Keeping an eye on my health is one of my top priorities in life. And while I certainly trust my doctor, no one knows my body better than I do.
So when something is off, or I'm experiencing minor pain or illness, I like to figure out the source of the problem and solve it as quickly as possible.
But I was a bit surprised to find that my body actually has quite a few points — known as acupressure points — that are directly responsible for specific portions of my health. By simply massaging, or applying pressure, to these points, I can reap a wide variety of health benefits.
Scroll through below for an exclusive look at nine of the body's pressure points, and how they can be beneficial to you. Who knew that massaging my earlobe could be good for my heart health, my headaches, and my metabolism?
And while this should never take the place of medical advice, I am so glad to know that I can stay in control of my health with something as simple as a little pressure or self-massage!
Which of these pressure points is most beneficial to you? Have you found success with acupressure before? Let us know in the comments!
What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a simple system of massaging or applying pressure to different points on your body in order to reap the health benefits.
According to Finelivingadvice.com: "Every organ of your body… is associated with specific points.
"So if you want to improve the function of some internal organs, it is necessary to find their particular point, and accordingly massage it."
This is also true for other health benefits like regulating your metabolism, controlling your appetite, and regulating your energy levels.
Simply massage the point or apply pressure on a daily basis!
Keep scrolling to see which acupressure points you should be massaging to achieve the specific health benefits you are looking for!
Acupressure Point #1: The Face
This easy-to-locate acupressure point is between your upper lip and your nose.
According to the Hearty Soul, this spot is great for:
- Improving memory
- Reducing cramps
- Relieving dizziness
- Aiding with concentration
Acupressure Point #2: The Ear
The ear has several beneficial points, but the lobe can be particularly helpful in improving your health.
Massaging or applying pressure to this point can aid in:
- Promoting heart health
- Relieving pressure headaches
- Accelerating metabolism
Acupressure Point #3: The Hand
The fleshy area of the hand between the thumb and index finger is connected to many different areas of the body.
According to Modern Reflexology, the benefits of this point include:
- Easing earaches
- Relieving neck tension or pain
- Releasing back spasms or strains
Acupressure Point #4: The Foot
You might not be able to convince someone to give you a foot massage, but you can certainly apply pressure to this area between the first and second toe yourself.
The Hearty Soul reports that this point is directly connected to several brain benefits:
- Aiding with memory
- Battling headaches
- Improving concentration
- Increasing energy
Acupressure Point #5: The Leg
This might seem like an odd point to locate, but it can be found just under the kneecap, just outside of the central bone.
According to Finelivingadvice.com, daily massage of this point is great at helping with:
- Improving digestion
- Stopping inflammation
- Battling fat
Acupressure Point #6: The Wrist
According to Modern Reflexology, this spot is located on "the inner side of the forearm, two finger widths above the wrist crease."
They report that this acupressure point is good for:
- Stopping motion sickness
- Relieving wrist or carpal tunnel pain
- Battling digestive disorders
- Calming the stomach during pregnancy
Acupressure Point #7: The Shoulder
According to Modern Reflexology, "This point lies on the back surface of the shoulder, one thumb width above the end of the arm pit."
Massaging this point can be particularly good for:
- Eliminating shoulder pain
- Relieving back pain
- Easing muscle stiffness and tension
Acupressure Point #8: The Arm
This point, which is located on the top of the forearm several inches from the elbow crease, is most known for being connected to the large intestine.
According to Finelivingadvice.com, benefits include:
- Improving intestinal health
- Controlling appetite
- Regulating body temperature
Acupressure Point #9: The Neck
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Massage Illustrated refers to these pressure points on the outside of the spine as "the Heavenly Pillar."
They report that these points are connected to many health benefits such as:
- Relieving stress
- Fighting headaches
- Improving sleep
- Battling neck tension and stiffness
These incredible acupressure points can be an easy way to target specific problems and reap amazing health benefits!
Which of these pressure points has worked for you? What other pressure points would you suggest? Let us know in the comments.
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