P. Sze 
The brain is an amazing organ; it makes us who we are and helps us complete daily tasks. Taking good care of our brain is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, but this is no easy task. When I started looking at ways to better care for my brain, I was faced with tons of supplements and struggled to find a suitable method. I knew I wanted to focus on improving blood circulation, as I had learned the importance of healthy blood circulation to the brain in my studies of anatomy. Luckily, I learned about acupressure points for blood circulation in the brain.
After practicing these points for some time, I found myself thinking more clearly and feeling much more alert. Since we all have brains to keep healthy, these points can be beneficial for anyone looking to make a simple and healthy lifestyle change. Here are my top acupressure treatments for increased blood circulation in the brain.
How Does Acupressure Promote Blood Flow?
A variety of clinical studies have found that acupuncture, as well as acupressure, have the ability to influence blood flow in different areas of the body. This increase in blood flow is thought to be the response of nerves stimulated by pressure being applied to these points.
Acupressure’s effectiveness in enhancing blood flow helps to relieve pain, improve vital energy, and speed up the body’s ability to heal certain ailments. These properties are what made this form of non-invasive medical treatment so popular in historical Chinese Medicine, and they have maintained its popularity to this day.
Can Acupressure Points Regulate Blood Flow?
Acupressure can aid in regulating blood pressure. Trials have shown that patients who receive regular acupuncture or acupressure treatments can maintain healthy blood pressure. In most cases, this refers to lowering the high blood pressure of an unhealthy patient to a healthier level. It was even noted that the beneficial effects of acupuncture for lowering blood pressure faded after acupuncture treatments stopped.
Acupoint: LI-4 (Other Names: Large Intestine-4/He Gu/Joining Valley)
This large intestine acupoint is popular due to its many uses, a majority of which are related to the improvement of blood flow. LI-4 is listed as one of the top points for acupressure for circulation in hands, and it has a similar ability to enhance circulation in the brain. This increase in circulation brings more oxygen to the brain, improving cognitive function and overall brain health.
To locate LI-4, you will need to hold one hand in a C shape. This point lies in the muscle of the hand located deep in the groove created by the pointer finger and thumb. Apply firm pressure to this point for a few seconds on each hand.
Acupoint: LI-10 (Other Names: Large Intestine-10/Shou San Li/Arm Three Miles)
This lower intestine acupressure point is thought to hold similar benefits to the LI-4 point discussed prior. Known as one of the best acupressure points for indigestion, LI-10 also improves blood circulation throughout most of the body. Its ability to improve cerebral blood flow velocity is linked with an increase in oxygen and glucose uptake by the brain, resulting in better cognitive function.
Bend your arm to a 90-degree angle at the elbow and locate the crease’s tip that forms at the elbow on the outer portion of your arm. Measure three finger widths from that crease down your forearm. You will feel this point at the edge of the major muscle in your outer forearm, and you should apply firm pressure to that area for a few seconds.
Acupoint: GB-12 (Other Names: Gallbladder-12/Wan Gu/Mastoid Process)
You can find this point by tracing your finger down your earlobe to the area of your face. Then feel forward for the base of the jawbone; as you slide your finger backward from this position, you should feel an indent right behind the ear. This is where you will want to apply gentle pressure. Place your thumb into this point and push up slowly as you keep pace with deep, relaxing breaths.
Acupoint: GB-20 (Other Names: Gallbladder-20/Feng Chi/Wind Pool)
The GB-20 acupoint is well known for its ability to positively impact mental function. Many people use it as the main focus when activating nausea and headache acupressure points. This point increases blood flow to the brain to carry in nutrients and carry out waste, which supports improved cognitive functions. This information comes to us from a small-scale study that provided sufficient preliminary evidence supporting GB-20’s ability to increase cerebral blood flow.
You can easily locate this point by seeking the highest central point on your head. It commonly falls between the ears, and you will want to apply comfortable pressure here for a minimum of five seconds and a maximum of 10 minutes.
Acupoint: EM-1 (Other Names: Si Shen Cong)
EM-1 is actually part of a small cluster of points. All of these points work together to bring healthy blood circulation to the brain and relieve any fogginess.
Start by locating the first point at the pinnacle of your head. The other four points exist in front of, behind, to the left, and to the right of this central point by about 1 finger width. These points are directly on the skull, so be sure to apply gentle pressure.
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