In this baking-hot summer time, we are always searching for a suitable environment to relax in. Luckily, there is a convenient and money-saving way to accomplish this goal. Acupressure is a simple self-administered hands-on body treatment therapy that can be done at home.
Tui Na is a form of traditional Chinese manipulative therapy; which is an application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory that keeps smooth energy flowing through the body for relaxation, and also promotes health. Acupressure, similar to massage, is a simplified form of Tui Na techniques. Unlike Tui Na, acupressure is easy for us to perform on ourselves. This therapy is generally done by using the palm, fingers or knuckles to apply gentle but firm pressure on any of the twelve “regular” and eight “extraordinary” meridians throughout the body. These meridians function as main energy channels that control most of our overall health conditions. There are a number of benefits to this therapy, such as relaxing the mind and body; removing toxic waste; increasing blood circulation; increasing energy levels; relieving stress and lowering anxiety. It is also believed that the use of acupressure can have significant positive effects on the immune system.
There are two important acupressure points, or meridians, for us to focus on for at home relaxation. First, “The Third Eye pressure point”: located between the eyebrows, in the indentation where the nose meets the forehead. This point is used to calm the body and relieve the nervous system of tension. Use your middle finger tip to apply gentle pressure for approximately ten seconds. Second, “The Sea of Tranquility pressure point”: located on the center of the breastbone. Applying pressure to this point relieves anxiety and depression, nervousness, tension, hysteria and emotional imbalances. Use three fingers together to press down gently, or if oil is applied you can also apply pressure in up and down movements – this may be repeated five to ten times. It is normal to feel some soreness in this spot.
The Chinese have even used acupressure as a beauty treatment. When blood circulation and energy flow in the body is not smooth, it can cause our skin to lose its vitality. Skin needs oxygen and nutrients to maintain normal production of collagen and elastic cells. It can be difficult to keep our hair follicles clean and yet soft and moist. You can get amazing results by using an all-natural combination of sugar and olive oil. Take regular white sugar and mix it with olive oil to create a massage oil that can be used on the face and body. Gently massaging this mixture into your face and body not only has stimulating effects, but also exfoliates and tones the skin. In addition, the combination of multivitamins in the mixture is absorbed by the skin, giving it a healthy glow. Since the acupressure points can be used to tone and relax the muscles of the face. This in turn can improve the condition of the skin and lessen the appearance of wrinkles without the need for expensive and sometimes dangerous medications and injections. After applying the all-natural mixture to your skin, simply wash it off with soap and warm water.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of warm water after acupressure therapy, to help clear away toxic substances in the body.