Pressure cuts pressure: Research on acupressure therapy shows that it’s effective for anxiety

NT Features

Acupressure, a type of alternative medicine, may complement other treatments to ease anxiety. Several acupressure points for anxiety may offer relief, including areas on the hands and face.

Although it is a newer form of treatment in Western cultures, it has been part of Chinese medicine for centuries. There are several acupressure points for anxiety that offer relief, including areas on the hands and face. Research on acupressure therapy shows its effectiveness on anxiety. Some popular acupuncture spots that can help in times of stress can be practiced.

Shen Men (HT7) is a popular wrist acupuncture spot. That may help with anxiety - related addiction and compulsions, pain and inflammation, insomnia massage the spot for a minute at times of stress or before going to sleep

Yin Tang (EXHN3), which is above the nose at the exact midpoint between the two eyebrows, can help relieve general anxiety. Acupressure practitioners also say that it can help with anxiety-related symptoms such as: insomnia, restlessness and irritability pain. Activate this point by massaging the area in slow, circular motions for up to 5 minutes.

Hegu (LI4) to find the Hegu point locates the webbed area between the thumb and index finger. Then move the fingers slightly down so that they are between the base of the thumb and index finger. Acupressure devotees say that it can help with anxiety, pain, headaches, and especially tension headaches. Apply firm, circular pressure with the thumb for up to 5 minutes. Massage the point on both hands.

Great Abyss (LU9) to find the Great Abyss point, extend the arm slightly out and turn the palm up. At the side of the wrist nearest the thumb, look for a slight indent very near the edge of the wrist. Proponents say that this point can help with anxiety, including some physical anxiety symptoms, such as: heart palpitations, chest pain and cough. Gently massage the point in a slow, circular motion for about a minute. Repeat on the other wrist.

Acupressure proponents say that Shou San Li affects energy flow to the large intestine. Applying pressure to this point may help ease a range of anxiety symptoms, including general anxiety, neck tightness and shoulder pain and diarrhoea.

The Governor Vessel (DU20) point sits on the top of the head. Practitioners say that it can help with many types of anxiety, dizziness, headache and clenched jaw. To find it, look for the exact centre of the top of the head. Gently massage for a few seconds, gradually working up to longer massages.