Acupressure and anxiety

Your breathing becomes uncomfortably rapid, your heart starts to race, and all you want to do is escape. If you’ve ever had a panic attack, you know how frightening and out of control it feels. If you haven’t had a panic attack, count yourself as lucky. But you still surely know what it’s like to feel intense anxiety – everybody does.

What most people don’t know is that medication isn’t always necessary to combat these anxious feelings, to promote calm, and regain control. In fact, acupressure can help to relieve a variety of negative emotions and is especially helpful if you’re prone to panic attacks – when you need something that can calm you down right then, right there. You simply have no time to spare when you’re in that panicky state.

So, how does it work? Acupressure triggers brain responses and stimulates hormonal activity that helps to combat your nerves. It increases blood circulation and releases physical tension, which balances your metabolism and causes your breathing to slow down. These physical responses then have a relaxing effect on your mind.

Studies have shown that certain acupressure points are better than others in relieving anxiety and nervousness. Below are some of the best points to help you to regain control of your emotions.

Sea of Tranquility (CV17)
This is often considered to be the best point to relieve anxiety, especially to stop a panic attack before it has a chance to escalate. It helps to deepen your breathing and stimulates your thymus gland. This point is in the center of your chest about four finger-widths above the breastbone’s base just below your fourth rib. As you press the point firmly, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply, and visualize your tension and fear leaving your body with each exhale. You can even lie down and put your hands in the prayer position, using both thumbs to press on the Sea of Tranquility point.

Inner Gate (P6)
This point is especially good if your heart is racing. Extend one of your arms, palm side up. The Inner Gate is about three finger-widths from your wrist. Press the point firmly for at least one minute or until your symptoms decrease.

Third Eye (GV24.5)
This point is the hollow spot between your eyebrows where your forehead and nose meet. Keep your eyes closed as you apply pressure to this point for about two minutes. It stimulates the pituitary gland and is very effective in releasing anxiety. You can lie down while pressing this point as well.

Letting Go (Lu1)
Use both hands to feel the outer edge of both of your collarbones. Then, press firmly with your fingers on the points about three finger-widths below the bones. Apply pressure to these points for as long as three minutes, if you can. These are especially helpful for warding off panic attacks.

Heavenly Pillar (B10)
Use one finger from each hand to press each side of the neck about one inch below the base of your skull. These are your trapezius muscles which run down both sides of the neck. Press firmly for as long as is comfortable for your arms.

When anxiety strikes, stop what you’re doing and focus on each of these acupressure points one at a time. You will soon discover which points work best for you, and you’ll no doubt be surprised to find that you can calm down and regain control much faster than you thought.

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