Acupressure

Acupressure is a medical treatment in which pressure is applied to specific points on the body where Qi tends to stagnate. Often, acupuncture and acupressure together can accelerate healing benefits.

How To Do Acupressure

  • When you practice on yourself, don’t worry too much about finding the exact spot. Massaging the general area can be just as effective as focusing on the exact point.
  • If you’re unsure whether the spot you’re massaging is correct, widen the area to where you’re applying pressure. Usually, you’ll find an especially tender spot. This is the right place since points are sensitive when energy is stagnant there.
  • If you have breast cancer, massage these points daily for at least 5 minutes each. For general breast cancer prevention, three to four times a week is sufficient. Most of the acupoints are bilateral, meaning they are located in the same place on both the left and right sides of the body. Be sure to do both sides.
  • If you have suffered any injuries where the acupoints are located, you should consult your physician before practicing self-acupressure.

Stimulating Kidney Energy

This point is located on the bottom of the foot, in the center. Using a tennis ball, stimulate this area by gently rolling the ball over the bottom, center of your foot. At first, this may hurt. Do this sitting down and gradually apply more pressure. Continue for 3-5 minutes on each foot.

Relaxing the Digestive System

Massage the area under your breastbone down to your navel by slowly making clockwise circles. Do this for 3-5 minutes. Massaging this point can strengthen the digestive system and relieve the side effects of chemotherapy.

Opening the Liver Energy Gate

Find this point by placing your finger inside the big toe and follow it down until you meet the top of the foot. It’s just between the first and second toe. Massage this point with your thumb as deeply as you can. Start with the left foot then move to the right foot. Do this for 3-5 minutes per foot. As a shortcut, try wearing flip flops!