Pressure points refer to specific points on the body that are thought to provide certain health benefits when massaged. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine TCM believe you can massage different pressure points to provide provide pain relief, reduce tension, speed up the healing process, and more. Forms of complementary and alternative medicine like reflexology and acupressure often use pressure points when applying therapies.
There are many pressure points located throughout the body, and some research supports their potential benefits. You can massage some of your own pressure points at home, or see a specialist to target these areas. For example, one small point on the foot may correspond to the lungs, while another corresponds to the liver.
Reflexology practitioners believe applying a certain amount of pressure to a particular point can provide relief and promote healing in the region of the body the point corresponds to. Pressure points, also known as acupoints, are also often used in acupuncture and acupressureβwhich is a practice similar to acupuncture done without needles.
Traditional Chinese medical practitioners and other people who practice acupressure believe massaging or pressing down on pressure points can improve the flow of Qi throughout the body. Some people also use self-massage on pressure points to relieve pain, reduce stress, and more. There are standardized acupoints for acupuncture and acupressure.
However, there may be more pressure points than those currently identified. Some researchers argue there are over acupoints, while others think there may be thousands. Some people believe blockages can form along these meridians, which can halt or disrupt your flow of energy and cause health problems. By massaging pressure points, you may be able to remove the "blockage" and facilitate the flow.
