Acupressure Isn’t Difficult
Many of you experience frequent shoulder tension and pain, right? I do too. When I sit at my computer for long periods, my shoulders become stiff as stone. But I have good news for you. You don’t need complicated techniques. Simply by pressing the correct points with your fingers, you can awaken your body’s natural healing power. Acupressure is a daily health practice anyone can learn. Shall we start together today?
What to Know Before You Start
Just remember three principles. First, the pressure should feel like “ahhh, that feels good.” You don’t need to wince in pain. Second, press while breathing slowly. If you hold your breath, your muscles will tense up even more. Third, it’s best to wash your hands and assume a comfortable posture before starting. Forcing yourself into an uncomfortable position will only leave you fatigued.
Just Remember These 3 Points
First: Waiguan (TE5)
How to find it: Extend your arm forward with the back of your hand facing up. Do you see two bones on the upper part of your wrist? There’s a crease between them. The point is about 2–3 cm up from that crease line toward your arm, in the groove between those two bones. When you press it with the opposite thumb, it should feel like it sinks in.
How to press: Use the opposite thumb to press upward, as if pushing from below. Press slowly for 3–5 seconds at a time. Alternate between both arms. The pressure should feel pleasant and refreshing, not uncomfortable.
Press it when: Your arms feel tired, after prolonged smartphone use, or when your shoulders feel tight. This point also helps calm the nervous system.
Second: Jianjing (GB21)
How to find it: Let your hands rest naturally and shrug your shoulders. Your shoulder muscle will rise. The highest point of that muscle, roughly midway between your neck and shoulder end, is Jianjing. Think of it as the middle point between the large bone at the back of your neck (the seventh cervical vertebra) and the tip of your shoulder. When you press it with your finger, you’ll think, “Ah, there it is!”
How to press: Wrap your opposite hand around your shoulder and press downward with your thumb. Press slowly for 3–5 seconds; you can apply slightly firmer pressure. People with frequent shoulder tension often feel significant tension here.
Press it when: You’re under stress, your neck and shoulders feel stiff, or you have a headache. Jianjing is fundamental for shoulder pain relief.
Third: Yanglingquan (GB34)
How to find it: Bend your knee slightly and look at the outside of your leg. Below your knee, you’ll find a bone that protrudes (the head of the fibula). Just in front of that bone, in a small indentation like a depression, is Yanglingquan. When you press it with your finger, it feels like you’re pressing deep into the point.
How to press: While sitting or lying down comfortably, press downward with your thumb slowly for 3–5 seconds at a time. Alternate between both legs. You can apply slightly firmer pressure here since it’s a deeper acupoint.
Press it when: Your shoulders and back feel stiff, your whole body feels fatigued, or your legs feel heavy. Yanglingquan is sometimes called “the nervous system’s switch” because it relaxes your entire body.
Beginner’s 3-Minute Routine
Start in the morning, evening, or whenever you have time. This routine is really simple:
1 minute: Waiguan (TE5) on both arms, alternating (30 seconds each side)
1 minute: Jianjing (GB21) on both shoulders, alternating (30 seconds each side)
1 minute: Yanglingquan (GB34) on both legs, alternating (30 seconds each side)
That’s it—just 3 minutes total. Daily practice is ideal, but you can feel results with just 3–4 times a week. For the first 2 weeks, try doing it daily, then adjust the frequency based on how you feel.
3 Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Pressing too hard
Many beginners think “it has to hurt to be effective.” That’s wrong. If you press hard enough to cause sharp pain, your muscles will actually become more tense. The right answer is to apply comfortable pressure that feels pleasant.
2. Giving up after one or two tries
Acupressure isn’t a quick fix. You need to practice consistently for at least a week to feel changes. Patience is essential.
3. Holding your breath while pressing
When you hold your breath, your entire body tenses. Instead, slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth while pressing. The rhythm is important for better results.
Moving to the Next Level
Once you become comfortable with these 3 points, there are other acupoints worth exploring. Hegu (LI4, between your thumb and index finger) is “fundamental among fundamentals” for relieving pain throughout the body, and Fengchi (GB20, at the boundary between the base of your skull and neck) brings relief to your neck and head. But that’s for later. For now, focus on becoming completely comfortable with the 3 points you’ve learned.
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