In Russia today, the acupuncture technique is very popular and in demand, even though modern medicine still does not recognize it. Let's first understand what it is and what this medical technique is based on.
General information
The term itself comes from two Latin words: acus - needle and punctura - to prick or sting (from punctum - prick, point).
Acupuncture is a method of ancient Chinese medicine, which consists in influencing certain points on the human body in order to relieve pain, treat various diseases and mental disorders. Stimulation is done with needles, so this direction is also called acupuncture or reflexology. It is believed that each point corresponds to a specific human organ or some part of the lymphatic, circulatory, nervous, digestive andother systems in our body. Accordingly, if the necessary pressure is applied to it, then it is possible to influence the mental and physical state of a person, changing it for the better. For example, the method of acupuncture, according to its adherents, is able to restore psychological balance, calm the nervous system, increase immunity and normalize the functioning of various internal organs.
Only a qualified specialist should perform reflexology, who not only understands where which point is and what it is responsible for, but also competently conducts the acupuncture procedure itself, observing all the rules of hygiene. But you can independently stimulate the desired zones by massaging or pressing on them with your fingers - this is called acupressure. It is only necessary to know their exact location in order not to harm yourself and get the desired effect.
There are over 400 acupuncture points on the human body. But even professionals actively use only the 150 most effective.
The places of their densest accumulation are the hands, feet and facial area, especially the area of the ears. Let's take a closer look at these areas, but first, let's get acquainted with one more important concept.
Meridians
The human body can be represented as a geographical atlas, which is pierced by several meridians. These are special channels through which our vital energy flows, saturating the various systems of the body with life-giving force. It is on the meridians that acupuncture points are located.
There are 12 such channels in total. One of the most important is the heart channel: it supplies energy to our main vital "motor". Therefore, in order to improve the work of the heart, it is necessary to massage the points on the corresponding meridian. There are also digestive, sexual, renal, pulmonary and other energy channels.
Detailed location of all meridians and points can be found in the atlases of acupuncture points. There are a fairly large number of them, however, with a difference in feed, they contain almost identical information.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that pressure on acupuncture points has a wide range of therapeutic effects, there are a number of limitations to the application of this technique. Here is a list of the main contraindications:
- Pregnancy and postpartum breastfeeding.
- Presence of tumors in the body, especially malignant ones.
- Severe nervous or physical exhaustion.
- Cardiovascular problems.
- Pulmonary failure.
- Rheumatism.
- Tuberculosis in open form.
- Blood diseases.
- The presence of an inflammatory process in the acute stage.
- Aged under 2 and over 75.
Face points
On the front of the head there are points that correspond to different internal organs, so a targeted impact on them leads to good therapeutic results. You can also relieve muscle tension, achieve tangible relaxation of the whole body, feel more cheerful and energetically strong. And forFor the beautiful half of humanity, there is another good reason for the activation of acupuncture points on the face - aesthetic: massage of these places will get rid of wrinkles, increase skin tone and elasticity, therefore, prolong its youth.
Main areas
- If you draw a line from the upper edges of the ears to the top of the head, then in its center you can find the so-called intersection point. Its stimulation is recommended for neuroses, vegetovascular dystonia and sleep problems.
- "Clear light". This point is located on the inner corners of the eyes, at a distance of about 0.4 cm from them. It improves eyesight and relieves eye strain. In addition, it helps to get rid of a runny nose.
- There is a so-called third eye between the eyebrows exactly in the middle. This is one of the most effective acupuncture points for stopping headaches. Pressing it increases blood circulation and oxygen supply to the body.
- At the inner edge of the eyebrows there is a point, the massage of which leads to a reduction and removal of pain in the front of the head, if their cause lies in the vessels. The "Thread of Bamboo" performs the same function - a point at the outer edge of the eyebrows. It is also recommended to stimulate it to improve vision.
- Rolling your arms around the outer edge of your eye will help relieve migraines.
- If you have problems with the kidneys, which manifest themselves in the form of circles under the eyes, then massaging the lower eyelid will help reduce swelling and have a positive effect on the wholeurinary system.
- The bridge of the nose is an area of the liver, so by rubbing it, we improve the functioning of the corresponding organ.
