Relief at Home Acupressure Techniques

By Aifei Wang, LAc, MAc

Acupuncture vs. acupressure, what is the difference? It is very likely that you may have had a combination of these techniques administered during your last treatment with your acupuncturist. While acupuncture is a treatment that must be administered by a licensed acupuncturist in a sterile environment and involves the insertion of single-use disposable needles at specific points on the body; acupressure may be performed as adjunct therapy before, during or after your treatment. Acupressure does not require the insertion of acupuncture needles; therefore anyone may perform and benefit from the therapeutic effects rather instantaneously.

There are several points on the body that can be accessed personally to aid with common ailments and yield relatively immediate relief

Tai Yang This point lies on the sides of the head in the area referred to as the temple. The point may be located by finding the end of the eyebrow with the ring finger, and the edge of the hairline with the index finger. Tai Yang lies in between these two fingers, where the middle finger rests. This point is believed to be best massaged for headaches induced by stress.

PC-6 Pericardium six is a point located on the inner forearm and is often used for nausea. Whether induced by motion, morning sickness from pregnancy, or indigestion, this point may be able to alleviate the unsettling sensation of nausea. You may find this point by placing three fingers (index, middle and ring) on the underside of the wrist with the ring finger touching the first crease of the wrist. Under the edge of the index finger, between the two central tendons rests PC-6.

Si Shen Chong This is a cluster of points located at the top (vertex) of the head and is used to raise energy. This can mean literally or figuratively. The points can be tapped with a gentle and swift motion to provide a much needed boost in energy as fatigue begins to set in.

Acupressure is a technique that many acupuncturists use to prepare the point for the needle insertion. By using a single finger to apply moderate pressure to the point, the Qi of the point is activated and relief can be realized. While acupressure is not a substitute for an acupuncture treatment, it can be used to maintain the effects of the acupuncture treatment and/or alleviate symptoms while outside of the care of your acupuncturist.