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Top Acupressure Points to Fight Off Chills and Keep Your Hands and Feet Warm
As temperatures drop, many people struggle with cold hands and feet, especially during chilly mornings. For those looking for natural methods to boost circulation and maintain warmth, acupressure for cold hands and feet can be highly effective. To shed light on the best acupressure points for warmth, we consulted Ms. Mai Sogawa, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapist. She recommended four specific acupressure points that help combat chills and improve blood flow, keeping extremities warm and comfortable. If you’re new to acupressure, check out this comprehensive guide to acupressure for essential techniques and benefits.
Here are the top four acupressure points you can use to keep your hands and feet warm, no matter how chilly it gets.
How Acupressure Helps With Circulation and Warmth
Cold hands and feet are often the result of reduced blood flow to the extremities, and this can happen when circulation slows down in cold weather. TCM explains this as a disruption of the body’s internal balance, where “Qi” (vital energy) isn’t flowing freely. By using specific acupressure points, you can stimulate circulation, restore balance, and bring warmth to cold areas of the body.
LI-4: Hegu (Joining Valley)
Located between the thumb and index finger, the Hegu (LI-4) point is well-known for its versatility in TCM. Pressing on this point helps promote blood flow to the extremities, making it a popular choice for individuals experiencing cold hands.
- Location: Between the base of the thumb and index finger.
- How to Use: Using your thumb and index finger, press down on this area until you feel slight resistance. Hold for 1–2 minutes while breathing deeply.
- Benefits: In addition to warming cold hands, LI-4 is known to relieve tension and stress, promoting a calming effect that can further improve circulation.
PC-8: Laogong (Palace of Toil)
The Laogong (PC-8) point is situated in the center of the palm and is associated with fire energy, which brings warmth and stimulation to the body. This acupressure point not only helps with circulation but can also ease feelings of coldness in both hands and feet.
- Location: Center of the palm, where the middle finger touches when you make a fist.
- How to Use: Firmly press on PC-8 with the thumb of your opposite hand and hold for 1 minute. Repeat on the other hand.
- Benefits: This point is ideal for generating internal warmth, which can be especially helpful for cold mornings when you need a quick burst of heat.
SP-6: Sanyinjiao (Three Yin Intersection)
Sanyinjiao (SP-6) is an essential point for addressing various issues in TCM, including circulation problems that lead to cold extremities. This point is widely used for improving blood flow and warming the feet, making it an ideal choice for those struggling with cold legs or feet.
- Location: About four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, along the inside of the leg.
- How to Use: Gently press on this point with your thumb, applying pressure for 1–2 minutes. You can repeat this on both legs.
- Benefits: SP-6 is connected to three key meridians (liver, kidney, and spleen) that play a role in blood circulation and internal balance, helping to combat chills and improve overall warmth.
KI-1: Yongquan (Gushing Spring)
Located on the sole of the foot, the Yongquan (KI-1) point is the starting point of the Kidney meridian, which is linked to our body’s energy reserves and overall warmth. Stimulating this point helps to warm up the feet and is particularly effective for anyone experiencing persistent cold in their lower extremities.
- Location: On the sole of the foot, in the indentation just below the ball of the foot.
- How to Use: Press and massage KI-1 with your thumb or use a circular motion with light pressure. Continue for 1 minute on each foot.
- Benefits: Activating KI-1 encourages blood flow to the feet and promotes a warming sensation that can spread through the legs, helping to ward off chills.
Tips for Practicing Acupressure for Warmth
To make the most of acupressure for warming your hands and feet, here are a few practical tips:
- Stay Consistent: Apply pressure to these points daily, especially during colder months, to maintain a lasting effect.
- Use Warming Oils: For added warmth, consider using warming essential oils like ginger or cinnamon on the acupressure points.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: While some points benefit from firm pressure, others may require a lighter touch. Listen to your body and adjust the pressure accordingly.
- Practice in a Relaxing Environment: Find a comfortable space to practice acupressure where you can focus on your breathing and relaxation, which also enhances circulation.
Additional Ways to Keep Hands and Feet Warm
While acupressure is a powerful tool, here are some additional methods to keep your extremities warm:
- Layer Clothing: Wear gloves, warm socks, and layered clothing to insulate heat.
- Stay Active: Physical movement promotes blood flow, so try exercises like walking, stretching, or even gentle yoga.
- Hydrate Well: Drinking water supports circulation, which can keep your body temperature regulated.
- Eat Warm Foods: Foods that produce “warming” effects, like ginger, garlic, and hot soups, are encouraged in TCM to help maintain body warmth.
Acupressure offers a natural, effective way to manage cold hands and feet by targeting key points that stimulate warmth from within. Using these acupressure techniques regularly can help maintain better circulation and bring comfort on even the coldest days.
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