What are Acupressure and Acupressure Points?

Have you ever heard of acupressure? You may have seen it in a movie or read about the benefits in a magazine. Acupressure is one of the oldest known healing practices. It may sound like an ancient practice, but acupressure actually consists of therapeutic techniques that use pressure points on your body’s various organs (most notably your head, hands and feet). Acupressure can make you feel relaxed or energized while stimulating the body through a particular area by reducing stress in that region.

Acupressure is a form of treatment that involves the grabbing and pressing down on certain areas of the body. In many ways, it is like acupuncture but with some differences – an acupuncturist will use a needle to stimulate these points while acupressure uses finger pressure. Acupuncture is used to treat many ailments, such as low back pain and other conditions, while acupressure can be used to relieve muscle pain.

How acupressure helps in treating health conditions?

Studies have proven that acupressure can help in the treatment of many health conditions, such as arthritis, pains due to overuse, coughing, headaches and insomnia. Acupressure is also effective in reducing pain and stress within the body through specific Asian methods of self-healing. It has been known in the past that acupressure is a successful method for relieving pain and making us feel better for several days after a session.

How does Acupressure Work?

We find it very interesting how acupressure works. The simple answer is that it works by tapping into your immune system and releasing endorphins which act as a natural pain killer. This stress relieving hormone allows you to relax when you need it the most! 

Acupressure is also known as “reflexology without fingers”. Acupuncturists, medical doctors and chiropractors often use acupressure in conjunction with other therapies for maximum results.

It’s easy to start acupressure as a self-treatment – by following a few simple instructions, you can treat any number of ailments at home. You can even use acupressure on yourself in the comfort of your own bedroom and get fast results for most symptoms. 

Acupressure is a natural therapy that doesn’t involve the use of any drugs or chemicals, and is therefore safe for most people. It works as a safe and effective way to maintain health, with long-term results.

Acupressure is often used alongside other treatments, such as herbal remedies and acupuncture, which are considered complementary therapies due to their holistic approach. There are many alternative therapies related to acupressure, including shiatsu and reflexology. Many people use a combination of these treatments because they compliment one another so well.

Difference between Systolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Blood Pressure

The pressure created by the pumping of blood by the heart into the blood vessels to push it throughout the body is known as blood pressure. The normal pressure count in a person is 120/80. Blood pressure is of two types:

• Systolic Blood Pressure: The pressure created inside the arteries when the heart pumps blood.
• Diastolic Blood Pressure: The pressure created inside the arteries when the heart is at rest.

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Benefits of Acupressure

1. It relieves the patient from the feeling of vomiting or discomfort caused to the patient after any major surgery
2. It also helps in lowering the amount of pain caused by any surgery
3. Nausea from Motion sickness
4. Some studies have also found that acupressure may help with lower back pain, headache and pain after surgery.
5. One research conducted on hemodialysis patients has found that acupressure may also reduce depression, anxiety, and stress
6. More than one study has found acupressure to be beneficial in improving mood and reducing fatigue.

Warning

However, acupressure should not be used by any normal physician. It must be performed only by skilled physicians who know how to apply acupressure

4 Acupressure Points for High Blood Pressure

1. Acupressure Point LI4:Middle of Thumb and Index Finger for Lowering High Blood Pressure

The spot in the middle of the thumb and the index finger. The point is usually referred to as the large intestine 4 and is also sometimes called LI4. When pressure is inserted in between the web that is formed in between the thumb and the index finger, it helps in easing pains that are caused due to chronic diseases and also with the right movement helps in lowering the blood pressure.

2. Acupressure Point LV3: Between the Thumb Toe and the Middle Toe for Lowering High Blood Pressure

The spot between the thumb toe and the middle toe. The point is often referred to as the Liver 3 or sometimes is also called the LV3.If you are looking for blood pressure acupressure point on feet, then try this point.

It is found at the beginning of the two toes, the thumb toe and the middle one. This acupressure point can be a good long-term remedy for people suffering from high blood pressure. If the correct spot is found and it is rubbed properly for at least a minute for a long time every day, it helps in reducing the blood pressure count and to some extent normalizing it.

3. Acupressure Point GB20: Behind the Neck for Lowering High Blood pressure

The spot behind the neck. The point is often referred to as the Gallbladder 20 and is sometimes also termed as GB20. it is located on the two parts at the lower end of the skull. Applying pressure with both the thumb on both the parts of the vertebrae at the backside of the head for almost a minute can be very beneficial for lowering the blood pressure.

4. Acupressure Point PC6: Middle of the Wrist near Elbow for reducing High Blood Pressure

The spot is near the elbow at the middle and inner side of your wrist. This point is know as Pericardium 6 or PC6 and is highly effective in treating high blood pressure by regulating your circulatory system. Research has found that it can help people cope with nausea, anxiety, asthma symptoms apart from lowering high blood pressure.

Precautions to be taken care when doing acupressure

Here are some of the precautions to be taken care when doing acupressure.

1. It is recommended that one should do the acupressurist massage with bare fingers rather than wearing gloves. The hands are the major organs of our body and if we keep the finger nails long, they can pinch any part of our body with their edge thus causing pain or damage.
2. It is recommended to avoid applying acupressure on the skin which is already bruised, chapped or under any skin infection.
3. It is advised not to apply acupressure to people with a fever of 100 degrees Celsius or above.
4. It is important that one should not apply acupressure on the nerves especially the nerves in the hands and feet as that may cause severe pain and damage it as well.
5. Where there is a wound, it is recommended that one should not apply acupressure until the wound has healed properly as it may cause infection and damage it.
6. It is important that one should avoid doing acupressure on the neck especially if one has a disease such as tuberculosis or jaundice, because it may infect it with the virus and thus causing a severe disease.

