How to massage your acupuncture points

Reflexology has a foundation in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a history of more than 2,000 years. It is a method of activating the body's self-healing mechanisms to treat disease and relieve pain. Like acupuncture, which uses microscopic needles, acupressure stimulates the body at certain meridians or acupuncture points.
Acupressure is considered an effective form of stimulation used to help relax the muscles. This self-massage can maintain improvement and minimize the recurrence of symptoms if done regularly. Be patient and consistent when practicing reflexology. A simple way to stimulate these points is to press firmly with your fingers in a circular or up-and-down motion for several minutes at a time. You should apply this therapy under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
Dr. Steve Moreau, DOM, AP, an acupuncturist and instructor in Florida explains: “Chinese medicine has discovered that our bodies are interwoven with streams of unnatural energy. This image . “The theory of TCM also holds that each line of meridian is connected to a specific organ. It is the alignment between these specific points that allows reflexology to work.”
Up to 9/10 studies have shown the effective effects of reflexology.
It is important that you be patient and consistent when doing acupressure for self-massage. Symptoms may not improve immediately, but regular massage can relieve pain as well as reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
When acupressure, you need to keep a few things in mind:
Take time for yourself. Lie down or sit in a comfortable position. Relax, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Use the force of your fingers to press hard and put pressure on the acupuncture points, you can press and rotate or press up and down the acupuncture points.

Neck and shoulder pain is often the result of stress and can lead to what condition tension headaches. There are several acupressure points for shoulder pain relief, says Dr. Moreau, starting with one of the most commonly used.
Use your thumb to:
Step 1: Press with great force until you feel a slight pain.
Step 2: Hold the pose for five seconds.
Step 3: Release and repeat the pose three times.

There are two main acupuncture points that can help you relieve back pain. The first is at your waist:
Step 1: Stand up and gently hug your waist with your hands so that your thumbs hug your back.
Step 2: Keeping your thumb still, use strong pressure for 5 seconds and rotate the acupuncture point.
Step 3: Repeat this movement three times.
Experts say you can also find an acupressure point for low back pain relief in the middle of your calf muscles:
Step 1: Press firmly with your thumb and rotate the acupressure point, keeping the pose for a while. five seconds.
Step 2: Release and repeat two more times.

The first acupuncture point located right between your eyebrows is determined to relieve sinus pressure and pain. You can use your index finger or thumb to apply pressure here in a circular motion around the acupuncture point for 5 seconds.
The next acupressure point is located from the temples to the sides of the nostrils. Press firmly in this position with your thumb for five seconds.
Experts recommend following this massage technique for each position, pressing hard at these points but not causing pain.
These exercises can be done several times per day, but it's best to give your body a rest if any spots are painful to the touch. In addition, you should start with light massage movements and increase the force gradually.
The causes of pain sensations as listed above are usually due to stress and tension. It is important that you relax and reduce the stressors in your life for these methods to work most effectively. If you find it difficult to relax and give yourself a massage, you can ask a friend or family member for help.
Acupressure is an effective self-massage method used to relax muscles. This method can maintain improvement and minimize the recurrence of symptoms.

Reference source: healthline.com