One of the basic things to know about acupuncture is that in order to administer it, you need to be qualified to do so. It is not a small feat to puncture a hole in your skin, not allowing for it to bleed, and still hitting the point it needs to touch in order for it to have an effect. So unless you have some sort of training in administering pressure points to yourself, you are strongly advised to not do so. You could instead try to administer pressure points to yourself by using the alternative science of acupressure. This would only involve applying pressure to your relevant points so that you can find relief. You can use your thumb to apply these points as well, and you would not have to use any needles either. One of the best pressure points for insomnia is the inner part of the wrist, right below the joint. Use three fingers between the exact joint and mark a point on the other side of your hand, below the three fingers. Apply pressure in quick and firm indentations by your thumb, holding the wrist between the thumb and forefinger. Another equally effective point is the base of your palm, where the little finger ends. Trace a line from your little finger, going to the wrist and stop at the deep line where your palm ends. Press down hard on this, once again holding with your thumb and other fingers.

Your ankles are also rife with points that can be used to control sleep disorders. You can press down upon the inner and outer part of your ankle bone with your thumb as well as the rest of your fingers. There are points on both sides which will be simultaneously pressed down together and will result in excellent sleep for you. You also need to make sure that you apply steady and constant pressure for some time. Each point should be worked upon for at least 60 seconds each time. It would be good if you can apply pressure for more than five 60 second sessions. You can also cradle your skull and press down on the base of the skull. There are also some excellent points here which will be useful in aiding and assisting with sleep. Apart from acupressure, you can also use the technique of massage on your temples to induce deep and long sleep.

Tapas Acupressure Technique

Tapas Acupressure

Tapas Acupressure Technique, popularly shortened to TAT is an interesting but controversial method. It appears to be more of a complementary therapy. It claims to bring about the focus on getting one’s desired outcomes. It finds its origins in the year 1993 where the essence was given by a licensed acupuncturist by the name of Tapas Fleming, hailing from California. It’s supposed to be a variety of holistic healing aimed at banishing negative emotions and at the same time, clearing past traumas. The objective is to get you to aid yourself. If you like, you could enlist the help of a certified Professional. However, he/she plays the role of facilitator and guide, while you are responsible and accountable for growth and betterment. This is the key, according to TAT, for sustainable change in one’s behavior as well as consciousness. It unites TAT Pose along with emphasis on steps of TAT, where the former deals with acupressure points. These are positioned on your head, both along the back and front. The steps essentially refer to a succession of statements which are believed to be both liberating and empowering. It also claims to help in weight loss.

It is one of the recommendations of this therapy to drink about 8 glasses of water. Even if, as a patient, you do not wish to go in for the acupressure points, there is an alternative. The practitioner effectively positions his hands in a healing way, close enough to your skin to be inside of the energy field radius. TAT can also be practiced alone. It is important to bear in mind that this is more of alternative therapy and its scientific basis is questionable. If you want to be able to deal with emotional trauma, it is important that you don’t neglect your physical well being. Thus, vegetables are indispensible as a part of your daily diet. Fresh fruits are a great way to get much needed nutrients and flush away toxins. Cayenne pepper can provide you with a mood lift. As for exercise, something as simple as a brisk walk may elevate you mood by releasing those wonderful natural endorphins. If the past trauma still haunts you, it might be best to seek professional help. Support groups and counseling have benefited many people who have undergone trauma or are facing depression. Before trying out support or alternative methods, do consider giving tried and tested solutions such as these a chance.

Labor Acupressure Techniques

Acupressure and Labor

Acupressure can induce labor naturally if the expectant mother is past her delivery due date, a condition that can be unhealthy for the mother and the baby. Though there are ways to start one’s contractions, like caesarian section, medication, and catheters, these usually have harmful side effects unlike acupressure, which starts the contractions on their own by stimulating key points on the expectant mother’s body thereby dilating the cervix. This stimulation then increases the flow of blood to her uterus thus allowing the baby to descend into the mother’s pelvis. The expectant mother can induce the labor on her own or with her partner’s help.

Acupressure Techniques to Induce Labor

There are four points and techniques that are used to induce labor. The first technique isAdjoining Valley Technique, in which pressure is applied on the Hoku point, the point where the thumb and the index finger meet. Using the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, Hoku needs to be continually pinched and pushed. Doing this incites the large intestine, which encloses part of the uterus. This technique also proves to be a pain reliever. The second technique is Blue and High Technique, in which one has to massage the BL60 point, which lies between the ankle bone and Achilles’ Tendon. Doing this for about one minute makes the baby slip toward the pelvis.

The third technique is Shoulder Well technique, wherein one has to first find the highest point on the trapezius muscle, which connects the neck to the shoulder, and then press the point four fingers width away from this highest point. To know if you have got the right point, please keep in mind that the spot is the tenderest on the muscle. The three yin crossing technique requires one to press the spleen 6 point, which is placed about four fingers width above the ankle on the inside of the leg beside the calf muscle. Focus on the tender part and massage it while applying pressure for one minute. This technique develops the cervix and strengthens weak contractions. The bladder 32 spot is one finger width above the buttocks dimple, midway between the dimple and spine. Press this point for a minute. You must massage the points in circular motion till the point feels sore or tender. Stop pressing when you experience a contraction and restart after it has subsided. Repeat six cycles each time. You can use the techniques in the labor room to ease the pain as well.