5 Powerful Stress Relief Pressure Points for Anxiety
Updated: Jul 28
Do you feel overwhelmed by stress? There are several pressure points that can help relieve anxiety and restore balance. This article will explore five of them.
5 Best Stress Relief Pressure Points for Anxiety: Acupressure for Beginners
Women know stress. It's a given that we have to juggle our jobs, families, finances, and more all while still looking fabulous. And when stress gets out of control it can lead to other health problems like high blood pressure and depression.[**] Fortunately, there are several ways women can relieve stress in their daily lives - and one is by using stress relief acupressure points.
What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a type of massage that uses pressure to stimulate specific points in the body. It's based on traditional Chinese medicine, which believes that these points are linked to other parts of the body. Acupressure has been used for centuries to treat everything from stress and pain to infertility and arthritis.
Health Benefits of Acupressure Points
There is limited scientific knowledge about the usage of acupressure points and pressure points for anxiety relief. However, the studies that do exist are promising. Some of the reported benefits include:
● Reduced stress and anxiety[*]
● Reduced pain[*]
● Improved circulation[*]
● Improved overall emotional well-being[*]
Related: Manage Stress and Anxiety with Meditation For More Peace
5 Stress Relief Pressure Points: Anxiety Relief Acupressure
Here are five acupressure points for anxiety to incorporate into your daily wellness routine for mental and physical health.[*]
1. Yin Tang
The Yin Tang point is located directly between your eyebrows. Applying pressure to this point is said to help with anxiety, insomnia, and pain relief.
How to use the Yin Tang acupressure point:
Sit or stand comfortably and close your eyes.
Touch the space between your eyebrows with your index finger or thumb.
Take deep breaths and use a circular motion to apply pressure for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Governor Vessel
The Governor Vessel point is located on the top of your head, in the center. This pressure point is said to be helpful in relieving anxiety symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and a clenched jaw.
How to use the Governor Vessel point:
Sit or stand comfortably, keeping your spine straight.
Touch the center of the top of your head with your thumb or index finger.
Gently massage for a few seconds while taking a few deep breaths.
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3. Great Abyss
To locate the Great Abyss point, extend your arm and turn your palm up. Look for a little indentation on the side closest to your thumb, near the edge of your wrist. This point helps relieve stress and anxiety symptoms.
How to use the Great Abyss point:
Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
Extend your arm and turn your palm up.
Locate the little indentation on the side closest to your thumb, near the edge of your wrist.
Apply pressure and gently massage the point with your thumb or index finger for up to a minute.
4. Shen Men
The Shen Men point is located on your inner wrist, on the pinky side of your hand. Acupressure enthusiasts report that the Shen Men point can help with pain relief, insomnia, and anxiety disorders.
How to use the Shen Men point:
Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
With your thumb or index finger, locate the Shen Men point on your wrist crease (inner wrist) on the side closest to your pinky finger.
When you're feeling stressed or before sleeping, gently massage this area for up to a minute to help treat insomnia.
5. Hegu
The Hegu point is located in the webbed area between your thumb and index finger on the back of your hand. This point is thought to help with headaches, pain relief, and anxiety disorders.
How to use the Hegu point:
Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
With your hand facing down, find the webbed area between your thumb and index finger.
Apply firm pressure and massage the point for a few minutes.
Related: Why Self-Care Is Important Now More Than Ever
Final Thoughts About Stress Relief Acupressure Points
When stress levels are high, it can be difficult to find relief. However, these pressure points offer stress relief and each one has a different effect on the body. Practice using these pressure points for anxiety regularly and see how they help to reduce stress and improve your daily life.
If you're looking for more ways to relieve stress and anxiety, consider using a mindfulness journal. This journal can help you practice healthy habits every day and keep track of your progress. Check out the mindfulness journal now!
