Acupuncture and acupressure have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular, because they’re so effective. Any person can stimulate the acupuncture points on the body with ways other than needles. These top 10 Self Acupressure travel wellness points are a guide for people on the go. As an Acupuncturist, I love sharing tips to empower others with the knowledge from this ancient medicine. Read on to discover these 10 power points for your next adventure. Health is wealth, especially when travelling.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Consult a health practitioner for any illness. Also, take notice of pregnancy contraindications for Large Intestine 4 and Spleen 6.
Top 10 Self-Acupressure
Travel Wellness Points
When adding pressure, you can use any finger (thumb is often the best), holding it for a minimum of 10 seconds as often as you want. Be sure to breathe deeply and relax while adding pressure.
Out of the thousands of points on the body, I will distill it down to Trudy’s 10 Top Acupressure Points for Travel. In explaining these points, please be aware that all are symmetrical on both sides of body. Here are the locations and benefits:
1. Gallbladder 20 or “Wind Pool”
This point is located outside the sternocleidomastoid muscle attachment on neck. It is one is best reached by clasping hands together and pressing thumbs on both points on each side of the neck. Benefits: Headaches, neck & shoulder pain or tension, & blurry vision
2. Pericardium 6 or “Inner Gate”
This point is located 2 *cun up from inner wrist crease in center between tendons. Benefits: motion-sickness, nausea, vomiting, carpal tunnel & anxiety
3. San Jiao 5 or “Outer Gate”
This point is located 2 *cun up from outer wrist crease in center between 2 muscles. Benefits: Boost immune system, ear pain or problems, & clears heat from fever, heat stroke or red skin rashes
World Health Organization Published 361 Classic Acupuncture Points
with 48 Extra Points
4. Large Intestine 4 or “Union Valley”
This point is located in dorsal web space of hand, between first & second metacarpals. Contradindication: Pregnancy Benefits: headache, sinus problems, toothache thumb and index finger pain, nosebleeds, hypertension & immune system
5. Heart 7 or “Spirit Gate”
This point is located on inner wrist crease in depression point on ulnar side. Benefits: anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, PTSD
6. Yao Tong Xue or “Lumbar Pain Point”
This point is located on hand dorsum between 2nd & 3rd and 4th & 5th metacarpals at base of metacarpals. Benefits: Lower back pain
7. Stomach 36 or “Leg Three Miles”
This point is located 3 cun below bottom of kneecap in depression outside tibia border. Benefits: energy, heartburn, hypertension, immune system, or any digestive problem
8. Spleen 6 or “Three Yin Intersection”
This point is located 3 cun straight up from inner malleolus. Contraindication: Pregnancy Benefits: digestive or urinary problems, stress, blood sugar imbalances, bloating, & edema
9. Liver 3 or “Great Surge”
This point is located on top of foot, between first and second metatarsal bones. Benefits: anger, tension, irritability, muscle spasms, insomnia, PMS. It’s often used to treat patients with hypertension, & depression.
10. Kidney 1 or “Gushing Spring”
This point is located on sole of foot, on anterior third of foot in center. Benefits: known for aging population as “fountain of youth,” grounding, centering, tremors, Parkinson’s Disease, PTSD
Healthy Travels
I hope this empowers you to realize how simple and effective these points can be when travelling on the go or anytime for health and well-being. We literally can take our health into our own hands and keep our bodies in balance and optimize health and longevity.
Read More!
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Motion Sickness Natural Remedies, Acupuncture & Tips for a Healthy Journey
Helpful Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips