Acupressure System

Acupressure Treatment System

|| Definition || || Purpose|| ||Description Origins|| Acupressure and Chinese medicine|| Key terms|| Self-treatment|| Precautions|| Research and general acceptance||  GENERAL DIRECTIONS ||  SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF ACUPRESSURE POINTS STIMULATION || || Angina || ||Palpitations || ||High Blood Pressure|| ||Constipation||  || Diarrhea|| || Heartburn|| Stomachache || PMS and Painful Periods ||Hot Flashes||  ||Acupressure during Pregnancy|| ||General advise for reducing morning sickness|| ||morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea|||| insomnia, nervousness and anxiety || || abdominal discomfort || || lower back pain || ||Bed-wetting|| ||Incontinence|| ||Urinary Retention|| ||Weight Loss|| Nose Bleeding|| || Itching|| ||Asthma|| ||Decreased Libido|| ||Hangover||  ||Sore Throat (tonsillitis)|| || Sinusitis (both acute and chronic)|| ||Loss of Voice (Laryngitis)|| || Ear Pain|| ||Allergy|| ||Frontal Headach||  ||Headache in the Back of the Head|| ||Headache on the Side of the Head|| ||Headache on the Top of the Head|| ||Headache Behind the Eye|| ||Pain in the Jaw|| ||Toothache|| ||Ear Pain|| ||Neck Pain and Tension|| || Shoulder Pain and Tension|| ||Wrist Pain|| ||Hand pain|| ||Lower Back Pain|| ||Hip Pain||  || Knee Pain|| || Ankle Pain|| ||Foot|| ||Anxiety Attacks and Nervousness|| ||Relieving Depression|| ||Relieving Insomnia|| ||Fainting|| ||Hiccoughs|| ||Memory and Concentration Improvement||

Definition Acupressure is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain.

Purpose Acupressure massage performed by a therapist can be very effective both as prevention and as a treatment for many health conditions, including headaches, general aches and pains, colds and flu, arthritis, allergies, asthma, nervous tension, menstrual cramps, sinus problems, sprains, tennis elbow, and toothaches, among others. Unlike acupuncture which requires a visit to a professional, acupressure can be performed by a layperson. Acupressure techniques are fairly easy to learn, and have been used to provide quick, cost-free, and effective relief from many symptoms. Acupressure points can also be stimulated to increase energy and feelings of well-being, reduce stress, stimulate the immune system, and alleviate sexual dysfunction.

Description Origins One of the oldest text of Chinese medicine is the Huang Di, The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which may be at least 2,000 years old. Chinese medicine has developed acupuncture, acupressure, herbal remedies, diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and other remedies as part of its healing methods. Nearly all of the forms of Oriental medicine that are used in the West today, including acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu, and Chinese herbal medicine, have their roots in Chinese medicine. One legend has it that acupuncture and acupressure evolved as early Chinese healers studied the puncture wounds of Chinese warriors, noting that certain points on the body created interesting results when stimulated. The oldest known text specifically on acupuncture points, the Systematic Classic of Acupuncture, dates back to 282 A.D. Acupressure is the non-invasive form of acupuncture, as Chinese physicians determined that stimulating points on the body with massage and pressure could be effective for treating certain problems. Outside of Asian-American communities, Chinese medicine remained virtually unknown in the United States until the 1970s, when Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit China. On Nixon's trip, journalists were amazed to observe major operations being performed on patients without the use of anesthetics. Instead, wide-awake patients were being operated on, with only acupuncture needles inserted into them to control pain. At that time, a famous columnist for the New York Times, James Reston, had to undergo surgery and elected to use acupuncture for anesthesia. Later, he wrote some convincing stories on its effectiveness. Despite being neglected by mainstream medicine and the American Medical Association (AMA), acupuncture and Chinese medicine became a central to alternative medicine practitioners in the United States. Today, there are millions of patients who attest to its effectiveness, and nearly 9,000 practitioners in all 50 states. Acupressure is practiced as a treatment by Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists, as well as by massage therapists. Most massage schools in American include acupressure techniques as part of their bodywork programs. Shiatsu massage is very closely related to acupressure, working with the same points on the body and the same general principles, although it was developed over centuries in Japan rather than in China. Reflexology is a form of bodywork based on acupressure concepts. Jin Shin Do is a bodywork technique with an increasing number of practitioners in America that combines acupressure and shiatsu principles with qigong, Reich Ian theory, and meditation.

Acupressure and chinese medicine Chinese medicine views the body as a small part of the universe, subject to laws and principles of harmony and balance. Chinese medicine does not make as sharp a distinction as Western medicine does between mind and body. The Chinese system believes that emotions and mental states are every bit as influential on disease as purely physical mechanisms, and considers factors like work, environment, and relationships as fundamental to a patient's health. Chinese medicine also uses very different symbols and ideas to discuss the body and Press on point governing vessel 24.5, the top of the bridge of the nose, lightly for two minutes to relieve hay fever symptoms. Press on lung 10, the center of the thumb pad, for one minute to alleviate a sore throat. To ease heartburn, apply pressure to stomach 36, four finger-widths below the kneecap outside the shinbone. Use on both legs. (Illustration by Electronic Illustrators Group.) health. While Western medicine typically describes health as mainly physical processes composed of chemical equations and reactions, the Chinese use ideas like yin and yang, chi, and the organ system to describe health and the body. Everything in the universe has properties of yin and yang. Yin is associated with cold, female, passive, downward, inward, dark, wet. Yang can be described as hot, male, active, upward, outward, light, dry, and so on. Nothing is either completely yin or yang. These two principles always interact and affect each other, although the body and its organs can become imbalanced by having either too much or too little of either. Chi (pronounced chee, also spelled qi or ki in Japanese shiatsu) is the fundamental life energy. It is found in food, air, water, and sunlight, and it travels through the body in channels called meridians. There are 12 major meridians in the body that transport chi, corresponding to the 12 main organs categorized by Chinese medicine.

