By: Sandra Shim R.Ac

E-mail: sandrashimacupuncture@gmail.com

Let’s embark on a journey of holistic healing rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Five Elements and Acupressure (the application of pressure on Acupuncture Points). The Chinese Five Element theory conveys a deeper understanding of our body’s mind-body-spirit connection, it teaches us how to embrace and express emotions with a peaceful state of mind.

Wood

Eases emotions of anger, stress and frustration. Represented by the season of Spring, teaching us the value of Spring-cleaning (Detox) for our mind-body-spirit. Thus giving us room to plant the seeds of our future goals, nurturing our growth as unique individuals.

Liver 13 – Chapter Gate

This Acupuncture point gives us the peace and calmness we need in periods of transition, or a new chapter in one’s life. When we activate this point with Acupressure, it smooths the natural flow of Liver Qi (chee), giving you courage and clarity in your life decisions, free from emotional and energetic blockages.

Liver 13 Location

_You may start off laying down, direct each index finger beside your Belly Button, and move outwards in a straight horizontal line and move slightly upwards towards the 11th free floating rib. It will feel sore or tender for most people. Apply light-medium pressure and breathe deeply for 10 breaths.

Fire

Processes emotional anxiety, insomnia and restlessness. Represented by the season of Summer, motivating us to pursue the things that bring us joy, abundance and happiness. A wonderful time to connect with friends and family, they energize and nourish our heart, mind and soul.

Heart 7 – Spirit Gate

This Acupuncture point will instantly calm the burning fire within you if it is too excessive or overwhelming! It nourishes the Heart, Blood and is my go-to Acupuncture point for a restless mind or insomnia. The Heart has a powerful impact on regulating our sleep cycles, giving you deep quality uninterrupted sleep, enhancing your body’s innate healing.

Heart 7 Location

_First draw an imaginary horizontal line on your wrist crease, then draw an imaginary vertical line from the tip of your pinky finger, move vertically downwards to meet the wrist crease. You will be able to feel an indentation created by the pisiform bone and the flexor carpiulnaris. Apply light pressure and breathe 10 deep breaths.

Earth

Alleviates emotions of worry, over-thinking and mental exhaustion. Represented by the Late Summer transition from Summer into Fall. Learning to be gentle with yourself, and towards others, strengthening sympathy.

Spleen 6 – Three Yin Crossing

(CAUTION: DO NOT PRACTICE ACUPRESSURE OR ACUPUNCTURE ON THIS POINT IF
YOU ARE PREGNANT).

This Acupuncture point harmonizes our Center (our gut), efficiently balancing digestion and providing us with the energy we need forhealing. Nourishes our blood and muscles, thus improving circulation and promoting relaxation of our muscles. It eliminates the element of Dampness retained in our body that impedes digestion, creates heaviness in our limbs and causes us to feel lethargic.

Spleen 6 Location

_Please sit cross-legged for this acupressure point. On the inner aspect of both your legs, you will locate your medial malleolus and use your hand as a measuring tool (tuck in your thumb and hold up your pinky, ring, middle and index fingers), hold this hand just above the medial malleolus. Use your index finger of your free hand to find a depression
bordering the inner tibia bone. This point will be tender to the touch. Apply light-medium pressure for 10 deep breaths.

Metal

Soothes emotional sadness, grief and depression. Represented by the season of Autumn, teaching us the art of letting go, depicted by the colorful autumn leaves. It’s important to be kind to yourself, and to create healthy boundaries when necessary, and to heal at your own pace.

Lung 1 – Middle Palace

This Acupuncture point opens up the chest, alleviating chest tightness and clears heaviness or stuffiness in the chest. It boosts immunity and uplifts your energy! Calming and soothing the Heart and Lungs.

Lung 1 Location

In front of your shoulder joint and just underneath your collarbone, use the width of your thumb as a measurement to find this acupressure point. Apply light-medium pressure and take 10 deep breaths.

Water

Comforts emotions surrounding fear and guilt. Represented by the season of Winter, an important time for inner reflection and energy conservation. Learning to say, “No thank you” to people or things that do not resonate with you, and making the time and space for self-care is crucial.

Kidney 1 – Bubbling Spring

This Acupuncture point will ground your mind and revitalize you from the bottom-up! It strengthens your Kidneys, Back and Bones. Nurtures your overall energy levels and promotes good circulation throughout the entire body.

Kidney 1 Location

Divide the bottom of your foot into thirds, one third from the base of the toes, you will feel a depression between the bones of the big toe and second toe. With medium-firm pressure press down and hold for 10-15 deep breaths to ground your mind, body and spirit.

~

Thank you all for practicing these 5 Calming Acupressure Points, if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at:
sandrashimacupuncture@gmail.com