Self Massage with Acupressure

When feeling pain, everybody instinctively presses points and places their hands over areas to calm pain.

Acupressure originated in China and calms pain by pressing corresponding points.  Although you may not be an expert in it, you can still enjoy its benefits by trying the exercises I’m going to list below.

How do I apply the pressure?

Use your index finger or thumb, or several fingers or even your knuckles, depending on the area.  What you need to do is press the point, and if you feel pain, make small circles over the area for 2-3 minutes.

How do I locate the point?

There are several points, and to get to know them all along with their benefits, you need to take a class for it.  Here we are going to spend a moment on points on the head.

What should I do?

Apply pressure and move towards points of tension, which are the areas you’ll want to work.  You’ll notice a bit of pain when you touch them, then move in a circular motion over them.

1) Place the palms of your hand over your eyes, keeping them there for a few seconds in order to relax your eyes.  Them, bring your hands toward your hairline, and continue dragging them over your entire cranium.  Move your fingers like a rake, until reaching the nape of your neck (this promotes blood flow).

2) Use your thumbs to press your temples, and use the rest of your fingers on the rest of your head.  Press for 5 seconds, then change the pressure point, continuing throughout your entire head.

3) Make circles with the index finger on each hand from behind your ears toward the nape of your neck.

4) Press the palm of your hand into your forehead while the other hand grasps the backside of the head, in order to counteract the pressure (hold the pressure for 6 seconds, then release.  Repeat 10 times).

5) Press the heels of your hand into your temples, pumping, and then use your thumbs to press down.  Do this while moving upward towards the crown of the head, applying pressure to the entire cranium.

6) Inhale, slowly open your mouth as wide as possible and hold for 8 seconds.  Quickly close your mouth (This relaxes the temporal muscle).

7) Use your thumbs to press on the areas connecting the skull to the neck.  You may feel some pain, but working it will help relax the muscles and calm the pain.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 01/30/2015

About the author