Benefits of Massage using Acupressure Points on Yourself

By Suzanne G.

What is acupressure? Acupressure has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. It is a really cool form of healing developed to relieve pain, improve circulation, and in general, balance the body's energy flow.  The body is composed of 12 major channels, each corresponding with internal organs and externally with limbs and joints. Most massage therapists learn the various principles of acupressure techniques and incorporate it into their practice.

There are many simple, effective techniques you can do on your own to stimulate, harmonize, and revitalize your body's energy. For example Stomach 36 is a major point that has multiple functions such as constipation, knee pain, and even fatigue as story has it.

"Specifically, a site on the pelvic limb called “Zusanli” (also known as Stomach 36, or ST-36) is one of the most frequently used of all acupuncture points. The Chinese name Zusanli means “Leg Three Miles”. Oral tradition has it that in ancient times, most individuals traveled on foot, and stimulation of Zusanli would relieve fatigue dramatically enough that the effects would allow one to travel another three miles. It was indeed common for people who were about to embark on a long journey to needle or moxa this point (which involves warming the area with a medicinal herb such as mugwort), in order to build the necessary
strength and endurance for the trip." 

Robinson, Narda. "The “Leg-Three-Miles” Acupuncture Point for Internal Medicine Problems." 2007. Web. 31 May 2013.

So next time you feel a little constipated, are tired, or have achy knees try stimulating this point. You can locate this point by taking 3 body inches below the knee on the lateral edge of the shin point and one finger width lateral to the edge of the tibia. Sometimes it can be a little tricky to find, but play around with it.

This link below gives a good thorough explanation and guide on how to gauge the right amount of pressure for yourself.

http://www.acupressure.com/articles/Applying_pressure_to_acupressure_points.htm