Acupressure points for Stress and Anxiety

Have you ever been in a situation where you can feel your anxiety rise and your heart begins to beat faster?  This is a very common sympathetic nervous system response for many people, especially in stressful situations where the feeling of control is lost.  Despite the idea of inserting tiny needles in to your body to help with combating stress, Acupuncture has an amazing ability to relax oneself thus reducing anxiety levels.  If you are afraid of Acupuncture needles, then Acupressure is an excellent alternative in which you can do anywhere!

According to Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture is based on the Meridian System in which qi (pronounced “chee”) or vital life force travels within these meridians, similar to blood travelling within blood vessels.  Without qi and blood, we would not be able to survive.  With over 500 Acupuncture points on the body, a Registered Acupuncturist chooses specific points to help with providing circulation to these specific points within the body.  The article Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety is a great article on explaining how Acupuncture works in layman’s words.  For a more scientific explanation, here is another great read:  Acupuncture Relieves Stress: New Understanding of Why The Ancient Practice Eases Anxiety.

Acupressure points for Stress and Anxiety:

(sequence below coincides with the Emotional Freedom Technique also known as EFT, see video below)

NOTE: Acupressure rule of thumb techniques include using a pumping manner (press-release-press-release) for approximately 1 minute, 1-3 times a day.

Small Intestine-3 (SI-3) With a loose fist, this point is on the ulnar end of the hand, just proximal to the fifth metacarpo-phalangeal joint (above the base of the little finger). You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or use the opposite hand and press into the point lightly with edge of the nail of the thumb or forefinger.  Press for 30-60 seconds.
Governing Vessel-20 (DU-20) This point lies on the top of the head, as if you are drawing a line straight up from apex of the two ears. You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or stimulate in a pumping (press-release-press-release) manner for approximately 1 minute.
Bladder-2 (BL-2) This point is located at the medial end of the eyebrow (at the nose bridge). You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or you can use your index finger to massage this point by simply applying pressure for 10-20 seconds per side. This point should feel very tender once you are on the correct spot.
Taiyang This point is an extra point meaning that it does not lie on any one meridian.  It is located one finger-breadth behind the midpoint between the end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus of the eye.  You can easily feel this point as it lies in the tender depression of the temples. You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or massage this point entails simply pressing on it for approximately 10-20 seconds, or gently kneading with your index finger in a small circular manner.
Stomach-2 (ST-2) This point lies in the infra-orbital foramen, below the eyeball.  You can feel a divot in the cheek bone here. You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or gently massage the area for 30-60 seconds avoiding the eyeball.  This point helps open up your sinuses so that you can breathe better.
Governing Vessel-26 (DU-26) This point is at the junction of the upper third and middle third of the philtrum. You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or gently knead or press this point for 30-60 seconds.  This point is also used in emergencies to help with regaining consciousness.  If this is the case, a stronger stimulation is needed such as using your finger nail.
Conception Vessel-24 (REN-24) This point is located in the depression in the center of the mentolabial groove (on chin under bottom lip). You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or gently knead or press this point for 30-60 seconds.
Kidney-27 to Stomach-13 (KID-27 to ST-13) Located in the depression between the first rib and clavicle along the lower border of the clavicle. You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or massage along the underside of the clavicle using strong pressure for 2-5 minutes breathing deep and slow.  You should be able to feel a sensitive point around the area.
Spleen-21 (SP-21) Located on the lateral side of the chest below the armpit in the 6th intercostal space.  For females, the 6th intercostal space is found just under the bra line. You can tap in conjunction with EFT, or press for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 more times.
Heart-7 (HE-7) On the palm side, draw a vertical line that starts from the skin between the ring and the little finger.  Extend this line on to the forearm.  This point lies at the junction of this line and the wrist-crease. You can tap in conjunction with EFT by using both Heart-7 points tapping on each other (see Emotional Freedom Technique video above).  Or you can support the wrist with the fingers from the opposite hand and locate point with the thumb.  Apply pressure with the thumb in the direction of the little finger for 30-60 seconds.  Use the same pressure and small massage rotations (also called kneading).If you are experiencing night sweating, you begin massaging on the same line approximately 1 cm above the wrist crease instead of starting on the wrist crease.

Of the many points to choose from that additionally help with easing stress and anxiety, I also suggest adding these common Acupressure points to the listed points above:

Sanjiao-7 (SJ-7) Located just behind the ear lobe, where the lobe meets the skin, in the depression between the mandible (jaw bone) and mastoid process (bumpy bone behind ear). This point is a sensitive point, especially for those who clench or grind their teeth.  Gently knead or press for 30-60 seconds.
Yu Yao Located in the centre of the eyebrow. Stimulate this point in a pumping manner (press-release-press-release) for approximately 1 minute.
Sanjiao-23 (SJ-23) This point is located in the depression at the end of the eyebrow. Similar to Yu Yao, stimulate this point in a pumping manner (press-release-press-release) for approximately 1 minute.
Conception Vessel-17 (REN-17) This point is located on the chest bone, specifically level with the 4th intercostal space, midway between the nipples. Locate this point with the middle or index finger and apply gently pressure for 30-60 seconds.
Pericardium-6 (PC-6) This point is located at the centre of the forearm, 2 thumb-widths above the wrist crease in between the tendons of the flexor carpi radialis & palmaris longus. This point is considered the “anti-nausea” point.  You may have seen people wearing wristbands on the plane or on a boat.  These bands are made for applying acupressure on this specific point.  If you have a queasy stomach, this is an excellent point to stimulate.  Simply apply gentle pressure and massage for 30 seconds to 1 minute multiple times until nausea subsides.
Stomach-36 (ST-36) To locate this point, bend the knee 90° and measure 3 finger-breadths from the lower tip of the knee cap downwards.  You will be able to feel a pointed bone at this level on the lateral side of the tibia (1 finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia). This is a great point for the overall boosting of the immune system helping with gastric pain, vomiting, hiccup, abdominal distention, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue.  Since it lies on the Stomach meridian, it can help with those butterflies in your stomach.Apply firm deep strokes of pressure in a downward direction for 1 minute.

When receiving massage or any energy work, always be mindful of your body’s state.  If you are fatigued, sweating profusely or hungry, make sure you have a small meal and are well-hydrated.  If you are pregnant, do not apply strong pressure on some points.  Use gentle pressure only.  If a point does not feel comfortable, immediately stop applying pressure on the point.

I am always happy to discuss and demonstrate these points with you at your next appointment.