The professional acupressure practitioner (of which I am not) sees the body is a human map, marked by key points, which, when stimulated, encourage natural healing abilities. Practiced for more than 5000 years, the healing art of acupressure applies the fingers and thumbs to various pressure points along the body to encourage vital healing energy to fight various illnesses, chronic conditions, and diseases.
The following acupressure points are called “golden acupressure points” and are highlighted by acupressure professionals because they are considered vital for healing purposes…
1. Heart
Stimulating the heart 7 (or “Spirit Gate”) point on the depression point on the inner wrist targets emotional turmoil—and soothes anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations.
2. Liver
This source point of the liver meridian, or liver 3 (or “Great Surge”) can be located on the top of the foot, above the first toe or between the first and second metatarsal bones. It’s often used to treat patients with hypertension, depression, and to soothe PMS symptoms because it lessens tension, cramps, and muscle spasms.
3. Stomach
The point known as stomach 36 (or “Leg Three Miles”) is situated in a notch below the knee, between the patella and tibia. Ancient physicians massaged this area to build renewed energy in the stomach and spleen, and to aid digestive issues—such as nausea, diarrhea, gas pain, bloating, and constipation.
4. Large Intestine
Cleverly called “Union Valley”, large intestine 4 is a major pain reliever in the body—aiding ailments such as muscle or joint pain, headache, sinus pain, and even toothache, and cooling the body of the type of excessive heat that causes nose bleeds and fever. This point is found in the dorsal web space of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones.
5. Small Intestine
The point labeled small intestine 11 (or “Celestial Gathering”) is credited with soothing back, shoulder, and neck pain. This point, located in the middle of the left and right scapula on the front shoulder, can also relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel.
6. Spleen
Massaging the spleen 6 point (or “Three Yin Intersection”) is beneficial to the spleen, liver, and kidneys, and is considered the meeting place for these three organs. Located between the bony process situated at the tip (tibia) of the ankle, stimulation of the area is credited with treating an array of urinary, sexual, anxiety, insomnia, and digestive woes (gas bloating).
7. Kidney
The point known as Kidney 1 (or “Gushing Spring”) is meant to stimulate fire in the aging population. A symbolic “fountain of youth” often used in elderly patients, this point, located on the sole of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, can be stimulated by a warm foot soak, daily.
8. Lung
The acupressure point labeled Lung 1 (or Central Treasury) is located on the chest, directly in the first intercostal space, just below the clavicle. This point is considered a collecting spot for all lung and respiratory energy. When stimulated LU 7aims to soothe the symptoms of asthma, migraine, and other respiratory issues.
