Happy Tuesday! We hope you are doing as well as possible under the shelter-in-place policies. With remote learning, many of you might be sitting at a desk for hours on end. Getting up and stretching every 30 minutes or so is a must, but another great way to relieve tension in your body is through acupressure.
Acupressure is a free, at-home alternative to acupuncture. Like acupuncture, it targets certain points on the body for relaxation and pain relief. Many points tend to be linked to larger bodily functions. However, if you don’t feel these wider effects (like the nausea-curing pressure at the Inner Gate Point above your wrist), the worst-case scenario is that you’ll give yourself a relaxing massage. The points around the neck and shoulders are my favorite, and this probably goes for most people.
First, the setting: Anywhere. As long as you can breathe deeply and relax your body, that spot works! Sitting at your desk, on the floor, lying in bed, outside in a hammock, sunbathing in the pool—as long as your body is comfortable. I like acupressure because it's not as distracting as doing yoga or stretching on the ground, and I can stay at my desk to finish readings or watch lectures at the same time.
Second, general tips: When applying pressure, breathe deeply. Slightly massage the area by pressing with your fingertips. It’s recommended that the pressure if firm enough to hurt a little bit, but not to the point of extreme discomfort. Apply pressure to the area for as long as you want (30 seconds, 1 minute, 10 full breaths in and out).
Third, pick your pressure points! I’ve compiled a list of my favorites and the most commonly used points, which a doctor from UCLA Health’s East-West Center demonstrated at one of our workshops in November.
LU-1 (Lung 1)
Zhong Fu, or “Central Treasury”
LU-1 lies on both sides of the upper chest, under the collarbone. In Chinese medicine, it’s believed to be a “collecting point” for the lungs’ energy. You can locate it by measuring one thumb width below the dip under the end of your collarbone. You’ll know when you find it because pressing on the dip won’t produce any discomfort, but pressing the spot just below the dip produces a deeper ache.
Since it’s linked to the lungs, LU-1 is said to help with respiratory issues like asthma, coughs, and breathing difficulty.
Source: Five Seasons Medicine
LI-4 (Large Intestine 4)
He Gu, or “Union Valley”
LI-4 is located in the fleshy area between the thumb and the forefinger on the back of the hand. LI-4 has been historically used for toothaches, relieving general body pains, delayed labor, and regulating sweating and fevers. Press this point with your opposite thumb until it hurts, then massage for several seconds. See the flyer at the end for a diagram!
This point is used to relieve headaches, anxiety, facial pain, and dental pain. Practitioners do not recommend LI-4 if you are pregnant, as it induces labor.
LV-3 (Liver-3)
Tai Chong, or "Great Rushing"
LV-3 is located on the foot, about two finger widths above the point where your big toe and second toe meet. Ancient Chinese text says LV-3 relieves menstrual cramps, stress, lower back pains, anxiety, and insomnia. Slide your finger from the meeting point between your big toe and second toe, down to the dip just before your metatarsal joint (aka, just before you feel your bone).
Diagram: Miridia Tech
Image: UCLA Center for East-West Medicine
Here is a mini-flyer that I made for our Integrative Health Fair with AMSA earlier this year. I already discussed Union Valley Point in the post, but try the Heavenly Pillar and Inner Gate using the same general instructions.
Remember to maintain physical distance, only go out for essential activities, and stay in contact with your friends and family. Stay safe and Happy Week 3!
Flyer designed by me, Alison Ly (photos not mine)
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