Acupressure is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. It is similar to acupuncture, but does not involve the insertion of needles. As its names suggests, acupressure applies pressure to important points of the body.
The therapy is based on the concept of the body possessing vital points of energy called meridians. When these meridians get clogged up, a person begins to experience various maladies such as nausea.
Acupressure clears up these meridians by sending positive energy called chi through the body. It restores the normal function of the energy network that powers the organs and parts of the body.
By stimulating the right meridian, acupressure can improve a single disorder or several different ailments. It is considered a holistic means of supporting the natural health of the body. (Related: Pain relief with acupressure: Relieving 10 common body aches and pains.)
These eight acupressure points help relieve nausea
Acupressure has been documented to be an effective remedy for nausea. Stimulating certain pressure points can relieve discomfort and uneasiness.
The Large Intestine IV Point is found in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Putting pressure on it for three or four minutes relieves nausea and vomiting.
The Pericardium III Point is located at the end of the crease of your folded elbow. Apply light pressure on it for three to five minutes to will improve stomach problems like indigestion and chest congestion.
The Stomach 36 Point can be found below the knee and close to the shinbone. A few minutes of mild pressure and massaging that spot will improve your nauseous feeling.
The Inner Gate Point is on your wrist, about three centimeters from your palm. Also called the Pericardium VI Point, it can also provide relief from nausea.
The Stomach 44 Point is on the webbing between the second and third toe of your foot. A regular dose of firm pressure and massage will result in fast relief.
The Conception Vessel IX Point is found slightly over your navel. Four or five minutes of mild pressure not only improves nausea, but also helps with constipation, edema, flatulence, and puffy skin.
The nearby Conception Vessel II Point lies between your navel and pubic spot. Soft pressure improves fatigue and weakness attributed to nausea.
Finally, Conception Vessel 22 Point is found between your collarbones. Regular five-minute long pressure therapy of this point does wonders for nauseous people.
Other useful notes about amending nausea with acupressure
For your acupressure therapy session, you should wear loose and cozy clothes. Unrestricted clothing helps Chi flow freely through the body.
A treatment session starts with you sitting in a comfy position. The therapist will slowly but surely stimulate different meridians and pressure points. He may also apply other forms of massage therapy to complement acupressure.
During the session, you will be asked to relax and breathe deeply. You should not relax too much, as it could weaken you.
A typical acupressure session lasts for an hour. Upon completing treatment, you should move slowly when sitting or standing up. You should also drink a glass of water.
The therapist will recommend several exercises to maintain the benefits of acupressure. It is also easy to find guides and videos that show you how to perform acupressure on yourself.
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