Acupressure For Quick Clarity & Focus

Acupressure uses the same points as acupuncture except you massage or hold the points rather than use needles.

Background: Acupuncture is a system of medicine from Ancient China. The ancient healers discovered that there are energy pathways that go all over the body. These pathways are called meridians. The system of Yoga (from India) also utilizes meridians but focuses on one main one on which 7 or 8 larges chakas (energy centers) exist.

How stress affects the body: Stress causes a reaction in your body known as the ‘fight or flight response’. Basically what happens is that when your life is threatened your body redistributes your blood to your major muscles and gives you a boost or adrenaline. This is so you have more energy and strength to either fight the danger you face or run away from it.

Your body has the same fight or flight response when faced with stress. The problem is that with most of the situations you face in your daily life such as bad traffic or a problem at work, fighting or fleeing from it is not an option. You have to deal with the situation at hand. So canceling out the fight or flight response is essential for dealing with the stress of modern living.   The following are two sets of pressure points that are very effective in reversing some of the effects of stress.  You will literally feel the difference in under 5 minutes.

Using these points can also help you feel more alert if you are tired and help you concentrate if you are having trouble focusing.

The Neurovasculars

One of the areas that blood is drained from – when you are stressed - is your forebrain. This part of your brain deals with creative thinking (a big factor in effective long-term problem solving).

So the first step for dealing with stress is to bring the blood back into your forebrain. You can do this by holding 2 points on your forehead called the neuro-vascular points. These points are located on the balls of your forehead as illustrated in the above image.
 
All you have to do is hold these point – lightly – and breath slow and deep. This will bring the blood back into your forebrain. You may need to do this for 2-5 minutes.

If you have trouble locating these points or are unsure if you got it right, you can also put your palms on these points. Just place the center of your palm on each side of your forehead. Hold and breathe.


The "K-27s"

Another set of points that tend to get blocked when stressed are the k-27s. These are located under the corner of each collarbone.

You will feel a slight hollow and if you press these points they will probably be sore (that’s how you know you got it right).

Massage these points using strong pressure for 2-5 minutes breathing deep and slow.

You can also combine the two sets of acupressure points together. Hold the neuro-vasculars lightly with one hand while you massage the k-27s vigorously with the other hand – always breathing deeply.

The k-27 points are on the kidney meridian and are juncture points that effect all the energy pathways of your body. That is why they work so well with the nero vascular points to reduce stress by improving the energy flow of your mind and body.

For regular, Everyday, practice (helps encourage your energy - i.e. meridians - to become more habituated to a non-stress-based response to everyday problems/stressors)...

The 3 Thumps to Increase Energy

Do the 3 thumps regularly (2-3 times a day) to increase your energy levels. The 3 thumps include the 3 points labeled on the diagram above;

· K-27 points are in the slight depression just below the 'ball' of your collar bone. Use the middle finger of the right hand to vigorously massage the left point, simultaneously doing the right point with the left middle finger. Massage in circular motion while breathing deeply for 3-4 minutes. This helps meridians that get scrambled with stress to flow in their natural paths.

·Thymus Point is about 2 inches below your K-27 points, in the center of your chest. Use 4 fingers to tap vigorously. Tap for 2 minutes with each hand. Stimulating this point will boost your immune system.

· Spleen Neurolymphatic Points are one rib below where your breasts end. Trace a line from your nipples to where the skin of your breast joins your chest. One rib below most people will find a sore spot. Tap vigorously using 4 fingers bunched up. Use your right hand for the right point and vice versa. Do this for about 1-2 minutes while breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Doing this will increase your energy level and boost your immune system.

IMPORTANT: If you feel sick then your spleen points might be so badly blocked that massaging them might make you throw up. First touch the points lightly and then exert more pressure till you can feel it but hold it comfortably. Some people may need to lie down and lightly hold each of the pressure points in turn for about 5-10 minutes while breathing calmly and comfortably.