Acupressure Meditations: A Powerful Pairing for Anxiety Relief

Stress levels around the world are rising. According to a recent poll by the American Psychological Association, 87% of Americans are stressed due to rising inflation in the country while 81% were stressed out due to Supply Chain issues. 

There are so many ways to deal with stress, acupressure and meditation are some of the effective methods. Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique similar in principle to acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through "meridians" in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices.

Meditation, on the other hand, is a way to relax your mind. When you meditate, you focus on your breath and the sensation of the pressure. There are many different ways to meditate, and it is important to find a method that works for you. Some people prefer to sit or lie down in a quiet place, while others like to walk or be in nature. There are also many guided meditations available online or on apps. 

But what happens when you merge these two techniques? You get to enjoy the healing benefits of acupressure and the calming effects of meditation at the same time. 

Is Acupressure Meditation effective? 

Acupressure and meditation have been used by early people to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions, including anxiety. Healthy Minded has several articles discussing anxiety and the many treatments available. 

However, acupressure meditation is a new method introduced to deal with stress and anxiety. There has been little research into the use of acupressure meditation to treat anxiety. The majority of the studies that have been conducted have focused on anxiety triggers prior to a potentially stressful situation or medical procedure, rather than general anxiety. 

For instance, a 2015 study on the effects of acupressure on anxiety discovered that acupressure appeared to help relieve anxiety before a medical procedure such as surgery. There are also studies that have shown reduced anxiety levels in  women receiving fertility treatments and those suffering from severe menstrual pain.

These studies show that acupressure and meditation, by themselves, are effective in dealing with anxiety. Acupressure and meditation complement each other. So when you combine these two methods, their effects are amplified and you get better results. 

How to do acupressure meditation? 

Acupressure meditation is a simple and effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. To do this type of meditation, find a comfortable position and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the breath. Then, begin to apply pressure to the pressure points on your body. As you do this, focus on your breath and the sensation of the pressure. Continue for five to 10 minutes.

Meditation has a variety of benefits, including:

1. Reducing stress
2. Slowing heart rate
3. Lowering blood pressure
4. Improving breathing
5. Boosting immune system
6. reducing anxiety
7. improving sleep
8. promoting relaxation
9. Reducing pain
10. Slowing aging process

To use acupressure and meditation together for stress relief, start by finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the breath. Then, begin to apply pressure to the pressure points on your body. As you do this, focus on your breath and the sensation of the pressure. Continue for five to 10 minutes. Once you have finished the acupressure, continue with the meditation for an additional five to 10 minutes.

How to make the most out of Acupressure Meditation

Acupressure and meditation go hand in hand. They both provide health benefits for your body and mind.

The goal of acupressure meditation is to restore health and balance to the body's energy channels, as well as to balance opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy) (positive energy). This combination treats not only the energy fields and the body, but also the mind, emotions, and spirit. 

Here are some tips for maintaining a regular practice:

1. Set aside some time each day for your practice.
2. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down.
3. Make sure you will not be interrupted during your practice.
4. Focus on your breath and the sensation of the pressure.
5. Continue for five to 10 minutes.
6. Practice regularly for best results.

Acupressure and meditation are a powerful pairing for stress relief. When used together, these two practices can help to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall health. Try incorporating acupressure and meditation into your daily routine to see the benefits for yourself.