Quick acupressure techniques to ease headaches, reduce stress, relax, and rejuvenate
Try these simple techniques to make your day better in 5 minutes or less.
Headache Relief
Two acupressure points are very valuable for treating headaches:
- Back of the head–First, find the occipital bone (that hard bony plate smack in the middle of the back of your head). Now move your fingers about an inch-and-a-half below that, and apply pressure to both sides of that area with your thumbs. It may be easier if you lower your head. Keep applying pressure and massage in a circular motion.
- On the hand–Another effective location is found below the thumb between the first and second metacarpal bones, in the fleshy part below your thumb. Using the thumb of your other hand, apply pressure to this area, massaging in a circular motion. It’s good to apply pressure to both sides, so for best effect use your index finger to massage the other side of your hand. Headaches sometimes show up as “hard” spots in this area. If you find a spot like this (and can stand it), apply pressure directly. Usually once you feel it release, your headache will be gone.
Stress Relief
Two critical points are often used for relieving nausea, emotional upset, and general stress:
- Underside of wrist (“Pericardium 6″ according to acupressure masters)
- About an inch-and-a-half above the wrist on the top and underside of the arms (what they call “Triple Burner 5″)–gently grasp these by placing your index finger on the topside point and your thumb on the bottom point.
Massage in gentle circles with light pressure, breathing in deeply for a count of five and exhaling (slowly) for a count of five. Repeat several times.
Relaxation
The “Spirit Gate” (located in the middle of the sternum) is great for reducing anxiety and calming th spirit. Rub this point in a counterclockwise motion while exhaling out pent-up emotions, stress, and agitation.
Rejuvenation
“Stomach 36″ is an acupuncture fave for increasing energy and vitality (also increasing metabolism and improving digestion). These points are located about three inches below the outside of each leg below the kneecap. Massage in a clockwise pattern to bring in more energy (you might want to try one leg at a time, unless you’re way more coordinated than I am and can do clockwise on both at once).
If you’re interested and want to know more (or to see which points correspond to different conditions), check out PointFinder, Stanford’s online accupressure guide.
(Thanks to Jeff for the inspiration!)
Yoga Stretches at Your Desk
Chained to your computer and stressed? Here are some resources for simple yoga stretches you can do at your desk:
- Yoga Stetches At Your Desk on About.com (includes helpful photos)
- 5 Minute Yoga Stretches for the Office (very simple, well-explained)
- Simple Stretches You Can Do At Your Desk for Increased Energy (good when that midday slump hits)
- Computer & Desk Stretches (a printable illustrated guide, very easy to follow)
- How To Do Basic Deskercise (a video…we love the guy, and from the chart behind him it looks like deskercising is contributing directly to the growth of his company!)
(Thanks to Katie in London for the idea!)
