I’m sure all of you in this amazing land have been impacted in some way by the raging bushfires. Our cities are blanketed in smoke and the air quality continues to suffer.
Depending on your proximity to the fires you could be suffering the physical effects of the smoke and may be experiencing difficulty breathing, particularly if you have an underlying respiratory condition or are very young or elderly.
I can safely assume that all of us have in some way suffered the emotional effects of these devastating fires. No doubt, for those who have lost dear ones, animals, homes and property the trauma is unfathomable but for the wider community the anxiety and uncertainly is very real as well.
To help you through this period of haze and uncertainly, I’ve compiled a list of acupressure points that may offer relief. The beauty of these is that they are very simple and you may try in the comfort of your home.
Acupressure (also known as tui na massage) focuses on stimulating specific points of the body to help relieve symptoms of medical conditions.
To improve your breathing, you may want to use points A, B, C and D. For relieving anxiety also include points E and F.
The collarbone and breast bone
- Point A is located below the collarbone, on either side of the chest, in the first hollow space just below the collar bone. This spot will be tender, this is the first acupressure asthma relief point. Pressing firmly with the index finger and middle finger for about 20 to 30 seconds on a regular basis helps relieve some of the symptoms of asthma and other bronchial symptoms such as coughing, congestion and chest tension.
- Point B is located just below the triangle formed at the meeting point of the collar bone and shoulder. Apply firm pressure in the depression formed for 20-30 seconds at a time for up to 2 – 3 minutes. This point will relieve breathing difficulties
- Point C, the breast bone point can be located at the base of the sternum (breastbone)—the long narrow bone that connects your left and right ribs. Trace the bone down to its tip where you can feel a hollow. Apply firm pressure using your fingertip just below the bone. Hold for 20-30 seconds for up to 2-3 minutes
Wrist pressure point
This pressure point can be found on the wrist below the base of the thumb. You will find a small groove in this area which will relieve you from asthma, coughing and lung problems. Place your thumb on this pressure point and hold it for 2 to 3 minutes. Release slowly and access the same point on the other hand. Do this regularly to experience relief from respiratory issues.
The following acupressure points, when stimulated, have a dual purpose of relieving fullness in the chest with the added bonus of being the best points for releasing anxiety and relaxing the mind.
Neiguan
This point is located in the middle of the wrist, two finger spaces above the wrist crease. Use your thumb or forefinger to press on this point for 2 to 3 minutes. This procedure should be repeated for the other wrist.
Shenmen
In Chinese medicine, the Heart plays an important role in regulating the emotions. This point is located on the heart channel has a direct influence over the Heart and is, therefore, helpful for stress and anxiety.
You can find the point on your inner wrist crease, in a straight line with the little finger. Your finger should naturally fall into a hollow between the bones and the tendons of the wrist here. Massage the point gently for 1–2 minutes on each side or until you begin to feel calm.
I hope you will benefit from this information. Stay safe and keep positive
Love and Peace.
If you like the idea of celebrating self-care whilst giving back, why not join Naseema and Sonya for and intimate group session of Acupuncture and Meditation for a cause.
A small donation of $30 is requested with 100% of proceeds donated to the RFS.
Visit the Facebook Event page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2817495115011942/