Key terms Acupoint — A pressure point stimulated in acupressure. Chi — Basic life energy. Meridian — A channel through which chi travels in the body. Moxibustion — An acupuncture technique that burns the herb moxa or mugwort. Shiatsu — Japanese form of acupressure massage. Yin/yang — Universal characteristics used to describe aspects of the natural world. Disease is viewed as an imbalance of the organs and chi in the body. Chinese medicine has developed intricate systems of how organs are related to physical and mental symptoms, and it has devised corresponding treatments using the meridian and pressure point networks that are classified and numbered. The goal of acupressure, and acupuncture, is to stimulate and unblock the circulation of chi, by activating very specific points, called pressure points or acupoints. Acupressure seeks to stimulate the points on the chi meridians that pass close to the skin, as these are easiest to unblock and manipulate with finger pressure. Acupressure can be used as part of a Chinese physician's prescription, as a session of massage therapy, or as a self-treatment for common aches and illnesses. A Chinese medicine practitioner examines a patient very thoroughly, looking at physical, mental and emotional activity, taking the pulse usually at the wrists, examining the tongue and complexion, and observing the patient's demeanor and attitude, to get a complete diagnosis of which organs and meridian points are out of balance. When the imbalance is located, the physician will recommend specific pressure points for acupuncture or acupressure. If acupressure is recommended, the patient might opt for a series of treatments from a massage therapist. In massage therapy, acupressurists will evaluate a patient's symptoms and overall health, but a massage therapist's diagnostic training isn't as extensive as a Chinese physician's. In a massage therapy treatment, a person usually lies down on a table or mat, with thin clothing on. The acupressurist will gently feel and palpate the abdomen and other parts of the body to determine energy imbalances. Then, the therapist will work with different meridians throughout the body, depending on which organs are imbalanced in the abdomen. The therapist will use different types of finger movements and pressure on different acupoints, depending on whether the chi needs to be increased or dispersed at different points. The therapist observes and guides the energy flow through the patient's body throughout the session. Sometimes, special herbs (Artemisia vulgaris or moxa) may be placed on a point to warm it, a process called moxibustion. A session of acupressure is generally a very pleasant experience, and some people experience great benefit immediately. For more chronic conditions, several sessions may be necessary to relieve and improve conditions. Acupressure massage usually costs from $30-70 per hour session. A visit to a Chinese medicine physician or acupuncturist can be more expensive, comparable to a visit to an allopathic physician if the practitioner is an MD. Insurance reimbursement varies widely, and consumers should be aware if their policies cover alternative treatment, acupuncture, or massage therapy.

Self-treatment Acupressure is easy to learn, and there are many good books that illustrate the position of acupoints and meridians on the body. It is also very versatile, as it can be done anywhere, and it's a good form of treatment for spouses and partners to give to each other and for parents to perform on children for minor conditions. While giving self-treatment or performing acupressure on another, a mental attitude of calmness and attention is important, as one person's energy can be used to help another's. Loose, thin clothing is recommended. There are three general techniques for stimulating a pressure point. Notifying is meant to strengthen weak chi, and is done by pressing the thumb or finger into an acupoint with a firm, steady pressure, holding it for up to two minutes. Dispersing is meant to move stagnant or blocked chi, and the finger or thumb is moved in a circular motion or slightly in and out of the point for two minutes. Calming the chi in a pressure point utilizes the palm to cover the point and gently stroke the area for about two minutes. There are many pressure points that are easily found and memorized to treat common ailments from headaches to colds. For headaches, toothaches, sinus problems, and pain in the upper body, the "LI4" point is recommended. It is located in the web between the thumb and index finger, on the back of the hand. Using the thumb and index finger of the other hand, apply a pinching pressure until the point is felt, and hold it for two minutes. Pregnant women should never press this point. To calm the nerves and stimulate digestion, find the "CV12" point that is four thumb widths above the navel in the center of the abdomen. Calm the point with the palm, using gentle stroking for several minutes. To stimulate the immune system, find the "TH5" point on the back of the forearm two thumb widths above the wrist. Use a dispersing technique, or circular pressure with the thumb or finger, for two minutes on each arm. For headaches, sinus congestion, and tension, locate the "GB20" points at the base of the skull in the back of the head, just behind the bones in back of the ears. Disperse these points for two minutes with the fingers or thumbs. Also find the "yintang" point, which is in the middle of the forehead between the eyebrows. Disperse it with gentle pressure for two minutes to clear the mind and to relieve headaches.

Precautions Acupressure is a safe technique, but it is not meant to replace professional health care. A physician should always be consulted when there are doubts about medical conditions. If a condition is chronic, a professional should be consulted; purely symptomatic treatment can exacerbate chronic conditions. Acupressure should not be applied to open wounds, or where there is swelling and inflammation. Areas of scar tissue, blisters, boils, rashes, or varicose veins should be avoided. Finally, certain acupressure points should not be stimulated on people with high or low blood pressure and on pregnant women.

Research and general acceptance In general, Chinese medicine has been slow to gain acceptance in the West, mainly because it rests on ideas very foreign to the scientific model. For instance, Western scientists have trouble with the idea of chi, the invisible energy of the body, and the idea that pressing on certain points can alleviate certain conditions seems sometimes too simple for scientists to believe. Western scientists, in trying to account for the action of acupressure, have theorized that chi is actually part of the neuroendocrine system of the body. Celebrated orthopedic surgeon Robert O. Becker, who was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize, wrote a book on the subject called Cross Currents: The Promise of Electro medicine; The Perils of Electro pollution. By using precise electrical measuring devices, Becker and his colleagues showed that the body has a complex web of electromagnetic energy, and that traditional acupressure meridians and points contained amounts of energy that non-acupressure points did not. The mechanisms of acupuncture and acupressure remain difficult to document in terms of the biochemical processes involved; numerous testimonials are the primary evidence backing up the effectiveness of acupressure and acupuncture. However, a body of research is growing that verifies the effectiveness in acupressure and acupuncture techniques in treating many problems and in controlling pain. Acupressure and acupuncture share the same active points (also called trigger points, acupoints, acupressure points, or acupuncture points). The ancient Chinese developed system of active points stimulation over 5,000 years ago. The active points are located on imaginary lines called meridians. Accordingly, the points are referred to by the meridian they are located on and consecutive number of point on that meridian. The ancient Chinese believed that life energy chi (pronounced chee) flows through these meridians. In a healthy person the energy flow trough meridians is unobstructed. The blockade of chi flow results in an illness. The Chinese believed that active points stimulation clears the meridians and improves the flow of energy. The western medical science only begins to understand the mechanisms responsible for positive effects of active points stimulation. Stimulation of active points is thought to lead to increased release of endorphins. Endorphin is a natural body painkiller. Endorphin and morphine are chemically different molecules but, by coincidence, they have very similar 3-dimensional shape. This similarity in shape allows morphine to bind the endorphin receptor, reduce pain, and induce feeling of happiness. Thus endorphin released by acupressure stimulation may lead to relaxation and normalization of body functions.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS: Use deep firm pressure to massage every point. Usually acupressure points are more sensitive than surrounding area. The massage duration indicated with point description is only an approximation. Massage every point until numbing feeling is produced. You do not need to massage all active points included in the exercise. Some active points produce stronger effect than others. You may choose to limit the exercise to massaging these high potency points only. You can repeat active points massage as often as you want. There is no limit on number of exercises per day. When applying deep pressure the active point is expected hurt initially. In this case reduce the pressure to a “comfortably” painful level and persist with massaging the active point. Increase the pressure as the initial painful sensation begins to subside. Continue the massage until numbing feeling is produced When massaging acupressure points sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply. It is not necessary to massage points on your own, you can ask somebody else to massage your active points. An example of stimulation of active point Li4 is shown below. Point Li4 is located between thumb and index finger. Apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction:

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF ACUPRESSURE POINTS STIMULATION: A randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique for weight-loss maintenance found attendance at weight maintenance was 72% for TAT Tapas Acupressure Technique - higher than any other method studied. The study was published in March 2007 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The Cochrane Collaboration, a group of evidence-based medicine (EBM) reviewers, reviewed the use of P6 for nausea and vomiting, and found it to be effective for reducing post-operative nausea, but not vomiting. The Cochrane review included various means of stimulating P6, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, laser stimulation, acustimulation device and acupressure; it did not comment on whether one or more forms of stimulation were more effective. EBM reviewer Bandolier said that P6 acupressure in two studies showed 52% of patients with control having a success, compared with 75% with P6 acupressure. A Cochrane Collaboration review found that massage provided some long-term benefit for low back pain, and said: "It seems that acupressure or pressure point massage techniques provide more relief than classic (Swedish) massage..."

