to use them to your advantage.
Gently Massage Weekly: Pressure points are best used when the area is gently massaged. It is recommended to massage the point with a slow, circular motion for about 10 minutes — two to three times per week.
Be Conscious: You should never press excessively hard on the pressure points as this can cause pain or damage. Instead, be aware of the sensation as you massage and use your instinct as guide.
Listen to Your Body: The pressure points are thought to be linked to areas of the body which are in need of healing. Such as, if you massage a point on the head, but feel pain in your knees, it could indicate an underlying issue.
So, there you have it — some of the secret pressure points that you had no idea your body even had! With some understanding and dedication, pressure points can offer us all kinds of healing benefits. Be sure to regularly massage the points and you should start to feel more relaxed and energized in no time.