- Massaging the area from the nose to the temples along the line of the cheekbones is recommended if you have stomach problems, for example, you are worried about pain, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
- The large intestine meridian runs between the outer corners of the mouth and the base of the nose. The impact on it along its entire length is effective for diarrhea and constipation, and also relieves the body of toxins.
- The anti-stress point is located in the middle of the chin. If you are overwhelmed by severe anxiety or panic, then massaging this area will help reduce it. It is also believed that the chin represents the pelvic organs. And the impact on this area helps with infertility and other female diseases.
Ear points
On this part of the body, the density of biologically active zones is huge - almost every vital organ has found its reflection here. The number of significant acupuncture points on the ear exceeds a hundred. But it is not necessary to know them all: since the auricle is small in size, it will be enough to go around its entire surface with your hands, and this will have a positive effect on the general condition of the body. It is advisable to use different types of impact: circular movements, pressure, patting and stroking. If you need to know the location of a particular zone, then use the atlas of acupuncture points. But the general principle is this: the earlobe corresponds to the head area. The central part is ourstrunk and organs located on it. And the edge of the ear is the genitourinary system and everything below.
Helpful tips
- To get rid of fatigue and get a boost of energy, it is better to massage clockwise, and if, on the contrary, you need to calm down and relax, which is especially important before going to bed, then perform rotational movements in the opposite direction.
- Projections of the main vital organs (heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, etc.) are concentrated in the cavity of the auricle, so rubbing this zone will contribute to their more favorable functioning.
- The middle of the earlobe is the location of the visual organ. With eye fatigue, it will be useful to apply a few light pressures in this area.
- Toothache will be lessened or even gone by rubbing the upper edge of the ear on the corresponding side for 5 minutes.
Acupuncture points on the hand
There is a large accumulation of energy points on the hands, which correspond to many organs of our body. Their stimulation leads to the normalization of the mental state and improves the activity of one or another part of the body.
It is important to know that the outer side of the palm corresponds to the back, with the spine in the center, and the inner is a reflection of the front surface of the body. The upper phalanx of the thumb corresponds to the head, and the nail acts as a projection of the back of the head, and the pad indicates the face. Therefore, it is often advised to massage this area with a headache. lower thirdfinger is the neck, its massage leads to an improvement in the functioning of the organs located in this bodily zone. The chest with the heart and lungs on it "registered" on the hill of the thumb. And in the palm of your hand is the digestive system.
Helpful tips
- For concentration, it is useful to massage the point located in the center of the inner side of the palm, doing it calmly and measuredly. You can also connect the upper phalanges of the index and thumb to close the meridians that pass through them. This way you can fully focus on the work you are doing to get it done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- With severe headaches, as well as a nervous state, massage of the "He Gu" point (translated as "entrance to the valley") will help. It is located in the hollow between the first and second fingers on the back of the hand. Also, its stimulation increases the body's protective resources and energy potential.
- Very effective for insomnia and for strengthening the nervous system point "Nei Guan" (or "inner passage"). Finding it is easy - rise from the base of the palm up two fingers. In general, there are significant acupuncture clusters on the wrists that can help with difficulties with falling asleep, so before going to bed, vibrating movements walk over their entire surface.
- The "Hou Xi" point helps to restore the nervous system after suffering severe stress and heavy physical exertion. Herlocation - the outer side of the palm at the base of the little finger.
Acupuncture points on the foot
Feet are characterized by a very high concentration of biologically active points responsible for almost all human organs. That is why foot massage is so popular, because it allows you to harmonize the work of the whole organism.
If you draw a parallel of the foot with the whole body, it will be easier to understand by what principle the points are located on it. The outer surface of the feet is a projection of the front side of our torso, and the back, which we step on when walking, acts as an analogue of the back. Thus, the heels will correspond with the buttocks, and their inner part - with the genitals.
The spine is projected onto the inside of the feet, and the head - onto the toe area. The area of the sole between the middle and index fingers is responsible for vision, and their big "brother" acts as the "role" of the brain.
Thus, the massage of the index finger of the inside of the foot, where the acupuncture point "Tai-bye" is located, will help improve brain activity and increase concentration.
And if you urgently need to calm down, relieve anxiety and panic fear, which can also lead to sleep problems, then refer to the point located in the cavity between the 4th and 5th fingers. It's called "Xia-si".
Keep in mind that the left foot corresponds to the same side of the torso andthe points located on it are a reflection of the organs located in this bodily zone, similarly with the right foot.
