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Acupressure is based on the theory that the body has fourteen meridians travel through it. Each of these meridians is attached to a specific body organ. When a meridian develops a blockage the body is adversely affected and diagnosing and removing the blockage through acupressure is the best way to cure the patient. The points on the palms and feet reflect the condition of their related organs. This makes acupressure a good diagnostic tool. By feeling the palms and feet with gentle pressure it is possible to get a fair idea about the diseased parts. If pain is observed on any point, the body part related to that point needs immediate attention. I have applied these techniques for self diagnose and found it very effective. Usually you feel pain in specific points of your hands whenever there is an abnormality around your body (in other words it is a symptom of some body or system disorder/pain or disease) The healing process is next step after diagnosis as you have to apply pressure for continues intervals at the effected or related painful points of your both hands.

Application of pressure on palms and feet has the effect of charging various body parts. When specific points are pressed the nerves leading to the related parts are actuated which in turn stimulates those parts. As a result flow of blood and other body fluids improve providing nourishment to those parts and cleaning away the waste material more efficiently. Any undesirable deposits start dissolving. Functions of the glands improve. There is overall rejuvenation in the body. To use this free and no cost diagnosis technique just browse through online resources or buy the books with pressure points picture. The self diagnosis system can be learned very easily at home.

What is acupressure?
Acupressure (sometimes written as "accupressure") is a technique related to acupuncture, where the energies of the body are regulated by manipulating points on the body. This has effects on the emotions, tension and physical conditions.

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The points are commonly called "acupuncture points," "pressure points," "acupoints" or "acupressure points."

Acupressure techniques: Pressing and reducing points

There are two ways that acupressure points are manipulated: pressing (reinforcing) and reducing them. Most are probably familiar with the first, but not with the second method.

To press points, use something blunt. Usually the fingers are used to press, but I find that for many points the fingers may be a bit too thick, so you'd have to press quite long and firmly. Ideal would be something 3 to 4 mm thick, like a (preferably used) pencil eraser that's on the other side of a pencil. Some points can be pressed using a fingernail. Pressing points for less than half a second can already have a distinguishable effect. So for just trying out a point you could press it only briefly. To get a full effect however, pressure should be applied for at least half a minute, but preferably longer. One to two minutes should do.

To reduce a point, turn a finger over it in counter-clockwise direction, also for one to two minutes. (What happens when you do this is explained in "What manipulation of points brings about.") Clicking on the picture of points that need to be reduced displays a video showing how this is performed (clicking again stops the video). I think it's a good idea not to get into the habit of doing the same points every day. Do them when you feel you need them, don't overdo it. Pay attention to what effects points have on you. If you're weakened (from age, disease or whatever), be sure to not reduce points more often then necessary. You could also additionally press these points for a few seconds. Do a point on both sides of the body.

Feeling if it works
When you are not feeling any effects from pressing points, several things may be the case.

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You may not be pressing on the exact right spot (acupuncture points are about 0.5 mm diameter, so you'll have to be precise). Try different spots around the location you first tried. You shouldn't press lightly, but you shouldn't hurt yourself either. Also, don't press for just a few seconds (although if you're very sensitive you might already notice effects then). To feel if acupressure is working (for knowing that the location of the point is accurate), I usually sense what's happening in my face. Almost all points in the list on this site have some effect here. Many of the points also have some subtle effect on the quality of vision. You may see more clearly and more colors. Meditation will develop your ability to feel the effects. If you're using a point quite often, or if you don't need a point, the effect may become very little or unnoticable. If you're tense, you may not feel much, although usually you'll become less tense by using the techniques on this site.

Using information from other sources ("cun")

To be able to use information from other sources for locating points, you'll need to know what the "cun" is.

The "cun" is the standard unit of measurement for the body used in acupuncture. As everyone's body has different dimensions, it is defined according to the person whose body is to be treated. 1 cun = width of the thumb, in the middle, at the crease 3 cun = combined breadth of the 4 fingers, at the level of the pinky finger's first joint above the palm of the hand 12 cun = the distance from the elbow crease to the wrist crease.

