Traditional Chinese acupressure tips to relieve stress & anxiety |24 March 2021

Photo source: The Straits Times

In the following article, Chantal Hellevig-Lailam from the Traditional Chinese Clinic of Seychelles briefly shares with us her knowledge about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as well as her tips for practicing acupressure therapy at home, to help those interested to manage stress, anxiety, breathing and sleeping problems, as well as hypertension and fear.

Ms Hellevig-Lailam studied Traditional Chinese Medicine in China for seven years. She is based in Finland, Helsinki where she runs her own clinic. As a co-owner of the Chinese Medicine Clinic of Seychelles, she helps their staff and sees a number of clients when she comes to Seychelles.

At their centres, they treat conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back / neck pain and any other pains), abdominal problems, respiratory health, nausea, migraine, headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, hormone irregularities, as well as men and women's problems.

She explains to us that with a history of 5,000 years, TCM has formed a profound and immense knowledge of medical science, diagnostic methods, theory, prescriptions and cures, not to mention how far this healing system is widely practiced outside China. TCM includes many forms of therapies and one of them is acupressure therapy.

Acupressure is a form of massage therapy that involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to address ailments. We all have meridians or channels throughout the body. Chi or Qi which is the life-sustaining energy force, runs along those meridians. When energy becomes stuck along the meridians, pain arises, so the goal is to remove the blockages to keep a smooth flow of energy in the body.

Ms Hellevig-Lailam continues by saying that Chinese Medicine theory states that the constant flow of qi through these channels is essential for a person to keep their health. If this energy flow is blocked, blood flow is also disrupted, so the body can no longer maintain the balance that is needed to maintain high energy and deal with health issues.

For example, a person who has neck pain means that some meridians are blocked, flow of chi and blood are not flowing smoothly, but after treatment the pain subsides. This is because the right points and meridians are stimulated to open the blockage and allow blood to flow smoothly once more.

She adds that one of the main differences between Chinese medicine and western medicine is that TCM treats the entire well-being. That’s why after an acupressure session, the person’s pain is controlled, their mood is calm, and they sleep better or even have better blood pressure values!

Below she shares with us her acupressure tips for anyone suffering from anxiety, stress, breathing issues, sleeping problems, hypertension or even fear. She notes that these points are excellent for children too and more effective if the massage is done several times during the day.

1.Massage Du 20

Located right on top of the head, the peak of the head. Press with your fingers for 3-5 minutes. DU 20 calms the mind, clears liver wind and subdues liver yang.

2. Massage HT7

Located at the wrist crease, on the pinky side. With one or two fingers, massage for 3-5 minutes each time, on both hands. HT7 calms the mind, reduces anxiety, stress, panic, fear or any emotional issues.

3. Massage PC 6

Located 3 finger breadths below the wrist on the inner forearm between the two tendons. Press for 3-5 minutes; press in both hands. PC 6 clears heat, loosens the chest and rectifies qi; it also calms the mind.

4. Massage PC 6

Located on the sole, in the depression when the foot is in plantar flexion. Press firmly for 3-5 minutes on each foot. KI 1 balances kidney yin, reduces anxiety, reduces fear and manic behaviour.

Be well and stress free!!

You are welcome to send any questions or enquiries to:

Facebook page: Traditional Chinese Clinic of Seychelles

Email: chantal.hellevig@gmail.com

Photo sources: Chantal Hellevig-Lailam

Compiled by F.P.