Losing weight with acupressure
Acupuncture can also help in solving such a common and important problem, especially among women, as weight loss.
Knowing certain acupuncture points on the human body and acting on them in one way or another (using needles or simple pressure), you can achieve the following results:
- Appetite reduction.
- Speed up the metabolism in the body.
- Restoring a favorable hormonal background.
- Faster removal of toxins, toxins and other waste products from the body.
- Reduce blood sugar.
- Improve the work of all organs of the digestive system.
There are several acupuncture points for weight loss. A good effect can be achieved not only by applying the acupuncture technique, which is not recommended to be done on your own, but simply by tapping or massaging each of them for a certain amount of time. Consider the main "miraculous" zones.
1. "Guan Yuan".
This point is the most important: its stimulation leads to real weight loss. It is located at a distance of 3 fingers from the navel (in men - 4). The procedure must be done in a supine position. The technique is very simple. About 10 minutes you need to massage this area at an average pace, while the stomach should be asrelaxed. It is advisable to perform the procedure in the morning and evening on an empty stomach. Over time, you will notice how your appetite has decreased, and after that the weight will begin to melt.
2. "Tai Chun".
It is located on the outer part of the foot in the hole between the joints of the first and second fingers. For 30 seconds, you need to press on this point and do this 30 times. Then switch to the same area, but on the other leg.
3. "Lau Gong".
It is located in the very center of the palm, its massage helps to reduce appetite and improves the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. "Da Zhui".
This point is located below the back of the head, between the cervical and thoracic regions. To find it, you need to tilt your head back and feel for the hole, which will need to be massaged for several minutes. Its stimulation promotes muscle relaxation and the disappearance of hunger.
5. "Shao Shan".
To find it, you need to count 3 mm down from the nail plate of the thumb. You can massage this point or press on it for a couple of minutes every day. In addition to weight loss, stimulation of this zone helps to mobilize the body's defenses and boost energy.
6. "Jian Ging".
This point is located on the back, between the shoulders and the neck. To find it, you should go down 5 fingers down from the cervical vertebra. It improves blood circulation and leads to noticeable weight loss.
7. "Zu San Li".
This is a very effective area,stimulating which you can lose up to 500 grams per week, however, subject to a daily 20-minute massaging. It is located under the kneecap on the inside. In addition to the normalization of digestion, the body's resistance to external negative factors will also increase.
8. "Yu Pe".
Massaging this point will help to cope with hunger. Its location is the outer side of the arm between the shoulder and elbow joints. We perform medium-intensity rotational movements for half a minute for each of the hands several times.
The stimulation of the presented acupuncture points is best combined with physical activity and proper nutrition, then the result will be even more impressive!
Acupressure technique, or how to properly self-massage
If there is no opportunity, time or desire to visit a reflexologist, then you can independently, at home, influence the acupuncture points you need. To do this, you need to know not only their location on the body, but also to master the correct technique for performing massage so that it brings the expected result. The procedure, however, is very simple and consists of the following steps:
- It is advisable to massage on a horizontal surface so that you can relax well. So first of all, make yourself comfortable on the couch or bed, face up.
- You should not be distracted by extraneous noise, so it is better to choose a time when you will be alone, and also close the windows so as not to be distracted by street sounds. Recommended to massage before bed.
- Cover your eyes.
- Concentrate on your breath, on inhalation and exhalation - this way you can achieve maximum relaxation.
- Clench your hand into a fist, but keep your index finger straight and pointing forward. It is with them that we will perform all the movements.
- Find the desired acupuncture point and press on it. It is important that the pressure is moderate and does not cause you any unpleasant, especially painful sensations.
- Make rotational movements, trying not to take your finger off the skin.
- We massage one point for an average of 5 minutes.
- After the end of the procedure, gently stroke the area that was pressed.
If you don't know where exactly is the point responsible for the organ whose condition you want to improve, then don't despair. Just massage your feet or hands as thoroughly as possible, passing over their entire surface - after all, they are a projection of the body in miniature, as already mentioned above.
The technique for stimulating human acupuncture points is unconventional and still has no medical status. However, the opinions of those who used it, as well as some scientific studies, prove that it really works and brings positive results, especially if you sincerely believe in its effectiveness.