Angina Treatment Acupressure offers only symptomatic relief to angina and palpitations. Patients with these conditions should seek a qualified medical advice. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. CV17 Step 2. P6 - less painful side Step 3. P6 - other side Step 4. H7 - less painful side Step 5. H7 - other side Step 6. Yin Tang

Palpitations Treatment Acupressure offers only symptomatic relief to angina and palpitations. Patients with these conditions should seek a qualified medical advice. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. P6 - less painful side Step 2. P6 - other side Step 3. H7 - less painful side Step 4. H7 - other side Step 5. Yin Tang Step 6. TW15 - less painful side Step 7. TW15 - other side

High Blood Pressure Treatmentt High blood pressure is a common condition. Acupressure is often an effective method to control high blood pressure. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. P6 - less painful side Step 2. P6 - other side Step 3. St36- less painful side Step 4. St36 - other side Step 5. K3 - less painful side Step 6. K3 - other side Step 7. TW15 - less painful side Step 8. TW15 - other side

Constipation Treatment Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where a person experiences hard feces that are difficult to eliminate; it may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. Causes may be dietary, hormonal, a side effect of medications, and anatomical. Acupressure is often successful in improving the bowel movement. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Also try increasing fiber content in your diet by consuming more vegetables, fruit, whole meal bread and by adding linseeds. Step 1. SP15- less painful side Step 2. SP15 - other side Step 3. CV6 Step 4. Li4 - less painful side Step 5. Li4 - other side Step 6. St36- less painful side Step 7. St36- other side Step 8. Liv3- less painful side Step 9. Liv3- other side SP15-Start with a less painful side Location: on the intersection of nipple line and belly button line. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the abdomen. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min, Continue on the other side CV6 Location: two fingers-width below the belly button. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the abdomen. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Diarrhea Treatmentt Diarrhea is a condition in which the person has frequent and watery, chunky, or loose bowel movements. This condition can be a symptom of injury, disease, allergy, food intolerance (fructose, lactose), food borne illness or extreme excesses of Vitamin C or magnesium Keep hydrated. Try eating smaller portions of food. Eat slowly. Some fruit, such as bananas, may have positive effects on this condition. Acupressure treatment: sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. SP15- less painful side Step 2. SP15 - other side Step 3. CV6 Step 4. Li4 - less painful side Step 5. Li4 - other side Step 6. St36- less painful side Step 7. St36- other side Step 8. SP4- less painful side Step 9. SP4- other side Step 10. Liv3- less painful side Step 11. Liv3- other side SP4 - Start with a less painful side Location: on the arch of the foot, in the hollow two finger-width away from the ball of the foot, above the tendon of the big toe (move the big toe up and down to feel the tendon). Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Heartburn People with heartburns should pay attention to their diet. As a rule of thumb avoid sweets and sweet drink and eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits. Note which particular food triggers the problem and avoid this food in the future. The burning sensation accompanied by chest squeezing, crushing, or pressure may be a heart attack. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. CV12 Step 2. CV6 Step 3. P6 - less painful side Step 4. P6 - other side Step 5. St36 - less painful side Step 6. St36 - other side Step 7. SP4 - less painful side Step 8. SP4 - other side

Stomachachee People with stomachache should pay attention to their diet. As a rule of thumb avoid sweets and sweet drink and eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits. Note which particular food triggers the problem and avoid this food in the future. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. CV12 Step 2. CV6 Step 3. P6 - less painful side Step 4. P6 - other side Step 5. St36 - less painful side Step 6. St36 - other side Step 7. SP4 - less painful side Step 8. SP4 - other side

For women only PMS and Painful Periods PMS is due to hormonal imbalance that may start as early as two weeks before menstruation (at the time of ovulation). Acupressure is often successful in alleviating PMS symptoms. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. CV6 Step 2. SP12_13 - less painful side Step 3. SP12_13 - other side Step 4. Sacral Points-less painful side Step 5. Sacral Points - other side Step 6. B48 - less painful side Step 7. B48 - other side Step 8. St36 - less painful side Step 9. St36 - other side Step 10. SP6 - less painful side Step 11. SP6 - other side Step 12. Liv3 - less painful side Step 13. Liv3 - other side SP13 and SP12 Location: SP13 (top) in the middle of the crease where leg joins the body (groin line), one finger-width up from the top of the pubic bone, four finger-width out of the midline. SP12 (bottom) in the middle of the crease where leg joins the body (groin line), on the top of the pubic bone, three finger-width out of the midline. Direction: apply firm deep pressure. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min each point. Location: SP13 (top) in the middle of the crease where leg joins the body (groin line), one finger-width up from the top of the pubic bone, four finger-width out of the midline. SP12 (bottom) in the middle of the crease where leg joins the body (groin line), on the top of the pubic bone, three finger-width out of the midline. Direction: apply firm deep pressure. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min each point.

Hot Flashes Hot flashes are normal part of going through menopause. They are due to hormonal imbalance that occur at this time. Regular acupressure treatments, even when no hot flashes are occurring, are most helpful. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. CV17 Step 2. Li4 - less painful side Step 3. Li4 - other side Step 4. St36 - less painful side Step 5. St36 - other side Step 6. SP6 - less painful side Step 7. SP6 - other side Step 8. K1 - less painful side Step 9. K1 - other side Step 10. GB20 - less painful side Step 11. GB20 - other side Step 12. Yin Tang Step 13. K27 - less painful side Step 14. K27 - other side

Acupressure during Pregnancy Morning sickness is likely due to hormones released by your body (estrogens). The symptoms include nausea and vomiting. These tend to be worst in the morning but can occur at any time of the day or night. Morning sickness is limited to the first trimester in the majority of women. Acupressure is often very effective method to relieve morning sickness. Diet: Ginger is effective remedy for morning sickness. You can take ground ginger in capsules, use ginger as a tea, or take ginger chunks covered with sugar. General advise for reducing morning sickness symptoms: Get lots of sleep. An empty stomach usually worsens nausea. Eating several small meals will keep your stomach full and reduce nausea. To avoid vomiting in the morning eat something while in the bed. Avoid iron supplements, which may worsen nausea. Iron supplements are not necessary during the first trimester. Reduce fatty food intake.

