Now, meridians and acupressure might sound a little mysterious, but hear me out. Whether you aim to de-stress or are curious about how these concepts fit into traditional methods of healing, learning about meridians and acupressure could be life-changing—I know it was for me.
A few light manipulations at particular points of the body restore your energy paths, or “meridians,” to their natural state. And if you know the simple basics, then you can try it yourself at home. But first, let’s look at what this interesting stuff is all about.
Meridians are the invisible highways or channels of energy that flow throughout your body. They guide the flow of “qi,” or life energy. Visualize it as an internal mapping whereby energy would flow from one organ to another to nourish your body and keep it healthy. Where there is a block in this flow or there is an imbalance, discomfort may be witnessed, or pain and illness may set in. Think about a stream—when debris obstructs the flow of water, eventually something clogs up.
Meridians act much the same way. Keeping them clear allows your body to function at its optimum best.
There are 12 major meridians in the body, one for each of the major organs: lungs, heart, kidneys, etc. Along these meridians are a number of individual acupressure points where pressure can be applied to enhance well-being.
Acupressure uses the fingers, elbows, or sometimes a special tool to press on certain points along these meridians. Similar to acupuncture in that it also works on these pressure points, though not with needles, it’s ideal for those who are afraid of anything pointed. The pressure you apply will stimulate the meridian and help to release blockages.
I like to think of acupressure as giving your body a system restore. When you are feeling just a little bit off, acupressure can help turn your energy back on, kind of like hitting the reboot button on a computer that is running really slowly.
If you are anything like me, you might be looking for some new ways to better handle your stress, relieve pain, or just feel generally healthier. Acupressure is a gentle, effective way to do just that. It’s non-invasive, easy to learn, and can be done anywhere—at home, at work, or even while you’re sitting in traffic. No expensive equipment or special appointments are needed, just your hands—and the results can be impressive.
It’s a real lifesaver with headaches—instead of reaching for the painkillers, I press a few points on my head, and voilà, almost instant relief. Besides, it works wonders in releasing muscle tension or even easing anxiety. If you have ever had the urge to try something that feels holistic yet at the same time practical, this is it.
Acupressure does not only target physical pain but also addresses emotional stress and tension. Here are some of the major benefits you may notice.
The best of all is that acupressure works in concert with your body’s natural healing powers. You are not adding anything foreign or forcing anything unnatural; it is just you and your body working together.
It might be overwhelming for a person who is new to acupressure, but this quickly becomes second nature once you are comfortable with the places of touching. Familiarize yourself first with some basic points:
Press these points firmly for several seconds and then release. This may be repeated for a number of minutes or until tension is reduced. Well, you gotta listen to your body. You’ll notice that there are some spots that will be more sensitive, or just where you press it will feel “right.” Trust that feeling; it means you’re in the right spot.
You do not have to set aside special time each day for the practice of acupressure. As a matter of fact, I find it works best when I incorporate it into my daily routine. Sometimes I press certain points when watching television, sitting at my desk, or even standing in line at the grocery store.
A morning session can give you energy during the day, and a few minutes before sleeping, it makes your mind calm and builds sleep. Isn’t that beautiful? Acupressure is flexible—you can if you need it.
In my opinion, I find acupressure to work much better when combined with other ways of well-being. Certain things, like deep breathing or meditation, work very well in enhancing the relaxing effects of acupressure. I also enjoy adding some gentle stretches or yoga postures that particularly target certain meridians, such as forward bends for the kidney meridian or twists for the liver meridian.
Acupressure does not have to be complicated or time-consuming when added to one’s wellness routine. Start small, and in time you will find the rhythm that works best for you.
This is probably the most common question I get when talking about acupressure. And my response is, no, it should not hurt. You may experience some mild discomfort, especially if the point you are pressing is tender or tight. But this, in general, is just a sign that the point is blocked and that stimulating it will help release that tension.
If you do feel any pain, ease up on the pressure or move slightly to another area. Remember that acupressure works with your body, not against it. It should feel soothing, not painful.
While we’ve talked frequently about physical benefits, acupressure certainly holds its ground where emotional balance is at stake. Pressing these points helps release pent-up emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration. These are exactly what I use when I need to face any overwhelming situation or emotional exhaustion.
For instance, rubbing in the pericardium point on your wrist can eliminate anxiety or nervousness. I have tried it when things seem to be out of hand, and I happened to feel calm and centered.
You might be surprised at how much better you feel emotionally after an acupressure session. It’s kind of like hitting the reset button for body and mind. Can Everyone Perform Acupressure? Short answer: Yes! Acupressure works for just about anyone. If you are pregnant, have a serious medical condition, or need any kind of treatment, it may be better to consult with a health professional before starting. With that said, acupressure is light enough for any age and fitness level, which I love so much. You do not have to get any special training or experience up front, just the willingness to listen to your body and trust it.
When I began integrating meridians and acupressure into my practice, I had no idea that such a simple thing might make such a huge difference. But now, after applying it to my life, I am just dumbfounded with the results. From pain relief to emotional balance, acupressure has given me a way to connect with my body on a deeper level of intuition. Give it a shot if you’re new to this; you needn’t be at an expert level to reap its benefits. Just start with a few points and see how your body reacts to it. It’s all about balance—when your meridians are clear and your energy’s flowing, your body can heal itself naturally. And that’s something we could all use a little more of.