What manipulation of points brings about

Acupuncture points can be manipulated in various ways. To keep things simple, acupressure books usually just mention pressing the points. If you've ever seen an acupuncturist you may have noticed that he will turn needles after inserting them or do other manipulations. Acupuncturists also apply heat by burning stuff called "moxa" or using a laser, or apply electric currents. By simply pressing a point, you are reinforcing it. You, thereby, increase energy in areas that the point influences. Reducing a point is actually not the opposite of reinforcing it. By reducing, you remove a blockage of energy. A blockage may be felt as tension, pain or heat. Energy acumulates there which

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starts moving again after removing the blockage. So if you reduce a point after you reinforced it, you get reinforcement and removal of energy blockage. They don't cancel each other out. In acupressure, you can reduce a point by continually moving a finger counterclockwise over it. An acupuncturist will turn his needle immediately after insertion. It's also possible to apply heat to a point to warm it. This is an advanced technique that may injure your energy system, so it's best to stay away from this.

Why you shouldn't use needles

As for using needles, I've tried that, but have been discouraged to continue using them by both an acupuncturist and a healer. The acupuncturist thought it was dangerous because you can damage tissue, and difficult as you can't access points that well yourself. You may damage blood vessels, nerves, tendons or bone, which can all be quite painful. On the breast or shoulders, you may puncture the lung. On an energetic level, the fear that comes with using needles on yourself may damage the First Chakra. This may worsen your problems. Using needles as an amateur may not even be legal. I found that I feel more clearly what's happening in my body from acupressure than from acupuncture, whether administered by a licensed acupuncturist or by myself.

Using little balls and tape

I devised a safe and effective way to press acupuncture points for an extended period of time. I use adhesive tape for use on skin to press ball-bearing balls on points. It doesn't work with all points (e.g. it does not work well for ST-36, the point beneath the knees) but for many it's quite good.

The metal balls I use are 4 mm diameter and I apply nylon rings (also bought at a hardware store) on top of them to supply a larger surface to the tape. The inside diameter of the nylon rings should be 3 mm. Perhaps you could also use the more common metal rings, but for some indefinite reason I prefer the nylon variety. The rings avoid bulging and thus press the ball a bit deeper into the skin. Keeping the balls in place for 5 - 30 minutes should do. A similar method is sometimes used for ear acupuncture. Little seeds are then taped to the ear.

Acupressure point LU-1

Acupressure point LU-1. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LU-1
Name: Middle Palace (Lung 1) Location: On the top of the chest, under the shoulder. First locate the depression under the end of the clavicle, next to the muscle. LU-1 is one thumbwidth under this point, slightly to the side. Use: Press. Effects: For internal emptiness and making contact to one's inner worth. (Also for cough and asthma.)

Acupressure point LU-3

Acupressure point LU-3. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LU-3
Name: Heavenly Palace (Lung 3) Location: On the upper arm, one handwidth under the armpit (axillary fold). The point is located in the depression between the muscles from the shoulder and the biceps (under the shoulder muscle). Use: Press. Effects: For grief, feelings of loss and longing, internal emptiness and making contact to one's inner worth. (Also for cough and asthma.)

Acupressure point LI-11

Acupressure point LI-11. It's location, photograph, use for emotional wellbeing and warnings.

LI-11
Name: Crooked Pond (Large Intestine 11) Location: On the side of the elbow, on the outer side of the arm. Bend your forearm with your hand towards your neck, the point is located at the end of the crease at the elbow. This is halfway up the side of the arm. Use: Reduce, so move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point. Warning: Use this point only when there is Heat, as when you're red in the face or your skin feels hot to the touch and you're feeling warm from prolonged anger (not from exertion). Don't use when weak or low on energy. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much anger.

move counterclockwise (click for video)

Acupressure point LIV-2

Acupressure point LIV-2. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LIV-2
Name: Moving Between (Liver 2) Location: On the foot, between the big toe and the second toe, a half thumb width from the margin of the web. Use: Reduce, so move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point. Warning: Use this point only when there is Heat, as when you're red in the face or your skin feels hot to the touch and you're feeling warm from prolonged anger (not from exertion). Don't use when weak or low on energy. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much anger.

move counterclockwise (click for video)

Acupressure point LIV-1

Acupressure point LIV-1. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LIV-1
Name: Great Esteem (Liver 1) Location: On the big toe, at the bottom corner of the nail at the side of the other toes. Use: Press. Effects: Assertiveness, discerning when to go along with others and when to assert oneself. Self-esteem.