To relieve morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea, massage point P6 for as long as you can: Step 1. P6 left Step 2. P6 right

To relieve insomnia, nervousness and anxiety massage these points: Step 1. B10 left Step 2. B10 right Step 3. Yin Tang Step 4. CV17

To relieve abdominal discomfort massage these points: Step 1. SP12 and SP13 left Step 2. SP12 and SP13 right

To relieve lower back pain massage these points: Step 1. Sacral Points left Step 2. Sacral Points right Step 3. B48 left Step 4. B48 right

Bed-wetting Bedwetting (or nocturnal enuresis or sleep wetting) is involuntary urination while asleep. It is the normal state of affairs in infancy, but can be a source of embarrassment when it persists into school age or the teen years. Occasional bedwetting such as once a month to once a year is normal for a child between 4 and 16 and nothing to get alarmed at. Acupressure treatment during the day can often eliminate enuresis. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points.   Step 1. CV4 Step 2. K3 - less painful side Step 3. K3 - other side Step 4. SP6 - less painful side Step 5. SP6 - other side Step 6. Yin Tang CV4 Location: four fingers-width below the belly button. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the abdomen. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Incontinence Urinary incontinence is the involuntary excretion of urine from one's body. Incontinence can be caused by actions such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, exercising or other movements that increase intrabdominal pressure and thus increase pressure on the bladder. Physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause often also often cause incontinence. Ponnuri Gopiikrishna's exercises, to strengthen or retrain pelvic floor muscles and sphincter muscles can reduce or cure incontinence. The exercises consist of the regular clenching and unclenching of pubococcygeus muscles. The aim of Kegel exercises is to restore muscle tone and strength to the pubococcygeus muscles in order to prevent or reduce pelvic floor problems and to increase sexual gratification. Kegel exercises may be beneficial in treating urinary incontinence in both men and women. Acupressure treatment during the day often provide a good relieve from this condition. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. CV2 Step 2. SP6 - less painful side Step 3. SP6 - other side Step 4. TW15 - less painful side Step 5. TW15 - other side Step 6. Yin Tang CV2 Location: palm-width below the belly button. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the abdomen. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Urinary Retention Urinary retention also known as ischuria is a lack of ability to urinate. It may be a complication of benign prostatic hypertrophy, anticholinergics drugs, various medications such as antidepressants, and recreational use of amphetamines. Acupressure is often successful in reliving this condition. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. SP9 - less painful side Step 2. SP9 - other side Step 3. SP6 - less painful side Step 4. SP6 - other side Step 5. TW15 - less painful side Step 6. TW15 - other side Step 7. Yin Tang

Weight Loss This exercise is a variation of the Tapas Acupressure Technique (or TAT) that has been shown to be effective for weight loss in research study funded by Kaiser Permanente and The National Institutes of Health. The study tested TAT in a scientific randomized controlled study and found it to be effective for weight loss maintenance. In fact, the study found that attendance at weight maintenance was 72% for TAT Tapas Acupressure Technique - higher than any other method studied. The study was published in March 2007 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Five of six participants of the study reported almost immediate help in curbing cravings, controlling overeating, and sticking to a “good eating plan” following the use of TAT: “I did it for eating and cravings. In particular, I have this brownie habit. At the afternoon break at work at three o’clock, the cafeteria has this chocolate brownie that calls to me every single day! So we worked at one of the classes on this brownie craving and it went away. I mean three o’clock came and went and I didn’t think about it!” Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. GB21 - less painful side Step 2. GB21 - other side Step 3. B1 - less painful side Step 4. B1 - other side Step 5. Yin Tang Step 6. GV26 Step 7. CV17

Nose Bleeding A nosebleed, medically known as epistaxis, is the relatively common occurrence of bleeding from the nose, usually noticed when it drains out through the nostrils. The flow of blood normally stops when the blood clots, which may be encouraged by direct pressure. Get emergency treatment if the bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes or a nosebleed occurs after an injury to the head. Acupressure often relieves nosebleed by facilitating blood clotting. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. GV26 Step 2. GB20 - less painful side Step 3. GB20 - other side Step 4. P6 - less painful side Step 5. P6 - other side Step 6. Li4 - less painful side Step 7. Li4 - other side

Itching Acupressure is often successful in reducing itching. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Li11 - less painful side Step 2. Li11 - other side Step 3. SP6 - less painful side Step 4. SP6 - other side Step 5. St36 - less painful side Step 6. St36 - other side Step 7. Li4 - less painful side Step 8. Li4 - other side

Asthma Asthma occurs when smooth muscles covering bronchial tubes contract increasing air flow resistance. Smooth muscles are controlled by hormones and autonomic nervous system. Acupressure is often a useful approach to asthma. Active points massage can be used during and between asthma episodes. Acupressure can be used in conjunction with bronchodilators. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points.   Step 1. St36 - less painful side Step 2. St36 - other side Step 3. K27 - less painful side Step 4. K27 - other side Step 5. Lu1- less painful side Step 6. Lu1 - other side Step 7. B13 - less painful side Step 8. B13 - other side Step 9. CV17  B13 - Start with a less painful side Location: between the spine and the shoulder blade, one finger-width below the top of shoulder blade. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. If you have difficulty reaching this point lay back on a hard surface and position a tennis ball under the active point. Duration: 2 min

Decreased Libido Treatment Decreased libido and impotency are commonly due to imbalance of autonomic nervous system. Acupressure can often be a useful approach to man’s and woman’s decreased libido treatment. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. CV6 Step 2. CV4 Step 3. SP12_13 - less painful side Step 4. SP12_13 - other side Step 5. St36- less painful side Step 6. St36 - other side Step 7. SP6 - less painful side Step 8. SP6 - other side Step 9. K1 - less painful side Step 10. K1 - other side Step 11. B27_34 - less painful side Step 12. B27_34 - other side

Hangover Treatment A hangover is the sum of unpleasant physical effects following heavy consumption of alcohol or the use of other drugs. The most common reported characteristics of a hangover are feelings of extreme thirst (dehydration), feelings of being more tired than usual, nausea and headaches. A good hangover cure should replace essential nutrients lost by the body while counteracting the influence of residual poisons: drink a large amount of water, preferably sports drink such as PowerAde or Gatorade, eat mineral-rich foods, like pickles or canned fish. Acupressure is an effective way to relieve painful sensation associated with hangover. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Li4 - less painful side Step 2. Li4 - other side Step 3. GB20 - less painful side Step 4. GB20 - other side Step 5. GV20 Step 6. Tai Yang - less painful side Step 7. Tai Yang - other side Step 8. St3 - less painful side Step 9. St3 - other side Step 10. TW5 - less painful side Step 11. TW5 - other side Step 12. St36 - less painful side Step 13. St36 - other side Step 14. Liv3 - less painful side Step 15. Liv3 - other side

