Pinpointing Health

Acupuncture and acupressure therapies aim to restore balance when the natural flow of energy, or qi (chi), thought to support wellness, is disrupted or blocked.

Many people report relief from pain and other symptoms after sessions, which stimulate activation centers at various regions to reopen meridians (12 channels believed to connect specific organs, creating a communication system throughout your body). Research seems to back up the claims, finding that conditions like depression, lower back pain, migraines, even nausea can be alleviated with acupuncture or pressure. You can massage trigger points that are believed to stimulate emotional wellness, promote physical health, and curb pain.

Gently pinch the soft webbed area between your thumb and index finger to help relieve stomach or intestinal problems and headaches.

Use your index and middle fingers to apply pressure at the base of the inside of your wrist, in between the two large tendons, to relieve symptoms of nausea. Stroking downward toward the hand along this spot may also settle anxiety and insomnia.

Apply pressure with your thumb on the notch about 3 finger widths above your inner ankle bone at the base of the calf muscle to ease menstrual cramps, urinary or digestive problems, and emotional stress.

If you’re pregnant, or have a bone disease, varicose veins, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor; acupressure therapies may not be appropriate.