Acupressure point SP-6

Acupressure point SP-6. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

SP-6
Name: Three Yin Intersection (Spleen 6) Location: On the inside of the lower leg, one hand width (four fingers) above the tip of the ankle bone, on the back of the shin bone. Use: Press. Warning: Don't use this point during pregnancy. Effects: Calms, relaxes and reduces irritability. Heals effects on the body of too much fear, worrying and thinking. (Also used for gynaecological conditions.)

Acupressure point SI-19

Acupressure point SI-19. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

SI-19
Name: Palace of Hearing (Small Intestine 19) Location: Near the ear, just before the small projection in front of the ear canal. The point is located in the depression that forms when the mouth is opened. Use: Press. Warning: Don't use on a regular basis; this point is meant for gaining insight only. Effects: To focus and listen to one's heart and the hearts of others.

Acupressure point LU-9

Acupressure point LU-9. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LU-9
Name: Very Great Abyss (Lung 9) Location: On the palm-side of the wrist, in the depression beneath the thumb, between the point where you can feel your pulse and the tendon that goes to your thumb. Use: Press. To increase the effectiveness of this point, combine it with SP6 or ST-36. Effects: For grief, feelings of loss and longing, spiritual emptiness, many regrets. (Also moistens skin, and for cough and asthma.)

Acupressure point LI-4

Acupressure point LI-4. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LI-4
Name: Joining of the Valleys (Large Intestine 4) Location: On the top side of the hand, on the web between thumb and index finger. To locate, squeeze the thumb against the base of the index finger. The point is located on the highest point of the bulge of the muscle, level with the end of the crease. Use: Press. Warning: Don't use this point during pregnancy. Effects: Letting go of grief. Calm

Acupressure point ST-36

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Acupressure point ST-36. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

ST-36
Name: Leg Three Miles (Stomach 36) Location: On the front of the leg, one hand width (four fingers) below the kneecap, on the outside, in the depression between the shinbone and the leg muscle. What can go wrong is that you may be locating it somewhat too low on the leg. The point is immediately one hand breadth below the kneecap, so if you'd use something thick, like a finger, you might get half a finger breadth to low. It's at the outside of the bone that's on the front of the lower leg, one finger breadth from the crest of that bone. Use: Press. A fingernail or thumbnail is particularly suited for this point, as you will be able to press more closely to the bone and on a broad range. Warning: Using this point to go beyond your limits (e.g. overwork) will damage your health even further. Effects: Increases stamina and energy. Provides stability and grounding. Heals effects on the body of too much worrying and thinking.

Acupressure point SI-5

Acupressure point SI-5. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

SI-5
Name: Yang Valley (Small Intestine 5) Location: Near the wrist, on the pinky-side of the hand. It is a finger's width under the crease of the wrist, in the depression just above the bone that is sticking out. It's not straight above the bone, but straight under the pinky finger. Use: Press. Effects: Improves concentration, reduces distractability. Clarity of mind to distinguish the right path to take among several.

Acupressure point LIV-3

Acupressure point LIV-3. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LIV-3
Name: Great Surge (Liver 3) Location: On the foot, on the line between the big toe and the second toe. The point is located about 3 finger widths from the edge, in the depression the size of a finger tip you can feel there. Use: Reduce, so move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point. Warning: Don't use when weak or low on energy (in that case use SP-6 instead). Effects: Relaxes and unblocks emotions (especially repressed anger).

move counterclockwise

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Depression.

Acupressure point KI-6

Acupressure point KI-6. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

KI-6
Name: Shining Sea (Kidney 6) Location: On the inside of the foot, directly below the middle of the ankle bone. Use: Press. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much fear. Enhances vision.

