We all have our ways of dealing with stress. Some people escape to a
sunny beach, some prefer a nice glass of wine, and others even do their
best to ignore it. Each way has its advantages (and sometimes
disadvantages), but we can’t always do what helps at the exact moment we
need to. This is where pressure points become a quick and effective
long-term solution. Pressure points are areas in the body that can
trigger various effects in our bodies and minds when pressure is applied
to them.
The Scalp is full of pressure points, many that can effectively and
discretely reduce stress levels. You can sit at your office desk, lean
back and use two fingers to massage the point where the neck meets the
skull for about 20 seconds. Much of the stress we accumulate during the
day collects in the shoulders and neck muscles, and applying pressure to
this point can relieve much of it.
The Ear
This pressure point is known as Shen Men (The Spirit Gate), and some
experts claim it’s the best stress-relieving point in the body. In
reflexology, it’s also used to reduce inflammation and pain throughout
the body. It’s recommended that you massage this spot with a cotton bud
or even a pen, and to take deep, slow breaths during the massage.
The Chest
Stress can make us forget to breathe, or take shallow breaths. This
point helps reduce the stress that accumulates in your chest, while
reminding you to breathe normally again. Use three fingers to massage
this point, or one finger to tap rhythmically on the area while taking
deep breaths. If you experience chronic stress, combine massaging this
point with the point between your eyebrows. The connection between these
two points helps to calm the nervous system.
The Stomach
Many reflexologists prefer to use this point because it helps create
movement that frees the chest and diaphragm, which improves the
breathing process. Patients who have this treatment instinctively take
deeper breaths and almost always report a sensation or relief.
The Forearm
This is a classic spot for reflexology and acupuncture. Stress and
anxiety create reverse energy flow in the body, which this spot is
supposed to repair. It helps your energy to move in the right direction
while aiding your mental focus and reducing stress.
The Palm
The moment you press on this spot, you’ll feel your stress evaporating.
It is located on one of the most important meridians (an energy
channel), which affects the heart, liver, and pancreas. It is believed
that much of the stress we experience is stored in the liver, so
applying pressure on this point is highly effective. It is also a great
spot for treating headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, and insomnia –
all of which could be symptoms of stress.
The Calves
If you feel stress in the upper part of your body, massaging this spot
is perfect. The area could be quite tender in people who deal with a lot
of stress, and in women in particular.
The Foot
Pressure on this point can help ease a stressed mind that keeps
rethinking whatever it is that causes your stress. Some reflexologists
believe that this is the best meridian for treating the pancreas and
that its location, in the center of the foot, helps patients reduce
stress and provide better attention to their bodies.
Regards
Ankush D Shilimkar
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