Sore Throat (tonsillitis) Sore throat is commonly due to an infection. Acupressure is often successful in alleviating the symptoms and speeding up full recovery by improving the function of immune system. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. K27 - less painful side Step 2. K27 - other side Step 3. CV22 Step 4. Li4- less painful side Step 5. Li4 - other side Step 6. St36 - less painful side Step 7. St36 - other side K27 - Start with a less painful side Location: in the hollow under the clavicle, next to the breastbone. To find the point follow the clavicle until it connects to the breastbone. If you have difficulty following the clavicle bone, move shoulder back and forth. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the chest. Duration: 1 min CV22 Location: in the hollow directly below the Adam’s apple. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min St36 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women Start with a less painful side. Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area on the front side of a leg below the knee until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Sinusitis (both acute and chronic) Sinusitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose and sinuses. Acupressure is often successful in improving the function of immune system and clearing the sinuses. In addition to acupressure, you can use warm salt water nasal washes. Dissolve half tea spoon of table salt in a glass of warm water. Pour some solution into the palm of your hand, close one nostril, and sniff the solution into the other nostril. The saline wash should go through the nose into the mouth. Repeat several times per day. Step 1. Li20 - less painful side Step 2. Li20 - other side Step 3. St3 - less painful side Step 4. St3 - other side Step 5. B2 - less painful side Step 6. B2 - other side Step 7. Yin Tang Step 8. GB20 - less painful side Step 9. GB20 - other side Step 10. Li4 - less painful side Step 11. Li4 - other side Li20-Start with a less painful side Location: in the hollow just outside each nostril. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. St 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: below the cheekbone, directly down from the pupil of the eye. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction against the bottom edge of the cheekbone. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min B2 - Start with a less painful side. Location: with the tip of your thumb or index finger probe the area where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Yin Tang Location: with the tip of your thumb or index finger probe the area midway between the medial end of the two eyebrows as indicated on the picture until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min GB20 -Start with a less painful side Location: just below the base of the scull, in the depression between the two major neck muscles. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. Duration: 1 min Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min

Loss of Voice (Laryngitis) Loss of voice is often due to inflammation of the larynx. Acupressure is often successful in speeding up the recovery. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. CV22 Step 2. K27 - less painful side Step 3. K27 - other side Step 4. Lu7 - less painful side Step 5. Lu7 - other side Step 6. Li4 - less painful side Step 7. Li4 - other side CV22 Location: in the hollow directly below the Adam’s apple. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min K27 - Start with a less painful side Location: in the hollow under the clavicle, next to the breastbone. To find the point follow the clavicle until it connects to the breastbone. If you have difficulty following the clavicle bone, move shoulder back and forth. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the chest. Duration: 1 min Lu7 - Start with a less painful side Location: on the side of the arm, one thumb-width away from the wrist crest. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min

Ear Pain Treatment Otalgia is ear pain or an earache. Typical sources of primary otalgia are external otitis, otitis media, mastoiditis, auricular infections. Tonsillitis and pharyngitis are also common causes of earaches in children. Acupressure is often successful in alleviating the symptoms and speeding up full recovery by improving the function of immune system. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Ear Points - less painful side Step 2. Ear Points - other side Step 3. TW17 - less painful side Step 4. TW17 - other side Step 5. GB20 - less painful side Step 6. GB20 - other side Step 7. K3- less painful side Step 8. K3 - other side

Allergy Allergies are due to overreaction of the immune system to environmental allergens such as pollen and dust. Acupressure treatment is often successful in reducing the symptoms. Treat as soon as first symptoms appear. Do not wait for full blown attack. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. St36- less painful side Step 2. St36 - other side Step 3. Liv3 - less painful side Step 4. Liv3 - other side Step 5. Li11 - less painful side Step 6. Li11 - other side Step 7. K27 - less painful side Step 8. K27 - other side Step 9. TW5 - less painful side Step 10. TW5 - other side St36 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women Start with a less painful side. Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area on the front side of a leg below the knee until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Liv 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: on the top of the foot in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Li 11-Start with a less painful side Location: bend your arm, press your thumb into the hollow located on the outer side of the arm, directly above the elbow, between the elbow joint (below) and the muscle (above). Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the elbow joint. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min K27 - Start with a less painful side Location: in the hollow under the clavicle, next to the breastbone. To find the point follow the clavicle until it connects to the breastbone. If you have difficulty following the clavicle bone, move shoulder back and forth. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the chest. Duration: 1 min TW5- Start with a less painful side Location: on the back of the arm, in the depression between the two bones, three finger-width above the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 2 min

Frontal Headache Headache is often due to build-up of stress and tension. Acupressure is an effective way to relieve painful sensation associated these conditions. Treat as soon as first sign of headache appear. Do not wait for full blown headache. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. B2 - less painful side Step 2. B2 - other side Step 3. Yin Tang Step 4. GB14 - less painful side Step 5. GB14 - other side Step 6. Li4 - less painful side Step 7. Li4 - other side Step 8. St36 - less painful side Step 9. St36 - other side Step 10. Liv3 - less painful side Step 11. Liv3 - other side B2 - Start with a less painful side. Location: with the tip of your thumb or index finger probe the area where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Yin Tang Location: with the tip of your thumb or index finger probe the area midway between the medial end of the two eyebrows as indicated on the picture until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min GB14-Start with a less painful side.  Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area directly up from the pupil of the eye when looking straight ahead, approximately one finger-width above the eyebrow, until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min  St36 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women Start with a less painful side. Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area on the front side of a leg below the knee until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Liv 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: on the top of the foot in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Headache in the Back of the Head Headache is often due to build-up of stress and tension. Acupressure is an effective way to relieve painful sensation associated these conditions. Treat as soon as first sign of headache appear. Do not wait for full blown headache. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Li4 - less painful side Step 2. Li4 - other side Step 3. St3 - less painful side Step 4. St3 - other side Step 5. GB20 - less painful side Step 6. GB20 - other side Step 7. GV16 Step 8. St36 - less painful side Step 9. St36 - other side  Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min St 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: below the cheekbone, directly down from the pupil of the eye. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction against the bottom edge of the cheekbone. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min GB20 -Start with a less painful side  Location: just below the base of the scull, in the depression between the two major neck muscles. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. Duration: 1 min GV16 Location: in the back of the head, in the large depression under the base of the skull. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min St36 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women Start with a less painful side. Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area on the front side of a leg below the knee until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Headache on the Side of the Head Headache is often due to build-up of stress and tension. Acupressure is an effective way to relieve painful sensation associated these conditions. Treat as soon as first sign of headache appear. Do not wait for full blown headache. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. GB20 - less painful side Step 2. GB20 - other side Step 3. Tai Yang - less painful side Step 4. Tai Yang - other side Step 5. St3 - less painful side Step 6. St3 - other side Step 7. TW5 - less painful side Step 8. TW5 - other side Step 9. St36 - less painful side Step 10. St36 - other side Step 11. GB34 - less painful side Step 12. GB34 - other side GB20 -Start with a less painful side Location: just below the base of the scull, in the depression between the two major neck muscles. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. Duration: 1 min Tai Yang - Start with a less painful side. Location: in the large depression on the side of the head about 1 inch away from the end of the eyebrow. Direction: massage in circular motions back to front. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min St 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: below the cheekbone, directly down from the pupil of the eye. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction against the bottom edge of the cheekbone. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min TW5- Start with a less painful side Location: on the back of the arm, in the depression between the two bones, three finger-width above the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 2 min St36 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women Start with a less painful side. Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area on the front side of a leg below the knee until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min GB34-Start with a less painful side. Location: bend you leg. With the tip of your index finger probe the area in front of and below the head of the outer leg bone until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Headache on the Top of the Head Headache is often due to build-up of stress and tension. Acupressure is an effective way to relieve painful sensation associated these conditions. Treat as soon as first sign of headache appear. Do not wait for full blown headache. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. GV20 Step 2. St3 - less painful side Step 3. St3 - other side Step 4. St36 - less painful side Step 5. St36 - other side Step 6. Liv3 - less painful side Step 7. Liv3 - other side GV20 Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area on the top of the head, where the line connecting the high points of your ears crosses the body midline until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep circular strokes of pressure in the forward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min St 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: below the cheekbone, directly down from the pupil of the eye. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction against the bottom edge of the cheekbone. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min St36 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women Start with a less painful side. Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area on the front side of a leg below the knee until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Liv 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: on the top of the foot in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Headache Behind the Eye Headache is often due to build-up of stress and tension. Acupressure is an effective way to relieve painful sensation associated these conditions. Treat as soon as first sign of headache appear. Do not wait for full blown headache. Active point Liv3 (steps 1 and 2) is most effective for this type of headache. Massage Liv3 until numbing feeling is produced. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Liv3 - less painful side Step 2. Liv3 - other side Step 3. B1 - less painful side Step 4. B1 - other side Step 5. Tai Yang - less painful side Step 6. Tai Yang - other side Step 7. Li4 - less painful side Step 8. Li4 - other side Liv 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: on the top of the foot in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min B1 - Start with a less painful side Location: just inside the inner corner of the eye. Direction: press toward the bridge of the nose in upward strokes. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min Tai Yang - Start with a less painful side. Location: in the large depression on the side of the head about 1 inch away from the end of the eyebrow. Direction: massage in circular motions back to front. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min

Pain in the Jaw Acupressure is often successful in relieving the jaw pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Li4 - less painful side Step 2. Li4 - other side Step 3. Ear Points - less painful side Step 4. Ear Points - other side Step 5. St6- less painful side Step 6. St6 - other side Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min Ear Points (Si19, GB2, TW21) - Start with a less painful side Location: Si9 is in the front of the ear hole in the hollow that becomes deeper when the mouth is open. GB2 is in the depression half finger-width below Si9. TW21 is in the depression half finger-width above Si9. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: Massage every point for about 1 min. St6 - Start with a less painful side. Location: on the muscle that bulges the teeth are clenched. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the jaw. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Toothache A toothache is an aching pain in or around a tooth. In most cases toothaches are caused by problems in the tooth or jaw, such as cavities, tooth rot, or gum disease. However, toothache may also be a sign the heart disease, such as angina or a heart attack, due to referred pain. Acupressure provides only symptomatic relieve of toothache. In addition to acupressure, the pain of toothache can be treated with oil of cloves on packing in the sore tooth. Systemic antibiotics and analgesics such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or NSAIDs may also help. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Li4 - less painful side Step 2. Li4 - other side Step 3. St6- less painful side Step 4. St6 - other side Step 5. St3- less painful side Step 6. St3 - other side Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min St6 - Start with a less painful side. Location: on the muscle that bulges the teeth are clenched. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the jaw. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min St 3-Start with a less painful side. Location: below the cheekbone, directly down from the pupil of the eye. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction against the bottom edge of the cheekbone. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Ear Pain Treatment Otalgia is ear pain or an earache. Typical sources of primary otalgia are external otitis, otitis media, mastoiditis, auricular infections. Tonsillitis and pharyngitis are also common causes of earaches in children. Acupressure is often successful in alleviating the symptoms and speeding up full recovery by improving the function of immune system. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Ear Points - less painful side Step 2. Ear Points - other side Step 3. TW17 - less painful side Step 4. TW17 - other side Step 5. GB20 - less painful side Step 6. GB20 - other side Step 7. K3- less painful side Step 8. K3 - other side Ear Points (Si19, GB2, TW21) - Start with a less painful side Location: Si9 is in the front of the ear hole in the hollow that becomes deeper when the mouth is open. GB2 is in the depression half finger-width below Si9. TW21 is in the depression half finger-width above Si9. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: Massage every point for about 1 min. TW17-Start with a less painful side Location: in the hollow behind the ear lobe. Direction: take a deep breath and slowly breath out while holding this point. Duration: 2 min K3 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side Location: in the hollow midway between inside anklebone and the Achilles tendon. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min GB20 -Start with a less painful side Location: just below the base of the scull, in the depression between the two major neck muscles. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. Duration: 1 min

Neck Pain and Tension Neck pain is commonly due to muscle tension. Acupressure is often successful in relieving neck pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. GB20 - less painful side Step 2. GB20 - other side Step 3. B10 - less painful side Step 4. B10 - other side Step 5. GB21 - less painful side Step 6. GB21 - other side Step 7. Li4 - less painful side Step 8. Li4 - other side Step 9. GV16  GB20 -Start with a less painful side Location: just below the base of the scull, in the depression between the two major neck muscles. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. Duration: 1 min B10 - Start with a less painful side Location: halfway between the base of the skull and the base of the neck, on the edge of the trapezoid muscles. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min GB21-Start with a less painful side Location: on the top of the trapezoid muscle, directly up from the nipple. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Start with a less painful side. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min GV16 Location: in the back of the head, in the large depression under the base of the skull. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min

Shoulder Pain and Tension Shoulder pain is a common problem. Acupressure is often successful in relieving shoulder pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. GB21 - less painful side Step 2. GB21 - other side Step 3. TW15- less painful side Step 4. TW15- other side Step 5. TW14- less painful side Step 6. TW14- other side Step 7. Li15 - less painful side Step 8. Li15 - other side Step 9. Li14 - less painful side Step 10. Li14 - other side Step 11. Li11 - less painful side Step 12. Li11 - other side Step 13. B57 - less painful side Step 14. B57 - other side   GB21-Start with a less painful side Location: on the top of the trapezoid muscle, directly up from the nipple. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min TW15-Start with a less painful side Location: on the top of the shoulder blade. To find the point go directly up from the nipple, around the top of the trapezoid muscle, and down to the top of the shoulder blade. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min TW14-Start with a less painful side Location: in the front, in the hollow below the scapular bone and directly above the arm joint. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the scapular. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Li15 - Continue on the other side Location: in the front part of arm joint, in the anterior hollow formed when the arm is raised above the head. Lower the arm when massaging the point. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the joint. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min Li14-Start with a less painful side Location: on the outside of the arm, in the hollow where deltoid muscle is inserted into the fumerus bone (the bone of the upper arm), about one third distance from the top of the shoulder to the elbow. Direction: press directly into the fumerus bone. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min Li 11-Start with a less painful side Location: bend your arm, press your thumb into the hollow located on the outer side of the arm, directly above the elbow, between the elbow joint (below) and the muscle (above). Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the elbow joint. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min B57 - Start with a less painful side Location: in the back of the leg, midway between the knee and the heel, at the bottom edge and between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the bone. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Wrist Treatment Wrist pain is often due to repetitive stress imposed on the wrist by computer related activity such as typing. Sometimes wrist pain is due to carpal tunnel syndrome. In this condition the inflamed tissue compresses the nerve inside the wrist (medial nerve). The nerve, in turn, releases chemical substances that inflame the tissue further. When treating this condition your goal is to stop the inflammation/compression cycle. Active points massage is an effective way to treat wrist pain. Often single 30 minutes treatment is sufficient to eliminate the pain for good. Treat active points for as long as you can or until numbing feeling is produced, as often as you can during the day. Straitening the wrist at night facilitates healing by reducing pressure on the nerve. Some patients find it helpful to stabilize the wrist in straitened position by wearing the wrist splint. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. P6 Step 2. P7 Step 3. TW5 Step 4. TW4 Step 5. Li5 Step 6. Si5 P6 Location: on the interior side of the arm, in the hollow between the bones of the forearm, three finger-width above the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 3 min or more P7 Location: in the wrist, in the hollow between the bones of the forearm. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 3 min TW5 Location: on the back of the arm, in the depression between the two bones, three finger-width above the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 2 min TW4 Location: on the back of the arm, in the center of the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min Li5 Location: in the wrist crease, near the thumb tendon. Move the thumb to feel the tendon movement. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min Si5 Location: in the wrist crease, in the hollow on the side of the wrist. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min