Acupressure point P-7

Acupressure point P-7. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

P-7
Name: Great Mount (Pericardium 7) Location: On the middle of the palm-side of the wrist, in the depression between the two tendons, on or just below the crease of the wrist. Use: Reduce, so move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point. Warning: Don't use when weak or low on energy. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much joy or emotion. Also diminishes nervousness.

move counterclockwise

Acupressure point TB-17

Acupressure point TB-17. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

TB-17
Name: Wind Screen (Triple Burner 17) Location: At the bottom part of the ear, behind the earlobe, in the depression the size of a fingertip. Use: Press. Effects: Makes less sensitive to what people think of you.

Acupressure point TB-5

Acupressure point TB-5. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

TB-5

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Name: Outer Frontier Gate (Triple Burner 5) Location: On the lower arm, on the top side, two thumb widths below the crease of the wrist. In the middle, in the depression between the bones and tendons. Use: Press. Effects: Increases expressiveness and sensitivity to feelings.

Acupressure point KI-3

Acupressure point KI-3. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

KI-3
Name: Supreme Stream (Kidney 3) Location: On the inside of the foot, halfway between the Achilles-tendon and the side of the ankle-bone. Use: Press. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much fear. (Also for lower backpain.)

Acupressure point KI-4

Acupressure point KI-4. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

KI-4
Name: Great Bell (Kidney 4) Location: On the inside of the foot, near the Achilles-tendon, level with the lower part of the ankle-bone. Use: Press. Warning: Using this point to go against your heart or beyond your limits will damage your health even further. This will be the case when there are dark circles around your eyes. Effects: Strengthens the will and dispels fear. For timidity.

Acupressure point LU-7

Acupressure point LU-7. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LU-7
Name: Broken Sequence (Lung 7) Location: Keep your hand with the nail of the thumb up. Move your thumb up and back (away from the palm of your hand), this reveals a depression at the bottom of the thumb, called the "anatomic snuffbox" (between two tendons). Move your finger from the anatomic snuffbox along the side of your lower arm, until you feel a bone sticking out (about a thumb's width from it). LU-7 is located on that bone, in between the two tendons you feel there. You can press it with the nail of your thumb or index finger.

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Use: Press. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much grief.

Acupressure point GB-44

Acupressure point GB-44. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

GB-44
Name: Yin Portals of the Foot (Gall Bladder 44) Location: On the fourth toe, in the outer corner of the nail (so near the smallest toe). Use: Press. Effects: Enhances decisiveness and focus, while resolving anger. For timidity.

The center of the body - the Dantian

The energy center of the body has some properties that make it important for handling energy and feelings. This center is recognized in various traditions. In Chinese Qigong it is known as the Dantian, the Japanese name is Hara, and in the Sufi tradition and the Diamond Approach it is known as the Kath. Since the name Dantian seems to be most commonly used, I'll refer to this center with this name.

Location
The location of the Dantian is in the lower belly, 11 thumb widths below the navel, 2 to 3 thumb widths inward.

Sensing the entire body

When you focus with your attention on the Dantian, you can simultaneously sense your entire body, from top to toe. It is this property that makes this the center of the body. Because of this, it is also easy to direct energy to a particular part of your body, when you have your attention at the Dantian. This is one of the reasons why in martial arts (like Taichi) the practitioner keeps his attention there. It also makes it possible to feel all kinds of feelings that are related to your body.

Sensations in the belly

There are particular sensations that can be felt at the point where the Dantian is located. It is where you can sometimes feel butterflies in your belly, like when you're in love. Somtimes you can feel a sensation of heat there, like when you need extra energy, or feel stressed. When you're hungry, there can be a sort of empty sensation there. As there are so many things about your body that you can feel in or from the Dantian, it is so that to be in touch with your body, you need to be in touch with your Dantian.

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Meditation
The Dantian can be used to meditate on. To practice this, you basically sit in an erect posture, and keep your attention on the Dantian. When you notice that your attention has drifted away, which is natural to happen lots of times, you gently return your focus. Do this for 15 to 30 minutes. You might want to check out the article on meditation. There are also meditations that go a bit further than just focussing the attention. These attempt to store energy in the Dantian, or do even more esoteric things. These are considered Qigong exercises.

Moving from your center

In many Chinese and Japanese martial arts, the practitioner not only keeps his attention at the Dantian to more easily move his energy, but also to be able to move from the center. By letting one's movements come from the center, they are more easy, and have more strength and power.

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