Want to stop annoying niggles and health concerns from spoiling your day? You’ll find the answer at your fingertips! When itʼs finally time for a well-deserved break, you want to feel on top form. But hay fever – which affects one in four people – travel sickness, jet lag and other less seasonal ailments all have the potential to ruin an enjoyable time.
The good news? Your fingertips could be all you need to feel better – thanks to the power of acupressure. Used for more than 5 000 years, this traditional Chinese treatment is easy to perform on yourself, painless, free and works in minutes. What’s not to love?
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“Acupressure is a safe and gentle practice used to relieve symptoms from many common disorders, such as insomnia and headaches,” says Five Element Acupuncturist Asha Chong.
“It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, similar to acupuncture, except that it uses your thumb and fingertip pressure instead of fine needles.”
Unblocking your QI
Acupressure uses 365 main points on the body, located on meridians, explains holistic health expert Richard Brook, author of Understanding Human Nature: A User’s Guide to Life.
“Life energy, or qi (pronounced ‘chee’) flows through the meridian pathways, which link one function of the body with another. If the qi is blocked, it’s thought it can cause health problems.”
Although the exact science of how acupressure works is unknown, the benefits are widely reported.
“Acupressure stimulation is considered to cause the release of endorphins, the natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body,” explains Asha. “It’s reported to stimulate the lymphatic system, improve blood flow, increase energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety, promote mental well-being and help relieve tension.”
Finding the right spot
The location of the point you press may not correlate to the site of the symptom. For example, points on the leg are used to treat indigestion.
“Use your thumb or index finger to apply firm pressure to a point until you feel an achy – but not painful – sensation,” says Richard. Here, he explains how to unleash the power in your own fingertips to treat some specific health niggles.
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Hay fever
Point LI20 or Large Intestine 20
Where: Just next to and slightly below the flare of the nostrils, in the ‘laugh line’ when you smile.
Why: “Hay fever often creates pressure in the sinuses. Pressing what’s known as the ‘Welcome Fragrance’ point
can help to open the nasal passages, alleviate congestion and reduce sneezing caused by allergens, such as pollen and dust.”
Travel sickness
Point PC6 or Pericardium 6
Where: Located two to three fingers’ width down from the inner wrist, between the two tendons running down the inner arm.
Why: “‘Inner Frontier Gate’ is the name of this classic point for general nausea. Apply pressure to this point before and during a journey – it helps to relieve anxiety, which can be the precursor to the nausea that comes later. Repeat as needed.”
Jet lag
Point EX-HN 3 or Yintang
Where: Between the eyebrows on the bridge of the nose.
Why: “The ‘Hall of Impression’ point can alleviate feelings of nausea, disorientation and fatigue that are often associated with jet lag. Press before your flight to relieve anxiety, during the flight to relieve agitation, and then on arrival if you find you are struggling to reset your body clock.”
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Insomnia
Point LIV 3 or Liver 3
Where: On top of the foot, two to three fingers’ width back from the webbing between the big toe and second toe. Do both feet, one at a time.
Why: “This point is called ‘Happy Calm’, which speaks volumes for its benefits! Agitation is created by a stressed liver, as it connects to the faculty of mind associated with planning and decision- making. When overthinking, the liver can become strained. Between 1 am and 3 am, the liver likes to be at rest and cleaning the blood but, instead, it can be overworked, waking us up into a torrent of thoughts.”
Headaches
Point LI4 or Large Intestine 4
Where: In the webbing between where your thumb and index finger meet, just before you feel the bones meeting.
Why: “‘Union Valley’ is a command point for symptoms of the head, so can be particularly effective for headaches, jaw tension and sinus congestion. The point has a strong clearing action to help disperse anxiety, distress, tension and confusion – often underlying factors in symptomatic headaches. People often instinctively press this point without realising its benefits.”
Tummy troubles
Point ST36 or Stomach 36
Where: On the outside of the calf, three fingers’ width below the kneecap, just beneath the bump formed at the top
of the tibia bone.
Why: “For common indigestion, bloating and gas, the point known as ‘Leg Three Miles’ is great. By aiding digestion, this ultimately helps other areas of health – such as energy levels – so it’s essential that it functions efficiently.”
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