Pressure points work on the muscles, nerves, and circulation. Muscles hold tension and pressing on points helps release tension. Pressure points also benefit the nerves and help us to relax. Similar to massage, acupressure soothes the nervous system and has a calming effect. Massaging points also helps to promote blood circulation.
How do pressure points affect muscles?
Muscles frequently hold tension in the form of trigger points. When we have pain in our neck and back small regions of the muscle can become chronically contracted. By pressing on these areas it can help to release the tension held in the muscles.
There are a variety of techniques we can use on pressure points to release tension. The most basic method is to press down and hold the point. We can also use different movements such as alternating the amount of pressure, making small circles, and moving up and down the muscles. A more advanced method uses cross-fiber massage, or deep friction massage, to massage transversely across the muscle fibers. This method helps to release tension from the fascia and connective tissues and helps prevent adhesions such as occur with scar tissue.
How long do I press on pressure points?
Press on them for at least 30 seconds and up to three minutes. During this time you can apply different techniques such as changing the pressure, moving around the point, or using a cross-fiber stimulation method.
What pressure points drain sinuses?
Points on the face, cheeks, and near the nose are some of the best to use. However, points on the hands like LI 4 are also effective. Points on the feet between the metatarsals can be highly beneficial but require an electro-pen. There is also a group of points on the quadriceps that should be added to a routine.
How do pressure points help anxiety?
Similar to massage, pressure points stimulate a part of the nervous system called the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS plays a role in helping us to sleep, relax, and feel calm. Massage and acupressure can be very relaxing because gentle touch turns on the PNS.
When we feel stressed or anxious another part of the nervous system, called the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), is active and releases adrenaline-like substances. The SNS is also connected to the fight or flight response. People who feel anxious usually have some underlying fear, and the feeling of fear is connected to the SNS and fight or flight response. Doing self-massage with pressure points brings us back to a state of mindfulness and body awareness,
When people feel anxious it is often important to look at the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of the disorder. Anxiety can be caused by many things and in a holistic health coaching program, we want to consider both the role of the mind and body. Additionally, social and environmental factors should be considered as some people suffer from social anxiety. Certain environments, such as noisy, loud, or crowded environments can cause anxiety in some people.. When I work with people with anxiety I always consider physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental factors that may contribute to the condition. As a home remedy, self-massage with pressure points can play a useful role in addressing some of the physical and psychological factors related to anxiety.
What pressure points should I avoid in pregnancy?
There are four points to avoid in pregnancy: LI 4, SP 6, GB 21, and UB 60. You also should not do pressure points on the lower abdomen, and caution should be exercised on the low back as well.
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