8 Pressure Points That Reduce Stress
We all have our ways of dealing with stress. Some people escape to a sunny beach, some prefer a nice glass of wine, and some even do our best to ignore it. Each way has its advantages (and sometimes disadvantages), but we can’t always do what helps at the exact moment we need it. This is where pressure points become a quick and effective long term solution. Pressure points are areas in the body that, when applied with some pressure, can trigger various effects in our minds and body.
The Scalp
The Scalp is full of pressure points, many of which can effectively and discretely reduce stress levels. You can sit at your office desk, lean back and use two fingers to massage the point where the neck meets the skull for about 20 seconds. Much of the stress we accumulate during the day collects in the shoulders and neck muscles, and applying pressure to this point can relieve much of it.
The Ear
This pressure point is known as Shen Men (The Spirit Gate), and some experts claim it’s the best stress-relieving point in the body. In reflexology, it’s also used to reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body. It’s recommended that you massage this spot with an earbud or even a pen, and to take deep, slow breaths during the massage.
The Chest
Stress can make us forget to breath, or take shallow breaths. This point helps reduce the stress that accumulates in the chest, while reminding you to breathe normally again. Use three fingers to massage this point, or one finger to tap rhythmically on the area while taking deep breaths. If you experience chronic stress, combine massaging this point with the point between your eyebrows. The connection between these two points helps in calming the nerve system.
The Stomach
Many reflexologists prefer to use this point because it helps create movement that frees the chest and diaphragm, which improves the breathing process. Patients who go through this treatment instinctively take deeper breaths and almost always report a sensation or relief
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