When I hear phrases like \u201cbeing under pressure\u201d in a negative context, I tend to think of it in the reverse, about how some pressure can be good for us and to help motivate or get us going.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve ever had a headache or found yourself in a stressful situation, you may have rubbed your temples or the space between your eyes, applying pressure. When your muscles are sore, you may apply pressure to help them feel better. Those are examples of naturally placing our hands on specific areas of our body for relief.<\/p>\n
The practice of acupressure can help relieve tension and pain and support our well-being. Acupressure is the applying of pressure to specific points on the body, and it has been used for thousands of years to support health and well-being. It\u2019s also a specific type of massage therapy technique based on the meridian system, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine and other ancient healing systems.<\/p>\n
Acupressure is used in health care settings by a variety of trained professionals: acupuncturists, massage therapists and nurses, for example. And, it\u2019s easy to learn specific acupressure points as a self-care method that we can use anytime. When several points are grouped together to increase the effectiveness of the treatment, it is called an \u201cacupressure prescription.\u201d These acupressure prescriptions can help with specific health issues, like headaches and lower back pain; they can also be used to support increases in energy, finding calm during stressful situations, or finding relaxation.<\/p>\n
We can access the relief these points provide anytime it is needed\u2014simply press or massage the points for about 30 seconds and use an amount of pressure that feels comfortable without being painful.<\/p>\n
Interested in experiencing how a bit of pressure may help support your well-being? Join Dr. Juli Olson, chiropractor and acupuncturist, in this quick 4-minute video demonstration.<\/p>\n