Acupressure Alchemy
While social distancing and at home during these pandemic moments, we can still heal ourselves naturally with acupressure.
Simple measures can help to stay not only stay calm, but also boost our natural immune defenses (1). Specific points, such as Stomach 36, have been shown to be helpful in boosting anticancer immunity and activating natural killer cells (2).
In Wuhan, China, both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Science were used to help in prevention and treatment of Covid-19 (3,4) . Both acupuncture and herbs were also used for treating patients with SARS.
Research on acupressure also confirms beneficial efficacy. In a systematic review from 2011 looking at 43 studies, and found acupressure to be effective for the following :
16 studies showed benefit for nausea and vomiting inpatients during pregnancy and during chemotherapy.
9 studies showed benefit for pain in patients with dysmenorrhea, during labor, and after trauma.
4 studies showed benefit for dyspnea, or shortness of breadth.
6 studies showed benefit for fatigue and reducing insomnia. (5)
Another study from 2019 showed that 15 studies concluded that acupuncture and acupressure therapy have the potential to safely improve behavioral and psychological symptoms, including dementia (6). Acupressure points have also been shown to be effective for decreasing anxiety levels in Iranian military, shown in a study from 2020 (7).
Acupressure at Stomach 36
Instructional Videos:
By my colleague Cindy Rosenberg:
By me:
Note: Included in this video is a explanation of the science behind how you can heal naturally with eastern medicine, a breathing meditation (starting at 3:15), and demonstration of acupressure points that you can use at home to help decrease stress and anxiety (starting at 9:45).
Caution for those who are pregnant: only use GV 20, Yin Tang, and Pericardium 6 for acupressure.
Acupuncture points can be potentiated at home with Tiger Warmer, which can be purchased at lhasaoms.com.
You can also try using bite away on the points.
Acupressure Charts:
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. I am happy to set up a one-on-one session with meditation and acupressure tailored for your individual needs.
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References:
(1) Yin, Changshik, et al. “Acupuncture for chronic pain: an update andcritical overview.” Curr Opin Anesthesiol 2017, 30:583–592.
(2) Johnston, M.F., et al. "Acupuncture May Stimulate Anticancer Immunity via Activation of Natural Killer Cells." Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 481625.
(3) Luo, H., et al. "Can Chinese Medicine Be Used for Prevention of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? A Review of Historical Classics, Research Evidence and Current Prevention Programs." Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2020 Apr;26(4):243-250. doi: 10.1007/s11655-020-3192-6.Epub 2020 Feb 17.
(4) Liu, Wei-hong, et al. "Understanding of guidance for acupuncture and moxibustion interventions on COVID-19 (Second edition) issued by CAAM." World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion. March 17, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wjam.2020.03.005
(5) Eun Jin Lee, et al. “The Efficacy of Acupressure for Symptom Management: A Systematic Review.” J Pain Symptom Manage. 2011 October ; 42(4): 589–603.
(6) Harris, M.L, et al. “Acupuncture and Acupressure forDementia Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms: A Scoping Review” West J Nurs Res. 2019 Dec 5:193945919890552. doi: 10.1177/0193945919890552.
(7) Amini Rarani S, et al. "Effects of acupressure at the P6 and LI4 points on the anxiety level of soldiers in the Iranian military." BMJ Mil Health. 2020 Feb 2. pii: jramc-2019-001332. doi: 10.1136/jramc-2019-001332.
