Self-Care for Anxiety:Acupressure Points
Self-Applied Acupressure Points for Anxiety
Acupressure is a simple yet effective technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that helps calm the Shen (Spirit) and relieve anxiety. Below are key acupressure points with their Chinese names, English names, and exact locations for self-application.
1. Shenmen (神门) – HT 7 (Heart 7)
Meaning: "Spirit Gate" – helps calm the Shen (Mind)
Location: On the wrist crease, on the inner side of the forearm, in the depression on the pinky side (ulnar side) of the wrist.
How to Apply Pressure:
Use your thumb to gently press and massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes on each hand.
Helps reduce palpitations, insomnia, and emotional restlessness.
2. Neiguan (内关) – PC 6 (Pericardium 6)
Meaning: "Inner Pass" – harmonizes the mind and heart
Location: Three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons in the center of the inner forearm.
How to Apply Pressure:
Press firmly with your thumb or index finger in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes.
Helps with anxiety, nausea, chest tightness, and emotional tension.
3. Baihui (百会) – DU 20 (Governing Vessel 20)
Meaning: "Hundred Meetings" – uplifts and clears the mind
Location: On the top of the head, in the center, aligned with the tips of the ears.
How to Apply Pressure:
Gently press or tap with your fingertips for 30 seconds – 1 minute.
Helps with calming anxiety, mental fog, depression, and dizziness.
4. Yintang (印堂) – Extra Point (Third Eye Point)
Meaning: "Hall of Impression" – opens the mind and spirit
Location: In the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows.
How to Apply Pressure:
Use your index finger to press lightly in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes.
Helps with stress, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and overthinking.
5. Sanyinjiao (三阴交) – SP 6 (Spleen 6)
Meaning: "Three Yin Intersection" – nourishes Yin and Blood
Location: Four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, on the inner side of the lower leg.
How to Apply Pressure:
Use your thumb to press deeply and massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes on each leg.
Helps with calming emotions, grounding energy, and balancing hormones.
6. Taichong (太冲) – LV 3 (Liver 3)
Meaning: "Great Surge" – soothes Liver Qi, relieves stress
Location: On the top of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and second toe, about 1-2 inches up from the webbing.
How to Apply Pressure:
Press firmly for 1-2 minutes on each foot using your thumb.
Helps with stress, frustration, anger, and emotional blockages.
7. Hegu (合谷) – LI 4 (Large Intestine 4)
Meaning: "Union Valley" – releases tension and promotes energy flow
Location: On the back of the hand, in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger.
How to Apply Pressure:
Pinch or press firmly in circular motions for 1-2 minutes on each hand.
Helps with tension, emotional stagnation, and headaches.
8. Shenting (神庭) – DU 24 (Governing Vessel 24)
Meaning: "Spirit Courtyard" – calms the mind
Location: On the forehead, about one thumb-width above the hairline in the center.
How to Apply Pressure:
Gently press or massage in circular motions for 1 minute.
Helps with anxiety, emotional instability, and restlessness.
How to Apply Acupressure for Anxiety Relief
Find a Quiet Place – Sit in a comfortable position, take deep breaths.
Apply Gentle to Moderate Pressure – Use your fingers or thumb to massage each point in circular motions.
Hold for 1-2 Minutes – Breathe deeply as you press.
Repeat Daily – Perform acupressure twice a day or as needed.
🔹 Tip: Combine acupressure with deep breathing, meditation, and herbal teas for best results.
