Discover Acupressure Pressure Points

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese art that is similar to acupuncture. However, unlike acupuncture, acupressure uses manipulation from the hands, fingers, or special tools -- like the Q-Flex -- to apply pressure to certain areas of the body. Much less invasive than acupuncture, acupressure is simple to carry out in the comfort of your own home, or by a professional acupressure therapist.

The benefits of acupressure are numerous. When pressure points are manipulated, tension within the body is released, blood can more freely circulate within the body, and the body's healing energy is stimulated to promote assistance to the issues the person feels.

Here are some of the most valuable pressure points to treat neck tension, shoulder tension, and back tension with the Q-Flex acupressure device. It's important to note that if you're new to acupressure, begin holding each pressure point for approximately two to three minutes. You may work up the length of time a pressure point is manipulated over the course of two to three months; however, be sure to never hold one specific pressure point for longer than 10 minutes.

The best strategy for any of these acupressure techniques is to work through each of the pressure points, in any order, and repeat if necessary.

Pressure Points to Relieve Neck Tension

There are four main pressure points to manipulate to relieve neck tension.

• Start at the highest point of the shoulder muscle. This is approximately one to two inches away from the side of the lower neck.
• Next, apply acupressure to the area approximately a half-inch below the base of the skull, and about a half-inch outward from the spine. Manipulate these muscles for two to three minutes at a time.
• Third, start at the indentation at the base of the skull and move to the left and right, about one to two inches from the back of the earlobe.
• The final pressure point to relieve neck tension is underneath the base of the skull in each indentation, approximately two to three inches apart.

Pressure Points to Relieve Shoulder Tension

If your shoulders are causing problems with mobility, apply acupressure to these three pressure points. The Q-Flex acupressure device will definitely come in handy to reach all of these pressure points.

• A common area for shoulder tension is located on the back, just above the shoulder blade and midway between the base of the neck and the outside of the shoulders. Manipulate this area for two to three minutes, and be sure to do both sides.
• Next, manipulate the areas at the highest point of each shoulder muscle and about one to two inches from the side of the lower neck.
• Finally, locate the base of the skull and manipulate each indentation, about two to three inches apart.

Pressure Points to Relieve Back Tension

Tension in the back is one of the most commonly reported issues from acupressure enthusiasts. Here are three pressure points to manipulate with the Q-Flex device to relieve back tension.

• Begin at the lower back, between the second and third lumbar vertebrae. Make your way about two to four finger widths away from the spine. Manipulate each side of the spine to ease lower back tension.
• Next, move lower on the back! Locate the area about halfway between the top of the hip bone and the base of the buttocks area. Manipulate this area for approximately two to three minutes on each side.
• The final pressure point to relieve back tension may be surprising. Apply gentle pressure at the back of each knee crease for two to three minutes per side. This pressure point will definitely aid in easing any pain or tension felt in the back.