You’ve probably heard of (and maybe even tried!) acupuncture, but have you heard of acupressure? If you’re afraid of needles you’re in luck, acupressure uses pressure from hands or from pillows and mats with plastic points, no needles necessary.
Intrigued? You should be!
A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice, acupressure is a technique used to release blocked chi, or energy, from acupressure points throughout your body. Traditional Chinese Medicine describes these acupressure points as part of an invisible channel or meridian throughout your body. These invisible channels allow vital energy to flow through your body — when one is blocked or out of balance, illness can occur. Acupressure is used to restore the balance of your energy flow to alleviate pain, discomfort, and get your body back to its best functional state.
Yoga Wake Up has hundreds of audio-guided yoga and meditation sessions, including acupressure, that can be accessed on-demand anytime and anywhere. Start your free trial today.
What Are The Benefits of Acupressure?
Acupressure mat and massage users have reported that they’ve found relief from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, reduced neck and back pain, insomnia relief, better digestion, improved sciatica pain, and so much more! Among the health benefits, acupressure can be used in conjunction with or during meditation, stretching and yoga. Plus, most people think it feels incredible!
Adding Acupressure to Your Morning Routine
What better way to make something a habit than by starting off your day with it? Yoga Wake Up created an acupressure pillow that can be used on its own or during acupressure classes in-app that walk you through exactly how to use it. The best part? It can be done from bed. If you don’t have an acupressure pillow, no worries! The beauty of acupressure is that you only need your own hands to apply pressure to the acupressure points on your body.
Our Acupressure Pillow is in the FabFitFun Spring Box! Get $10 off your Spring Box with the code YOGAWAKEUP10
Ready to Get Started?
Yoga Wake Up instructor Kaita Mrazek has three key acupressure points that you can activate from the comfort of your own home, using only your hands.
Kidney 1:
Where it’s located: At the center of the bottom of the foot, inline with the ball of the foot, just under the pad
What it does: Provides an energy boost to organs, regulates blood pressure, hypertension, provides mental focus and mental calming
Liver 3:
Where it’s located: At the webbing of your foot in the groove between the first and second tarsal bones
What it does: Provides a boost to your liver, detoxes, cleanses, supports your immune system, relieves headaches, blurry eyes, and twitching, clears stress, anger and frustration.
Gallbladder 20:
Where it’s located: Palpate the bony mounds just behind each of your ears, then move your fingertips into the soft space right next to the mounds, closer toward your spine.
What it does: Opens energy to the head, provides mental clarity, relieves headache and sore neck, creates alertness
Whether you’re new to the idea of acupressure or a seasoned Traditional Chinese Medicine follower, acupressure has so many wonderful benefits to your health and overall wellness. If you suffer from back or body pain, or are just looking for new ways to destress and relax, give acupressure a whirl. Your body and mind will thank you!
*Disclaimer* Always consult your doctor before beginning a new wellness program, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing.