To give yourself a massage, the first step is to learn how to locate acupoints. Locating acupoints is a basic skill for acupuncturists. In addition to accurately finding acupoints based on anatomical positions, there are also many subtle techniques. Today, I will share them with you. To massage or perform acupuncture, you first need to find the relevant acupoints. Only by finding the correct acupoints can you achieve the desired effects. However, we often don't know where the acupoints are and how to apply the correct pressure.
How to accurately locate and apply pressure to acupoints
Acupoints, also known as meridians, are the locations where reactions occur. When there is an abnormality in the body, various reactions will occur in the meridians.
1. These reactions include:
- Pressing with a finger will cause pain (tenderness).
- Touching with a finger will reveal hard lumps (nodules).
- A slight stimulation will cause itching (sensitivity).
- The appearance of black spots or patches (pigmentation).
- Temperature difference with the surrounding skin (temperature changes), etc.
The presence or absence of these reactions is an important indicator of whether the meridians have been accurately located.
2. Methods for finding meridians
When you press your finger on an acupoint, it will feel particularly soft, as if there is a hollow inside. Following your finger, focus on the acupoint, and you will feel a slight tingling sensation, and people with more sensitive skin may even feel a slight warmth at the acupressure point.
3. Methods for applying pressure to acupoints
- First, locate the acupoint you want to apply pressure to.
- Press the acupoint with the inside of your thumb joint and apply downward pressure.
- While applying downward pressure, count silently in your mind from 1 to 6. By the time you reach 6, your thumb should have penetrated the acupoint.
- Pause for 2-3 seconds, then count down from 5 to 1, gradually releasing the pressure. Keep your thumb on the acupoint for another 2-3 seconds, then repeat the acupressure motion.
- Each acupoint should be pressed at least 5 times for it to be effective.
I have introduced the methods for locating acupoints and massaging them. If you want to learn self-massage and acupuncture, you can give it a try. You can perform self-acupuncture and massage at home on a daily basis.
