Accupressure of the Hand
To ease tension and restore energy, try this pressure point: hold your left palm in
front of you, fingers together. The fleshy spot between your thumb and index finger
is a key pressure point. Using your right thumb, massage this spot in a circular
motion for a slow count of 15. Then switch hands, and repeat the process. You can
also try several finger holds to improve your general level of well-being. Gently hold
the appropriate finger on either hand while imaging the negative emotions melting
away and the physical symptoms easing:
■ Thumb. Corresponds to worrying, depression, anxiety. Physical symptoms
may be stomachaches, headaches, skin problems, and nervousness.
■ Index finger. Corresponds to fear, mental confusion, frustration. Physical
symptoms are digestive problems and muscle problems such as backaches.
■ Middle finger. Corresponds with anger, irritability, indecisiveness. Physical
symptoms are eye or vision problems, fatigue, and circulation problems.
■ Ring finger. Corresponds with sadness, fear of rejection, grief, negativity.
Physical symptoms are digestive, breathing, or serious skin problems.
■ Little finger. Corresponds with insecurity, effort, overdoing it, nervousness.
Physical symptoms are sore throat and bone or nerve problems.164 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
The Absolute Minimum
■ All pressure-point therapies attempt to manipulate the body’s energy field at
points where the energy meridians are at or near the surface of the body
■ Acupuncturists use hair-thin needles, acupressure therapists use touching and
varying degrees of pressure on the body, and reflexologists concentrate their
attention on the feet, hands, and ears.
■ You can manipulate your own pressure points to find relief from some every-
day aches and pains.