Acupressure is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote pain relief and improve overall well-being. It is derived from traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the concept of energy flow, known as Qi.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, Qi flows through meridians or pathways in the body. When there is an imbalance or blockage of Qi, it can result in various physical or mental health issues, including pain. Acupressure aims to restore the balance of Qi by stimulating specific points along these meridians.
Heres how acupressure helps with pain relief:
1. Stimulating Pressure Points:
Acupressure involves applying firm pressure, usually with fingers or thumbs, to specific points on the body. These points are known as acupoints and are located along the meridians. By stimulating these points, acupressure can help release tension, promote blood circulation, and encourage the flow of Qi. This stimulation can help alleviate pain by activating the bodys natural healing mechanisms.
2. Gate Control Theory:
Acupressure also works through the gate control theory of pain. According to this theory, stimulating certain nerve fibers can interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. By applying pressure to specific acupoints, acupressure can activate these nerve fibers and override or block the pain signals, providing relief.
3. Release of Endorphins:
Acupressure may trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals in the body. Endorphins can help reduce pain perception and induce a sense of relaxation and well-being. The stimulation of acupoints through acupressure can promote the release of endorphins, further aiding in pain relief.
4. Relaxation and Stress Reduction:
Acupressure techniques often involve slow, deep breathing and relaxation exercises. These practices help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. By reducing stress levels, acupressure can indirectly alleviate pain associated with tension, anxiety, or stress-related conditions.
5. Holistic Approach:
Acupressure takes a holistic approach to pain relief, considering the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and energy systems. It aims to address the root causes of pain rather than merely treating symptoms. By rebalancing the bodys energy flow and promoting overall well-being, acupressure supports the bodys natural ability to heal itself and may provide long-term pain relief. It Is important to note that while many people find acupressure helpful for pain relief, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It is generally considered safe when performed correctly, but it is advisable to consult with a trained acupressure practitioner or healthcare professional before trying acupressure, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are pregnant.
As you work with your qualified healthcare provider, please consider using these oils daily to a few times a week to decrease stress and anxiety, balance cortisol, reducing pain. According to Chinese Medicine, 8 meridians are on the foot. By evaluating the feet, you can improve stress, reducing cortisol, balancing hormones, relieving pain.
Scan the feet nightly. If you identify any swelling, dark areas, redness and tenderness in an area, use the below chart and a corresponding oil scent to bring blood flow to that area on the foot. As this area improves, there is less stress, balancing cortisol and reducing pain. You can also put oil on the location of the pain Acupressure is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote pain relief and improve overall well-being. It is derived from traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the concept of energy flow, known as Qi.
Use the above diagram to assess which areas you should focus on and which oils can benefit your pain relief the best.
Liver
The liver meridian is believed to be one of the 6 main energy pathways that flow through the body, connecting various organs and systems. Each meridian is associated with specific functions and qualities, and in TCM theory, imbalances or blockages in these meridians can lead to health issues, including pain. The liver meridian is believed to be a pathway through which the body's vital energy, or "Qi," flows. Each meridian is associated with specific organs and functions in the body. The liver meridian is associated with the liver organ, as well as the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. Applying essential oils to specific points along these meridians is thought to help restore balance and alleviate discomfort.
Consider castor, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, and/or sage essential oils or oil infused products to promote balance in the liver meridian and potentially reduce pain.
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Lavender - Can improve insomnia, anxiety, stress, pain, and hair loss.
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Lemongrass - Can improve sugar and cholesterol in the blood. Can also improve blood flow, in general.
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Small Intestine
An imbalanced small intestine meridian could lead to an excess of heat or cold in the small intestine organ. Excess heat may cause inflammation and irritation, resulting in pain and discomfort. Excess cold may lead to constriction of blood vessels and poor circulation, contributing to pain.
Consider rosemary, chamomile, and/or eucalyptus essential oils or oil infused products to promote balance in the small intestine meridian and potentially reduce pain.
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Rosemary - Can improve insomnia, memory, anxiety, stress, pain and hair loss.
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Chamomile - has anti-inflammatory and calming effects, which may be beneficial for easing discomfort and promoting relaxation.
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Eucalyptus - has a refreshing scent and potential analgesic properties. It might help alleviate muscle tension and provide a cooling sensation.
Kidney
The kidney meridian is associated with the kidneys themselves, as well as the overall health and balance of the body's Yin and Yang energies. The kidneys are considered a vital organ system responsible for various physiological functions, including regulating water metabolism, supporting the bones and marrow, and controlling reproduction and growth. When there is an imbalance in the kidney meridian, it is believed to disrupt the flow of vital energy, or "Qi," and contribute to various health issues, including pain.
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Cinnamon - Can improve blood flow by improving heart health, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
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Ginger: Can reduce stress, anxiety, and sadness by improving serotonin and dopamine levels.
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Bladder
An imbalanced bladder meridian can lead to stagnation of Qi, which is the vital energy that flows through the meridians. Qi stagnation can result from factors such as stress, emotional tension, or physical injury. When Qi becomes stagnant along the bladder meridian, it can cause pain and discomfort in the areas where the meridian runs, such as the back, neck, and head.
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Peppermint - has a cooling and analgesic effect that may help alleviate muscle aches and discomfort.
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Cypress - has a woody and fresh aroma and may support circulation and provide a sense of relief to achy muscles.
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Juniper berry - is known for its detoxifying properties and may help ease muscle tension and discomfort.
Gallbladder
Imbalances in one meridian can influence other related meridians and organs. The gallbladder meridian is closely connected to the liver meridian. An imbalance in the gallbladder meridian might impact liver function and contribute to pain or discomfort in the sides of the body and the head.
Consider wintergreen, helichrysum, and/or black pepper essential oils or oil infused products to promote balance in the gallbladder meridian and potentially reduce pain.
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Wintergreen - contains methyl salicylate, which has analgesic properties that could be helpful for soothing sore muscles.
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Helichrysum - has anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for soothing sore muscles and promoting a sense of well-being.
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Black pepper - has warming properties and might help improve circulation and alleviate muscle discomfort.
Lung
The lungs are responsible for respiration and oxygenating the body. An imbalanced lung meridian may be linked to respiratory issues, which could contribute to discomfort, tightness, or pain in the chest and upper body.
Consider oregano and/or orange essential oils or oil infused products to restore balance to the lung meridian and potentially reduce pain.
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Orange - Can improve sleep, memory, anxiety, stress, sadness, pain, and blood pressure.
Spleen
In TCM, dampness and phlegm are considered pathogenic factors that can lead to imbalances and health issues. An imbalanced spleen meridian may lead to the accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, which can cause a heavy, sluggish sensation and contribute to pain and discomfort.
Consider grapefruit, sweet basil, and/or sweetgrass essential oils or oil infused products to restore balance to the spleen meridian and potentially reduce pain.
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Sweet Basil - Can improve stress, anxiety, sadness, and focus by clearing the mind.
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Sweetgrass - Allows to focus by balancing stress and anxiety.
Stomach
The stomach meridian is closely associated with the digestive system. An imbalanced stomach meridian may be linked to digestive issues, which could contribute to discomfort, bloating, and pain in the abdominal area.
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Marjoram - known for its warming and relaxing qualities, which could be beneficial for promoting muscle comfort.
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