If you're not feeling well, there are a lot of things you can do. Try get up and take a walk, drink some water, take a deep breath. Alternatively, you could try acupressure, a technique from traditional Chinese medicine which helps prevent and treat discomfort. Acupressure can be done on your own, anywhere, anytime, and all you have to do is apply pressure to certain parts of the body. Acupressure encourages energy flow through natural pathways in the body, sending it to our internal organs and limbs. It also helps restore a natural energetic flow, returning the body to a state of well-being.
1. For upper body pain
If you have pain or stiffness in the head, neck, throat or face - this includes a headache, neck and jaw tension, toothache, sinus pain or a sore throat - gently massage the fleshy web between the thumb and the index finger. This acupressure point is known as Large Intestine 4 (He Gu).
2. For stomach discomfort
Whether it be nausea, dizziness, anxiety or motion sickness, put pressure on the inside of the wrist to alleviate the symptoms. Apply pressure about three finger widths down from where your wrist meets your hand. Pregnant women who suffer from morning sickness can also apply pressure to this point. This acupressure spot is called Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan).
3. When you're exhausted
If you are feeling tired, have low immunity or poor digestion, or simply want to promote overall vitality, apply pressure to this spot located four finger widths below the kneecap and one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. You should feel tenderness when applying pressure here. It is said that if you are tired and can no longer walk, stimulating this point will allow you to walk another three miles. This point is known as the Stomach 36 (Zu San Li).
4. For indigestion
If you are feeling bloated, have indigestion, intestinal gas or a lack of appetite, gently massage the space between the sternum and the belly button. Either massage this point gently or simply rest your hand over the area. This point is known as the Ren 12 (Zhong Wan).
5. For period cramps
If you suffer from menstrual cramps or back pain during menstruation, apply pressure or gently massage the tender point four finger widths below the groove where the inner leg curves. This acupressure spot is known as Spleen 8 (Diji).