do it yourself acupressure therapy

Energy Fitness Downtown Memphis has Personal Training & Healing Arts services. Our Massage Therapy and specifically Acupressure massage can be a way of releasing muscular tension and removing muscle related pain that can develop in our joints from bad posture, sitting habits, or even walking habits. One of our therapists (Mae Jensen) is trained in this modality.

We all find it helpful to eliminate or reduce pain from either the nagging aches to severe life disruptive pains from areas of our body.  When you can’t book a massage with a professional sometimes you just need to know how you can treat yourself for relief.

Did you know that our bodies have small go-to pressure points for your muscles, joints and mood? Instead of just ignoring the aches or pains and going about your day become your own body detective by trying to figure out what area or referral area needs love and attention.

What is Acupressure?

It’s an Asian bodywork therapy ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points along meridians on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and Chi (the body’s life force) to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet).

Acupressure has roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Traditional Chinese medical theory describes special acupoints, or acupressure points, that lie along meridians, or channels, in your body. These are the same energy meridians and acupoints as those targeted with acupuncture. It is believed that through these invisible channels flows vital energy — or a life force called qi (ch’i). It is also believed that these 12 major meridians connect specific organs or networks of organs, organizing a system of communication throughout your body.

What’s the Difference Between Trigger Point Therapy & Acupressure?

Trigger point therapy involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction  while in acupressure therapy, pressure is applied for accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centers in the body. Acupressure cupping is also an option (Energy Fitness has this available during massage therapy appointments. We can show you how to do on your own with simple silicone cups. Cautions: There is a correct method so don’t get crazy on your body without knowing the right way.

Common Acupressure Points & How to Find Them

There are literally hundreds of acupuncture points on the body — too many to name. Here are three that are commonly used by acupuncturists and acupressure practitioners:

1. Relax & de-stress: Governing Vessel 24.6 – The area between the eyebrows on the forehead. The third eye, as it is otherwise known, “has the power to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and to stimulate the brain chemicals called endorphins. The stress relief is one of the key features of this point.This is known as one of the tapping areas for rewiring the brain from trauma for practitioners that use tapping therapy (tapping is a whole new article).
2. Heal everything wrong with your head- Large intestine 4 (LI 4): This is in the soft, fleshy web between your thumb and forefinger. (headaches, toothaches, jaw pain, irritated eyes, etc.)
3. Cool Down – Large intestine (LI 11): The easiest way to locate it is to bend your arm and look for the end of the crease on the outer side of your bent elbow.  Soothes fevers, hot flashes, sore throat, red skin and inflammation.
4. Happiness -Liver 3 (LR-3): Located on the top of your foot up from the space between your big toe and next toe. Get rid of anger, sadness, and other negative emotions.
5. Neck & Shoulder – Gallbladder 21. The point is located on the shoulder half way between the rotator cuff and the vertebrae column. This point is located by pinching the shoulder muscle with your thumb and middle finger. Apply downward pressure with your index finger or thumb. Massage or hold for 4-5 seconds.

(there’s a great chart of 9 points from reference: https://www.smarterhealing.com/acupressure/)

How Long do I hold an Acupressure Point?

Use your middle finger (with your index and ring fingers lending support on either side) to press into the point firmly for two to three minutes. In some instances, the location of the point makes it easier to use the thumb or even a knuckle. Be sure to breathe and let go of all the bad energy stored in that point. Hard to reach points like the neck and shoulder may be easier with a therapy tool device called a shepherd’s crook.

Self therapy tools:

Shepherd’s crook
Acupressure Mat
Acupressure Sandals

Deep tissue work such as acupressure may need to be avoided if any of the following conditions apply: The treatments is in area of cancerous tumor or if cancer has spread to bones. You have rheumatoid arthritis, spinal injury, or a bone disease made worse by physical manipulation. You have varicose veins. You are pregnant.

Live in the Memphis area and need to be inspired to get into your best shape or eat healthier and don’t know where to start?

INTERESTED IN THE SERVICES AT ENERGY FITNESS ? 552 S. MAIN, MEMPHIS, TN

Click here for a FREE consult for our personal training or nutrition coaching services (value $87) or give us a call at 901-466-6242

Click  here for information on our Healing Arts Services (Massage, Body Wraps, Reiki, Intuitive Healing, Astrological/Birth Charts & Sound Healing Therapy). We also have all natural spray tanning, facials & KT taping. 

References: https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment#2