Acupressure is a simple technique available to everyone as a way to affect their Qi or Life Force according to East Asian Medicine. Applying pressure to Acupuncture points can help to unblock the meridians or channels so the Qi can flow and keep your body in balance. As a licensed Acupuncturist, my aim for this article is to share 10 Power Points, so you can optimize your health and well-being for your next journey with Acupressure. Health is wealth, especially when you are travelling. So, read on and find out how simple it can be to use these tips for your wellness & healing travel. The Acupressure points mostly lie on one of the 12 major Meridians, each corresponding with an organ. (See right Image) When applying pressure use any finger (thumb is often the best), holding it for a minimum of 5-10 seconds as often as needed. Be sure to breathe deeply and relax while adding pressure. From the thousands of points, I will distill to Trudy’s Top 10 for Travel. These points are symmetrical on both sides of body. Here are the locations and benefits: 1. Gallbladder 20 or “Wind Pool” (outside the sternocleidomastoid muscle attachment on neck) This one is best reached by clasping hands together and pressing thumbs on both points on each side of the neck. Benefits: Headaches, neck & shoulder pain or tension, & blurry vision 2. Pericardium 6 or “Inner Gate” (2 *cun up from inner wrist crease in center between tendons) Indications: motion-sickness, nausea, vomiting, carpal tunnel syndrome & anxiety 3. San Jiao 5 or “Outer Gate” (2 *cun up from outer wrist crease in center between 2 muscles) Indications: Boosts immune system, ear pain or problems, & clears heat from fever, heat stroke or red skin rashes 4. Large Intestine 4 or “Union Valley” (in dorsal web space of hand, between first & second metacarpals) Contraindication: Pregnancy / Indications: headache, sinus problems, toothache, thumb and index finger pain, nosebleeds, hypertension & boosts immune system 5. Heart 7 or “Spirit Gate” ( on inner wrist crease in depression point on ulnar side) Indications: anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, PTSD 6. Yao Tong Xue or “Lumbar Pain Point” (on hand dorsum between 2nd & 3rd and 4th & 5th metacarpals at base of metacarpals) Indication: lower back pain 7. Stomach 36 or “Leg Three Miles” (3 *cun below bottom of kneecap in depression outside tibia border) Indications: lethargy, heartburn, hypertension, boosts immune system, or any digestive problem 8. Spleen 6 or “Three Yin Intersection” (3 *cun straight up from inner malleolus) Contraindication: Pregnancy / Indications: digestive or urinary problems, stress, blood sugar imbalances, bloating & edema 9. Liver 3 or “Great Surge” (on top of foot, between first and second metatarsal bones. Indications: anger, tension, irritability, muscle spasms, insomnia, hypertension & depression 10. Kidney 1 or “Gushing Spring” (sole of foot, on anterior third of foot in center) Indications: stress, tremors, fear induced anxiety, Parkinson’s Disease & PTSD I hope this empowers you to realize how simple and effective these points can be when travelling on the go or anytime for health and well-being. We all literally can take health into our own hands and keep our bodies in balance and optimize health and longevity. I wish to highlight again, not to stimulate Spleen 6 or Large Intestine 4 if you are pregnant, as they both promote labor. If you wish to view this blog on video for a visual demonstration, please visit my YouTube site at True Wind Healing Travel. Healthy Travels!! *cun=1 Thumb Width Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Consult a health practitioner for any illness. #wellnesstravel #acupressure #travel #Traveltips #acupuncture #traveltribe
