Self-Acupressure
Materials Needed
Feeling
Stress
How to Do It
Apply gentle pressure to specific acupressure points, such as the point between your eyebrows or the webbing between your thumb and index finger. This can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Why It Works
This practice reduces stress and promotes relaxation through acupressure.
Guided Practice
Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths. Allow yourself to become aware of the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. Consider how your breath is a wave that moves through your body, preparing you for what's to come.
Let your body remain gently seated, each breath inviting more relaxation and a sense of stillness within. Bring your attention to the points on your body where you feel tension — perhaps your temples, the back of your neck, or the area between your eyebrows. Gently apply pressure with your fingertips to these areas, using small, circular motions. Feel the sensation of the pressure — perhaps a release of tightness, a tingling warmth, or a soothing relief.
Continue applying gentle pressure to each point, moving from one area to the next. As you do, focus on the sensations under your fingers — notice how your muscles respond, how the tension melts away, or how the area begins to relax. Stay with these sensations, allowing your hands to guide your awareness. Notice any changes in your emotions or thoughts as you continue — perhaps a sense of calm, a feeling of release, or even a subtle shift in your mood. Allow these changes to happen naturally, without forcing or resisting.
Imagine the pressure creating a flow of energy through your body, like a gentle stream washing away tension and stress. Feel how each touch brings you more into balance, aligning your body and mind. Notice any areas that feel particularly tender or resistant, and gently stay with them a little longer, allowing your breath to deepen and your focus to soften. Let each touch be an act of care and healing, connecting you more deeply to your body.
When you feel ready, release your hands and take a few deep breaths, noticing how your body feels now. Observe any shifts in your physical or emotional state — perhaps a sense of relaxation, a feeling of lightness, or simply a greater awareness of your body's needs. Gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of balance and self-care with you into your day, feeling more connected and present.