Massage Pressure Points: What Are They and How Can They Relieve Stress?

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​Feeling stressed out? You’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, most people in The United States are highly stressed out. Politics, global events, work, family, health concerns, and money are just a few things causing Americans stress these days. While eliminating these stressors is virtually impossible, there are ways to deal with it. A great way to de-stress and cope with stress is through massage. When you visit a massage therapist, they know how to work with the body’s pressure points to relieve muscle tension, increase blood flow, and decrease your stress levels.

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What Are Pressure Points?

Pressure points are specific areas on the surface of the body that can relieve pain when stimulated in massage therapy. Acupressure (massaging pressure points) began over 2,000 years ago in traditional Chinese medicine. The human body is a self-healing organism and acupressure activates these healing abilities to treat illness and pain. During an acupressure massage, massage therapists will use their fingers, palms, elbows, or other devices to apply pressure to these acupoints.

 

Where Are the Main Pressure Points for Stress Relief?

According to Modern Reflexology, there are nine key pressure points to relieve stress and anxiety.

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Three mile point:

This is a point located two finger widths below the kneecap and four near the outside of the leg. When pressure is applied here, it can increase and regulate energy flow. When pressure is applied here for about a minute, it can relieve fatigue and increase concentration.

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Great rushing:

This point is between the webbing of the big and second toe. Applying pressure here can help maintain a smooth flow of energy through the body’s meridians (energy highways).

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Grandfather-grandson:

This point is located on the side of the inside of the foot, near the base of the big toe. Applying pressure here balances the circulation of energy throughout the body, which can relieve the mind from anxiety and worry.

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Inner gate:

Three finger widths above your wrist crease is where you’ll find this point. Applying pressure in this location can protect the heart from stress, encourage deep breathing, and decrease nausea.

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Outer gate:

This is located on the back of the arm, near the wrist and between tendons. Stimulating the point can support immune function and increase the body’s energy flow.

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Union valley:

You’ll find this point in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. This is a great pressure point for reducing muscle tension and relieving stress.

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Central treasury:

This is located two finger widths above where the arms meet the chest. The central treasury pressure point helps with deep, steady breathing, increases blood flow, and helps balance emotions.

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Will’s chamber:

You can locate this pressure point at the middle of your waist, three fingers away from the spine. When you stimulate this point it can evenly distribute energy flow, strengthen the body, and help with back tension.

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Shoulder well:

The shoulder well is located at the ridge of the shoulder between the shoulder and base of the neck. When stimulated, this point can relieve stress and tension and help with energy flows.

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Make a Massage Therapy Appointment

If stress is threatening to get the best of you, don’t let it control your life. Schedule yourself a massage therapy appointment with us at Core Vital Massage & Wellness. Taking time out for yourself is the best way to cope with stress. We know how to use pressure points and massage techniques to help you feel less tense and more energized.