How can I lower my blood pressure in a minute in 5 ways?

If you have high blood pressure, then you know all too well how serious this condition can be. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure is a leading cause of death worldwide– striking 1 out of 4 adults over the age of 30! For those who are fortunate enough to have normal or low blood pressure, there’s no need to worry. In fact, healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke by keeping your blood pressure in check.

Here are some of the ways to lower blood pressure in a minute.

1. Exercise

Exercise can do wonders for your heart and overall health, but did you know it’s also one of the easiest and most effective ways to lower blood pressure? According to the Mayo Clinic, research shows that 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can reduce blood pressure by 5-14 points. If you’re not exercising as much as recommended, start by doing 10-minutes of aerobic exercise every day. Try walking or jogging at a brisk pace for those 10 minutes to get the most benefits.

2. Use a relaxation technique

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), stress is one of the biggest predictors of high blood pressure. And while exercise can help lower your stress level, it’s not a long-term solution. Incorporate a relaxation technique into your daily routine to combat high blood pressure and reduce stress. Instead of turning on the TV news or mindlessly scrolling through social media, take care of yourself and focus on a yoga pose or meditation for at least five minutes.

3. Eat well (including getting enough salt)

A healthy diet is critical to maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure, so make sure you’re getting plenty of nutrients from your food each day. According to the American Heart Association, healthy eating includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

4. Reduce Bad Cholesterol

To lower your bad cholesterol, follow a diet that is low in saturated fat and low in sodium. This can be done by following a plant-based diet, or a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables. You should also increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in many foods including walnuts, flax seeds, and tofu.

5. Reduce Sodium

A main contributor to high blood pressure is excess sodium. Too much dietary salt can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems over time.

Acupressure and Stress Reduction

Acupressure can help with stress, energy levels and moods. Here are five ways to use acupressure to overcome your stressors, think clearly and get more done at work or school:

1) Take an hour break from work to stretch your body and calm down.

Remember to pay special attention to your neck, shoulders, wrists and feet. You can either do this at your desk or go outside for a walk.

2) Place pressure on the top of your feet while you work.

Press your finger tips gently on top of each foot as you type or read an article online. By pressing these pressure points, you will stimulate energy flow through the meridian lines in your body. Do this regularly and you will feel refreshed and energized throughout the day.

3) Use a small ball to self-massage your tired feet.

You can take off your shoes and socks and roll the tennis ball under each foot. Rolling the tennis ball will reduce tension in your feet, which can cause you to cramp up while typing at work or while studying at home.

4) Eat a healthy meal before you go to bed at night.

Drink two glasses of water before you go to bed as well. This will help with hydration, which is vital for maintaining clear thinking throughout the day.

5) Use a small vibrating massager on each foot before you go to bed at night.

Press your feet against the vibration and feel the energy flow through your body.

Other Useful Acupressure Points for Relaxation

1) Place pressure on the top of your feet while you work

Press your finger tips gently on top of each foot as you type or read an article online. By pressing these pressure points, you will stimulate energy flow through the meridian lines in your body.

Difference between High Blood Pressure and Low Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure, also known as HBP or Hypertension, is a disease in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. A person is called to be suffering from hypertension if his pressure is calculated to be 140/90. A person is considered suffering from hypertension if the pressure is above the mentioned reading. A person is considered to be severely suffering from high blood pressure if his reading rises to as high as 180/120.

Low blood pressure, also known as Hypotension is a disease in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too low. The normal reading of a person is 120/80 mmHg. If the pressure reading of a person falls to 110/70 mmHg, he is considered to be suffering from hypotension. A person is considered to be severely suffering from low blood pressure if his reading falls to as low as 90/60.

How to Check Blood Pressure?

The instrument to check a person’s blood pressure is called a Sphygmomanometer and it is measured in mmhg. In the reading, the systolic number comes first, which is then followed by the diastolic reading.

A person suffering from any of the two pressure problems should always get checked regularly by professional help and have a personal blood pressure kit at home to track the pressure count, be it mild or severe. The pressure reading can rapidly change and vigorously fall or rise anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can acupressure lower BP?

In hypertensive patients, applying acupressure to the Taichong acupoint can drop blood pressure; this technique may be used in the nursing care plan for hypertension. To ascertain the ideal dosage, frequency, and long-term outcomes of this therapy, however, more research is required.

2. Can acupressure be done daily?

If you apply prolonged pressure to specific acupressure sites, once daily or even once every other day would be sufficient. On the other hand, if the acupressure therapy only lasts a brief time, you can do it three to four times every day.

3. Are there any risks of acupressure?

Acupressure is extremely safe in general. Before attempting any therapy that involves manipulating joints and muscles, such as acupressure, see your doctor if you have cancer, arthritis, heart disease, or another chronic condition.

4. Which finger do you press for high blood pressure?

It is quite simple to use the acupressure points. The intersection of the thumb and index finger is not far from this position. Your other thumb can be used to apply pressure to this area to help lower blood pressure. Additionally, it helps a number of other chronic conditions and increases immunity.

Conclusion

Although acupressure is a very traditional and home-based method, having the proper knowledge of it can be very useful to supply to the patients as a home remedy. With the continuous and proper application of the acupressure method, a patient can be comforted in various situations of severe discomfort.

Disclaimer

The above points are for general information purposes only. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any medical problems.

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