Fall is finally here! Along with changes in the weather, we should also be mindful of the transitions taking place in our bodies. In addition to a healthy diet and regular acupuncture treatments, there are things you can do at home to stay in good health this fall! Self-acupressure can be used to relieve everyday ailments in between acupuncture treatments. Acupressure also helps restore balance to the body by bringing it back to a more natural state.
To perform acupressure:
- Close your eyes and breathe deeply
- Use deep, firm pressure to massage and stimulate the point
- Repeat pressure as often as you’d like
Try out these acupressure points to stay in good health this fall!
Lung Health
The fall season is all about lung health. In the fall, our lungs are more prone to dryness, which can lead to coughing and wheezing. Use the Lung 2 point for alleviating dry cough, asthma, and fullness in the chest.
Lung 2
This point is located on both sides of the chest, below the clavicle in the center of the hollow delto-pectoral triangle or in the depression slightly above the armpit crease.
Digestive Health
In the summer, we tend to tax our digestive system with a lot of heavy, damp-producing foods like cold drinks, ice cream, and fried foods. The fall is a great time to work on improving your digestive health. Use acupressure on the Stomach 36 point to reset the digestive organs and supplement your overall qi.
Stomach 36
When you slide your finger up your tibia bone on both legs, you’ll find a bump. The Stomach 36 point is just below and lateral to that bump.
Grief/Sadness
The fall season corresponds with the emotion of grief/sadness. Repressed or unexpressed sadness can damage our lung qi, therefore making us more vulnerable to pathogenic invasion. During this time, it is important to confront any emotional issues and work on letting them go. Use Ren 17 for anxiety, palpitations or emotional constraint.
Ren 17
This point is located in the middle of the breastbone, in between the nipples.
Immunity
During the fall, we are more prone to catching a cold. This is because the fall corresponds with our most external body—our skin! It is our first line of defense against pathogenic invasion and holds our “wei or defensive” qi, which is essentially our immune system. This part of our body needs some extra attention during the fall season. Use Gallbladder 20 and Urinary Bladder 12 to fight off the common cold, chills, nasal congestion and headache.
Gallbladder 20
This point is on the back of the head, on either side of the vertebrae where the neck and head meet. More specifically, it’s in between the the sternomastoid and trapezius muscles—if you know the muscles well!
Urinary Bladder 12
On your back, Urinary Bladder 12 is lateral to the lower border of the second thoracic vertebrae—halfway between the spine and the scapula. Use the diagram below to get a better idea of where these points are.
References:
Deadman, P., Khafaji, M. A., & Baker, K. (2011). A manual of acupuncture. Hove: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
Disclaimer: The information provided on our social media channels, blog and newsletters is for educational and informational purposes only and is made available to you as a self-help tool. While we draw on our professional and clinical experience, this information should not be substituted for advice from your medical professional.