Hand Treatment Acupressure is often successful in relieving the hand pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Li4 Step 2. P6 Step 3. P7 Step 4. TW4 Step 5. TW5 i 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women. Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated on the picture. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min P6 Location: on the interior side of the arm, in the hollow between the bones of the forearm, three finger-width above the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 3 min or more P7 Location: in the wrist, in the hollow between the bones of the forearm. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 3 min TW4 Location: on the back of the arm, in the center of the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min TW5 Location: on the back of the arm, in the depression between the two bones, three finger-width above the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 2 min

Lower Back Pain Acupressure is often successful in relieving lower back pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. B23, B25 -less painful side Step 2. B23, B25 - other side Step 3. B27-B34-less painful side Step 4. B27-B34 - other side Step 5. B48 - less painful side Step 6. B48 - other side Step 7. B54- less painful side Step 8. B54- other side B23 and B25- Start with a less painful side Location: B23 (top) - in the lower back, on the waist level, two finger-width away from the spine, in the hollow between vertebra. B25 (bottom) - in the lower back, four finger-width below the waist level, two finger-width away from the spine, in the hollow between vertebra. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. If you are massaging these points yourself and cannot reach these points, lay back on a hard surface and position the tennis ball under the active points. Duration: 1 min each point Sacral points B27-34 - Start with a less painful side Location: on the base of the spine. Direction: if you are massaging these points yourself and cannot reach these points, lay back on a hard surface and position the tennis ball under the active points. Duration: 2 min B48 - Start with a less painful side Location: in the middle of each buttock. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min B54 - Start with a less painful side Location: in the hollow behind the knee. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min

Hip Pain Acupressure is often successful in relieving hip pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. GB29 Step 3. GB30 Step 5. B48 Step 7. GB34 GB29 Location: on the side of the hip, in the hollow midway between the top of the hip and the top of the femur bone. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min GB30-Start with a less painful side Location: in the hollow behind the top of the femur bone. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min B48 Location: in the middle of each buttock. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min GB34-Continue on the other side. Location: bend you leg. With the tip of your index finger probe the area in front of and below the head of the outer leg bone until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Points for Knee Treatment Acupressure is often successful in relieving the knee pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. Kneecap Points Step 2. SP9 Step 3. B54 Kneecap points Location: in the hollow below the kneecap, on both sides of the kneecap. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min each point SP9 Location: on the inside of the leg, under the kneecap in the hollow just below the bulge. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min B54 Location: in the hollow behind the knee. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min

Points for Ankle Treatment Acupressure is often successful in relieving the ankle pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the local active points.   Step 1. CV17 Step 2. P6 - less painful side Step 3. P6 - other side Step 4. H7 - less painful side Step 5. H7 - other side Step 6. Yin Tang CV17 Location: in the center of the breastbone, midway between nipples. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min P6 - Start with a less painful side Location: on the interior side of the arm, in the hollow between the bones of the forearm, three finger-width above the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 3 min or more H7 - Start with a less painful side Location: on the inside of the arm; in the hollow formed by the wrist, inside bone of the arm, and the tendon. To find the point: 1. straiten the wrist; 2. slide your thumb along the wrist crease until the thumb falls into a hollow formed by the tendon, inside bone of the arm, and the wrist. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min Yin Tang Location: with the tip of your thumb or index finger probe the area midway between the medial end of the two eyebrows as indicated on the picture until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min

Points for Foot Treatment Acupressure is often successful in relieving the foot pain. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the local active points. Foot Points Foot Points Location: on the top of the foot in the webbing between toes. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min

Anxiety Attacks and Nervousness As scary as they are, periods of nervousness and occasional anxiety attacks are NORMAL. I have yet to meet a person who have never experienced these problems. Use the combination of exercise, diet, and acupressure treatment for best results. The combination treatment has a synergistic effect that is much more pronounced than that of either treatment alone: 1. Exercise for at least 30 consecutive minutes every day - endurance exercise like running and swimming works best. Do not interrupt the exercise. After consecutive 30 minutes of exercise endorphin is released into the blood stream. Endorphin is a natural body painkiller. Endorphin and morphine are chemically different molecules but, by coincidence, they have very similar 3-dimensional shape. This similarity in shape allows morphine to bind the endorphin receptor, reduce pain, and induce feeling of euphoria. The endorphin released by exercise and acupressure treatment will improve your mood and will eventually lead to complete disappearance of anxiety. 2. Exclude caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and cola from your diet until the symptoms disappear. If you cannot stop yourself from drinking tea and coffee, then switch to decaf (decaffeinated tea and coffee). Decaf has lower caffeine concentration. Exclude chocolate. 3. Treat active points for as long as you can or until numbing feeling is produced. Repeat the treatment as often as you can during the day. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. P6 - less painful side Step 2. P6 - other side Step 3. H7 - less painful side Step 4. H7 - other side Step 5. TW15 - less painful side Step 6. TW15 - other side Step 7. CV17 Step 8. Yin Tang P6 - Start with a less painful side Location: on the interior side of the arm, in the hollow between the bones of the forearm, three finger-width above the wrist crease. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 3 min or more H7 - Start with a less painful side Location: on the inside of the arm; in the hollow formed by the wrist, inside bone of the arm, and the tendon. To find the point: 1. straiten the wrist; 2. slide your thumb along the wrist crease until the thumb falls into a hollow formed by the tendon, inside bone of the arm, and the wrist. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min TW15-Start with a less painful side Location: on the top of the shoulder blade. To find the point go directly up from the nipple, around the top of the trapezoid muscle, and down to the top of the shoulder blade. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min CV17 Location: in the center of the breastbone, midway between nipples. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 2 min Yin Tang Location: with the tip of your thumb or index finger probe the area midway between the medial end of the two eyebrows as indicated on the picture until you feel a slight dip. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min

