Almost every one of us has these anxiety jitters and attacks from time to time. Call it lifestyle-related, or work and family-related. anxiety is a real challenge in day to day life.
Let us explore a straightforward and practical way to handle anxiety. Next time you are tense or anxious, do not head for the antidepressant. Try a better and sensible alternative-acupressure.
What is anxiety
It is a very common feeling of fear for something that might happen. Anticipating that something untoward may occur, the mind gets stressed about it. It does not matter whether what goes on in mind is logical or not. The mind and body respond to the fear in a typical way, and that response is known as anxiety.
Anxiety can strike anyone, and generally, it comes and goes off without any significant impact. But in some instances, it can last for a while. Anxiety disorder is anxiety, which lasts for more than six months.
It can strike just anyone. Anxiety disorder tends to increase if left untreated.
How to release anxiety
More often than not, anxiety goes off on its own. But if it lingers, it becomes stressful, and annoying physical symptoms appear.
Some noticeable symptoms are:
- Restlessness
- Difficulty in concentration
- Butterflies in the stomach
- Sweaty palms
- Rapid breathing and increased heart rate.
Conventionally anxiety disorder is treated by:
A. Psychotherapy: The psychiatrist advises the patient on how to handle stress. The patient also comprehends tools and strategies to ease out the anxiety.
B. Medication: Doctors prescribe antidepressants and sedatives. The intent is to balance brain chemistry and handle the symptoms.
Nonetheless, acupressure presents itself as a purposive and viable therapy to manage anxiety. It is adapted satisfactorily by many. You can do it yourself, and it does not have any side effects. On the contrary, it will leave you relaxed and tranquil.
Pressure point to release anxiety
Though there are quite a few pressure points to manage anxiety, but the following are the most effective and easily accessible.
Yin Tang
It is frequently known as the ‘Hall of impression’ in English. It is a paramount point in acupressure. Many ailments relieve by stimulation of this point. It helps manage anxiety also. The point located between the eyebrows on the forehead is Yin Tang.
Since the point is on the bony skull, it may be challenging to stimulate it. Nevertheless, use your forefinger or the thumb with reasonable force. Do not hurt yourself or get sore, but apply adequate pressure.
There are two ways to stimulate this point for anxiety:
- Press the point and hold it for about 10 seconds. Then release it for 5 seconds. Repeat the process for about 10 -12 times.
- Press the point firmly with your finger and rotate anticlockwise (towards your right eye) for about 30 seconds. It calms your mind.
If you rotate clockwise (towards your left eye) for about 30 seconds, it revitalizes your brain. Repeat the set of rotations a couple of times. You can do this for 5 to 10 minutes.
Shen Men
Many know this point by its English name, the Heavenly Gate Point. It is on the upper part of the inner ear. If you draw a line to divide your ear vertically, the point on this line and the first fold of the upper inner ear is the She men.
You may take a while to get to this point. If needed, use a mirror or seek help. Press this point using your forefinger. You can also use the acupressure tool if you have one. Press and rotate for about two minutes in alternate directions (clockwise and anticlockwise). Do this in both the years.
Jiang jing
Since it is in the shoulder muscle in a depression, it is also known as the ‘shoulder well point.’ With your right-hand thumb and middle finger, pinch the left shoulder muscle. Press the center of this muscle with the forefinger. You have located the Jiang Jing point.
Press the point. If it is difficult to press the point, stimulate it by circular rotation. Do this stimulation for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the other shoulder as well. Repeat the whole thing a couple of times.
Would-be mothers should not stimulate this point. It induces labour pains.
He-Gu
Put all your fingers of the hand together. A line forms between the thumb and the forefinger. At the end of this line lies the He-gu or the union valley point. Press this point for a few seconds, then release.
Continue doing this for a few minutes on the one hand. Repeat it on the other hand. Pregnant ladies should avoid stimulation of this point.
Tai Chong
It is on foot. Measure two or three finger widths from the end of the line between the thumb and adjoining toe towards the ankle.
That is the Great surge point or the Tai Chong. You can feel in the hollow just after the bone.
Stimulate this point by press release technique a couple of times. Do the same with the point on the other foot.
Along with stress relief, it helps in insomnia also.
Nei-Guan
Also known as the Inner Frontier gate point, it is on the inner part of the hand. Hold your hand palm facing upward. With the other hand, measure a distance of three-finger width from the wrist towards the elbow. Find the point on the centerline of the hand.
That is the location of this pressure point. Press it for five/six seconds and release it. Do this for a couple of minutes. And then repeat it on the other hand.
It helps relieve anxiety.
Feng chi
The intersection of the mastoid (ear bone) and the skull is the location of this point.
Hold the back of the skull with your fingers and using the thumb press on the Feng chi points firmly. Hold it pressed for about 10 /15 seconds and then release it. Again repeat for 6 -8 times.
A feeling of relaxation seeps in immediately as you stimulate this point.
Ear Massage
Though not precisely a pressure point, however, the ear massage brings excellent relief in anxiety and stressful situations.
Hold the outer periphery of the ear with the thumb and forefinger right at the top of the ear. The thumb should be inside the ear and the forefinger at the back of the ear.
Keep sliding down your hand as you rub the outer ear cartilage of the ear slowly and purposefully. To have a smooth feel, you can apply little oil on your finger.
Rub the ear from top to bottom a couple of times. Do this simultaneously on both the ears. This massage is amazingly relaxing. It boosts the blood flow in the body and releases on tensions, muscular or mental.
It is not possible to avoid anxiety and stress. However, how we handle it is crucial. Some severe anxiety disorder justifies medical intervention. But for all other anxiety-related symptoms, acupressure is quite handy and practical.
The best part you can stimulate all the relevant points stated above in less than 10 minutes and feel relaxed. Do it home, at the office, or when you travel. It is safe, effective, and convenient.