7 Popular Acupuncture Points for Anxiety and Stress Relief

7 Popular Acupuncture Points for Anxiety and Stress Relief

Nowadays, it seems that people are struggling with more stress and anxiety than ever before. It is a good thing then that acupuncture offers such a good treatment option. Inserting fine needles into specific points in the skin leads to a release of endorphins. Being easily available and well-studied in regards to stress/anxiety relief makes it a viable treatment for many people out there.

The idea behind applying pressure on certain acupuncture points is all about stimulating the nervous system to release feel-good hormones. The idea is that in Chinese Medicine, human emotions have a direction. The stress-energy is concentrated upwards and it is through acupuncture and acupressure that it can be relieved. There is a specific set of 7 points, which seem to work well in regards to complete treatment for stress and anxiety. Let’s learn more about them:  Governing vessel 20 – ‘Hundred meetings’ – this point is located on the crown of the head. If you place your two fingers on your ears and move them upward, the DU-20 point should be where they meet. This point regulates

the movement of energy throughout the body and can help you clear your mind. Working on this area allows for increasing focus and being more present at the moment, not allowing stress and anxiety to build up. 

Yin Tang – ‘Hall of impression’ – located just between the eyebrows, this is the area acupuncturists refer to as the third eye. This point has been known to calm the spirit and make your restlessness go away. Because it has a connection with the pineal gland, this point can also treat insomnia, in addition to nasal congestion.

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Gall bladder 21 – ‘Shoulder well’ – this point is located in the highest location of the shoulder, just at the midpoint of the rotator cuff and the spine. This area is very popular with relaxing massage, as it alleviates anger and migraines, as well as high blood pressure.

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Conception vessel 17 – ‘Chest centre’ – located at the centre of the chest area, this point is ideal for treatment when you feel shortness of breath or tightness in the chest area. It relaxes and opens the lungs, releasing the diaphragm. This point is very important for the regulation of the Qi energy throughout the body and is ideal for treatment for all those who are experiencing emotional distress.

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Heart 7 – ‘Spirit gate’ – the location of this point is on the inner wrist, near the little finger. This is the so-called ‘source point’ on the heart channel, which gathers the vital energy of this most important organ. Treatment of this point helps quiet the mind and eases anxiety. It is particularly effective against sleep disturbances and helps release tightness in the chest area.

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Spleen 6 – ‘Three Yin crossing’ – this point is located on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle. It is famous for being the best point to work on for urinary, digestive and gynaecological issues, as well as sleep disorders. It is the liver and kidney meridians that pass through it, and all of them are usually taxed in times of stress. That is why working on this point is said to relieve many problems.

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Liver 3 – ‘Great surge’ – this point is located on the foot, just between the first and second toes. It relieves anger, irritability and stress. It regulates Qi flow throughout the body and releases tension and pain.

These are all important points, which an acupuncturist can work on, to help you with anxiety and stress. © The Acupuncturist Ltd