Definition
Acupressure is an ancient technique, in which specific pressure points on the surface of the skin are pressed in order to regulate energy and stimulate the body's natural curative abilities. When these points are pressed, the tension is removed from muscles and better blood circulation is activated. Unlike acupuncture, this method involves the use of fingers or elbows to press the points, and not needles or other objects.
Advantage
Acupressure can be an excellent cure for several problems related to the body, such as muscle spasms or stiffness in any part of the body. It is also an excellent stress-reliever for people who stay in the same position for many hours in front of the computer every day. The biggest advantage of using this method for tension relief is that it is easy and safe to do on yourself and on others, as long as you pay attention to the guidelines and cautions. It has almost immediate effects and there are no drugs or side effects involved; all you need is your hands. The trick is to know the exact points that you need to stimulate for the specific pain you experience. For instance, if you have a headache due to stress, concentrate on relieving the stress instead of trying to get rid of the headache.
If you are suffering from stiff shoulders, acupressure might be the right home remedy for it. Stiff necks can be caused due to stress, poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, accidents or rough sports. People usually have this problem on the non-dominant side of their body.
When there is increasing pain in your shoulders for a long time, the tension might accumulate and make your shoulders stiff or reduce their mobility. Severe conditions might even lead to a frozen shoulder, in which it will be almost impossible to lift your hands above your head or reach behind your back. Stiff shoulders caused by excessive stress can be aided with acupressure.
Apply Acupressure
First, use three fingers and apply strong pressure at the base of your left neck, where the shoulder meets the neck. The direction for pressure should be towards the center of your body. Hold for five seconds, relieve and do it again another two times. Repeat the same process on the right side.
Second, measure three fingers out from the base of your neck to the top of shoulder blades, with your right hand to the right shoulder. Hold this point for one minute. Do the same on the left shoulder blade. Repeat a couple of times.
Third, place your left hand on top of the right shoulder and your right hand on top of the left shoulder, at the same point as step 2 (three fingers out from the base of your neck). Press and hold for a minute or until you feel a pulse on your left shoulder blade.
Fourth, switch the arms such that the right arm is on the right shoulder and the left on the left shoulder and repeat step 3.
And, lastly, using your thumbs, hold the two hollows at the base of the outer skull until you feel a pulse or for at least one minute.
Tags: left shoulder, base your, right shoulder, three fingers, your left