P. Sze 
One of the many and greatest benefits of acupressure is its accessibility. Whether you are out grocery shopping or simply standing in line at your favorite cafe, acupressure can be performed anytime and anywhere. In this post, I will highlight the prime acupressure points for calming the nervous system.
Being familiar with these particular acupressure points can help alleviate some anxiety during high-stress situations, essentially bringing the nervous system to a calm state. Many pressure points can be used solo or in combination with others to achieve a sense of relaxation.
For instance, I unearthed some insightful literature on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment to help relieve anxiety. Some details include the therapeutic characteristics of acupoints selection. In other words, pressure points for treatments based on the human brain, heart, and more.
How Does Acupuncture Calm The Nervous System?
During my exploration, I came across a study based on the efficacy of single-point acupuncture stimulation on Heart 7 (HT-7) pressure point. The ultimate goal was to determine the level of prevention of test anxiety.
Between two groups of male test subjects, their heart rate and stress hormones had reduced slightly when the HT-7 acupressure point was stimulated. Although there was a lack of a no control treatment group, the study concluded that acupuncture is certainly a possible approach for alleviating anxiety.
With all that said, let’s dive into the five most effective acupressure points to calm the nervous system
Acupressure Points For Calming The Nervous System
Applying pressure to specific acupressure points to calm the nervous system can easily be implemented into your everyday life. It is most useful during a highly stressful situation that may result in an increased heart rate.
Studies concluded that acupressure is a reliable method during a review of the efficacy of acupressure points for calming the nervous system. It provides immediate anxiety relief for adults. While it may not be a one-and-all solution, it can have promising results if performed correctly.
Before performing these exercises, remember to sit back, relax, get comfortable, and take a few deep breaths. Keep reading for more details on acupressure for the nervous system.
Acupoint: HT-7 (Other Names: Heart-7/Shen Men/Spirit Gate)
Also known as The Spirit Gate acupressure point, HT-7 sits on the heart meridian. To locate this pressure point, flip your hand so that your palm is facing towards you. Next, place your thumb at the center of your wrist at the bend where your hand and wrist connect.
If your hand is positioned similarly to the diagram above, slide your thumb approximately one inch to the right. You will discover a slight dip, and x marks the spot! If you are using your alternative hand, the method is the same; simply slide your thumb in the opposite direction to locate the acupressure point.
The HT-7 is hands down one of the best acupressure points to relieve anxiety attacks. Not to mention, it can also help with reducing sleep disorders, chest pain, epilepsy, and improving mental stability.
Acupoint: LI-4 (Other Names: Large Intestine-4/He Gu/Joining Valley)
While the pressure point LI-4 is another useful acupoint for relieving anxiety, it can also be helpful for acupressure for headaches during pregnancy. TCM therapist, Ms. Mai Sogawa explains that it causes uterine contractions and abortion in pregnant women. To find this hidden gem, locate the corner space between the base of the thumb and index finger.
Some additional benefits of stimulating pressure point LI-4 include, but are not limited to, relieving pain, promoting blood circulation, and potentially improving immunity. Similar to pressure point HT-7, He Gu is famous for helping with sleep disorders and mental stability.
Acupoint: PC-8 (Other Names: Pericardium-8/Lao Gong/Palace of Toil)
This pressure point can is located on the inside of your hand around the center point of your palm. Acupoint PC-8 sits at the point where the tip of the middle finger curls into your palm when making a fist. Pressure point PC-9 is also one of the most popular acupressure points in hand for weight loss.
In addition to weight loss, other benefits can aid cardiac pain, vomiting, and treatment of a coma. Please note, a medical professional should exercise the latter for the healthiest experience possible.
To stimulate the PC-8 acupoint, it is suggested to perform five sets of five seconds at a time. Since this acupoint connects to the heart, it can help suppress your nervousness and relax any tension. Here are a few ways PC-8 can be effectively useful.
If you are about to walk into an important meeting or significant event and feel nervous, consider taking a step back and massaging this pressure point. It can alleviate common anxiety symptoms such as hot flashes, nausea, chest tightness, and upset stomach. It is also beneficial for improving blood circulation throughout the upper body and softens any neck and shoulder stiffness.
Acupoint: Liv-3 (Other Names: Liver-3/Tai Chong/Supreme Rush)
Also known as the Supreme Rush pressure point, Liv-3 can be found on the top of the foot in the depression where the big toe and second toes connect. It is most effective for people who are experiencing an increase in dizziness, blurred vision, diarrhea, and constipation, to name a few. Ms. Mai Sogawa adds that this acupressure point is highly effective in relieving stress.
While this pressure point effectively reduces anxiety, it is also one of the popular pressure points for tension headaches. Additionally, it can help bring comfort to headaches, and fatigue as well as regulate menstruation.
Acupoint: TE-5 (Other Names: Triple Energizer-5/Wai Guan/Outer Pass)
In addition to alleviating anxiety, the pressure point TE-5 is known for adjusting the autonomic nerves in your body, which can also help relieve fatigue and headaches. It also serves as one of the acupressure points for hearing loss. Acupoint TE-5 sits on the top of the forearm. According to Ms. Mai Sogawa, it has the effect of lowering the energy that has risen above as well as lowering the excess heat in the body.
To locate TE-5, place three fingers starting from the crease where your hand meets the wrist. You’ll find the point where your third finger rests perpendicular to the center of your forearm. To simulate this acupoint, apply enough pressure to still feel comfortable and massage three times for five seconds.
Acupoint: KI-1 (Other Names: Kidney-1/Yong Quan/Gushing Spring)
Ms. Mai Sogawa recommends KI-1 as a point for improving nervous system problems. In addition to adjusting the nerves, it is also effective for insomnia, recovery from fatigue, promoting blood circulation in the legs, swelling, etc.
KI-1 is located on the leg, in the sole of the feet. To locate it, fold your toes inwards. It is in the depression in the web that forms on the sole in the position between the second and third toes.
Summary
Acupuncture can be expected to have a relaxing effect as it regulates the flow of Qi in the body when you stimulate the pressure points and the parasympathetic nerves are dominant. It is good to relax the body that is not resting enough due to stress or other factors by pushing pressure points.
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