Relieving Depression Use the combination of exercise, diet, change in the attitude, and acupressure treatment for best results. The combination has a synergistic effect that is much more pronounced than that of either treatment alone: 1. Exercise for at least 30 consecutive minutes every day. The exercise must be repetitive such as swimming or jogging. Do not interrupt the exercise. After consecutive 30 minutes of exercise endorphin is released into the blood stream. Endorphin is a natural body painkiller. Endorphin and morphine are chemically different molecules but, by coincidence, they have very similar 3-dimensional shape. This similarity in shape allows morphine to bind the endorphin receptor, reduce pain, and induce feeling of euphoria. The endorphin released by exercise and acupressure treatment will improve your mood and will eventually lead to complete disappearance of depression. 2. In most people caffeine tends to increase nervousness and agitation. Therefore exclude tea, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages from your diet. If you absolutely cannot exclude coffee or tea, switch to decaffeinated beverages. The decaffeination process of coffee and tea effectively removes over 90% of the caffeine. 3. Change your attitude – you CANNOT be guilty for everything you blame yourself. 4. Start a diary – write down a list of problems and possible solutions to each problem. If there is no solution, write no solution. 5. Treat active points for as long as you can or until numbing feeling is produced. Repeat the treatment as often as you can during the day. When massaging active points lie comfortably in bed, close your eyes and breath deeply. Treat active points until numbing feeling is produced. Step 1. GV20 Step 2. GB20 - less painful side Step 3. GB20 - other side Step 4. TW15 - less painful side Step 5. TW15 - other side Step 6. Yin Tang Step 7. CV17 Step 8. K27- less painful side Step 9. K27- other side Step 10. Lu1- less painful side Step 11. Lu1- other side Step 12. St36- less painful side Step 13. St36- other side  Lu1 - Start with a less painful side Location: on the outside edge of the rib cage, three finger-width below the clavicle. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the chest. Duration: 1 min

Relieving Insomnia Everyone experiences insomnia from time to time. Use combination of exercise, diet, and acupressure treatment to achieve the best results. The combination has a synergistic effect that is much more pronounced than that of either treatment alone: 1. Exercise for at least 30 consecutive minutes every day. The exercise must be repetitive such as swimming or jogging. Do not interrupt the exercise. After consecutive 30 minutes of exercise endorphin is released into the blood stream. Endorphin is a natural body painkiller. Endorphin and morphine are chemically different molecules but, by coincidence, they have very similar 3-dimensional shape. This similarity in shape allows morphine to bind the endorphin receptor, reduce pain, and induce feeling of euphoria. The endorphin released by exercise and acupressure treatment will improve your mood and will eventually lead to complete disappearance of insomnia. 2. Do not drink tea, coffee, or any other caffeinated beverages for at least 6 hours before going to bed. 3. Get up at the same time every morning. Start a day with plenty of light. Bright light resets the internal circadian clock that regulates sleep-wakefulness pattern. 4. Avoid taking naps during the day. 5. Use your bed for sleep only, not for reading during the day or TV. 6. Do not tense up at the thought that you won’t get a full eight hours of sleep – occasional lack of sleep has no effect on your health. Many people including Napoleon and Churchill were able to get by on 3 to 5 hours of sleep. 7. Do not worry if you wake up in the middle of the night. Recent research indicates that humans might be genetically predisposed to biphasic sleep. Stay in bed, read a book and avoid bright light. You are very likely to fall asleep in the next 60 to 90 minutes. 8. Each night before going to bed write down everything you are thinking about on a piece of paper. Write down a list of problems and possible solutions to each problem. If there is no solution, write no solution. 9. Neither work on your PC nor watch TV for at least 30 minutes before going to bed, you may want to read a book instead. When massaging active points lie comfortably in bed, close your eyes and breath deeply. Pour Peace, Love, and Kindness on walls and ceiling of your room. Treat active points until numbing feeling is produced or until you fall asleep. You do not need to treat all points. Step 1. GB20 - less painful side Step 2. GB20 - other side Step 3. GV16 Step 4. B10 - less painful side Step 5. B10 - other side Step 6. B38 - less painful side Step 7. B38 - other side Step 8. H7- less painful side Step 9. H7- other side Step 10. SP6- less painful side Step 11. SP6- other side Step 12. K6- less painful side Step 13. K6- other side Step 14. K3- less painful side Step 15. K3- other side Step 16 CV17 Step 17 Yin Tang B38 - Start with a less painful side Location: four finger’s width out from the spine, half way between the top and bottom of the shoulder blade, between the 4th and 5th ribs. Direction: if you have difficulty reaching this point lay back on a hard surface and position the tennis ball under the active point. Apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min SP6 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women Start with a less painful side Location: on the inside surface of the leg, four fingers-width above the inner anklebone. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min K6 - Start with a less painful side Location: in the depression directly below inner anklebone. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside Duration: 1 min

Fainting Avoid situations that provoke fainting. For example, you may need to eat regularly to avoid low blood sugar. You may need to get up from a bed very gradually to give vascular system enough time to adjust the blood pressure. You may need to learn to control the breathing to avoid hyperventilation when you feel worried. Start treatment as soon as first warning signs such as dizziness, nausea, and sweaty palms appear. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath regularly when massaging the active points. Step 1. GV26 (most effective point) Step 2. P6 - less painful side Step 3. P6 - other side Step 4. H7 - less painful side Step 5. H7 - other side Step 6. K1 - less painful side Step 7. K1 - other side GV26 Location: in the hollow between the upper lip and the nose. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside. Duration: 1 min K1 - Start with a less painful side Location: in the center of the sole of the foot in the depression between the two pads. Direction: if you are massaging this point yourself and cannot reach it, stand up with one foot on a tennis ball. Apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. Duration: 1 min

Hiccoughs A hiccough is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm. Typically hiccough repeats several times a minute. While many cases develop spontaneously, hiccups are known to develop often in specific situations, such as eating too quickly, taking a cold drink while eating a hot meal, eating very hot or spicy food, laughing vigorously or coughing, or drinking an excess of an alcoholic beverage. Acupressure is often successful in stopping the hiccoughs. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Also close your nose and drink a glass of water with no interruption (in order to hold the breath). Step 1. TW17 - less painful side Step 2. TW17 - other side Step 3. CV22 Step 4. CV17 Step 5. CV12 Step 6. St36 - less painful side Step 7. St36 - other side CV12 Location: midway between the belly button and the bottom of the breastbone. Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the abdomen. Duration: 2 min

Memory and Concentration Improvement Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points. Step 1. TW15 - less painful side Step 2. TW15 - other side Step 3. GB20 - less painful side Step 4. GB20 - other side Step 5. Yin Tang Step 6. GV26 Step 7. CV17 For Information: In this topic of Data are copy by this site link: http://www.ponnurigopiikrishna.in/Accu_3.html