Acupressure Points for Colds and Flu

Colds are caused by viruses that thrive in your nose and throat when the temperature, acidity, and moisture suit them. When you are run down and your resistance is low, your ability to adapt to environmental changes weakens, making it easier to catch a cold, and the mucous membranes become a perfect breeding ground for viruses. Cold symptoms are the body's attempt to protect itself from these intruders. When a virus enters your nose, for instance, the body secretes more mucus to flush it away. Because acupressure stimulates your body to expel the virus more quickly, it may seem at first that your cold is worsening. But your body is simply progressing through the symptoms faster than usual. Although acupressure cannot cure a cold, working on certain points can help you get better quicker and increase your resistance to future colds.

Acupressure Points for Seasonal Changes

Potent point B 36, called Bearing Support, is especially good for stimulating the body's natural resistance to colds and flus. It's located near the spine, off the tips of the shoulder blades. According to traditional Chinese medicine, wind and cold enter the pores of the skin at this point.1 The muscles in this upper back area tend to get tense just before a cold or flu takes hold.2 Recently, one of my best friends, a realtor, was suffering from a bad cold with a stuffy nose, a hacking cough, puffiness around his eyes, and a pallid complexion. He hadn't slept well the previous two nights because of these discomforts and was very tired. After I briefly massaged his upper back, shoulders, neck, and chest, I showed him how to press the decongestion points underneath the base of his skull and on his face. I also told him to drink ginger tea at least twice a day. When I saw John the next day, he told me he had slept soundly and felt much more refreshed. His eyes looked much clearer, and already he was no longer

coughing and blowing his nose.

Potent Points for Relieving Colds and Flu Drilling Bamboo (B 2)

Location: In the indentations of the eye sockets, on either side of where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows. Benefits: Relieves colds, sinus congestion, frontal headaches, and tired eyes.

Facial Beauty (St 3)

Location: At the bottom of the cheekbone, directly below the pupil. Benefits: Relieves stuffy nose, head congestion, burning eyes, eye fatigue, and eye pressure.

Welcoming Perfume (LI 20)

Location: On either cheek, just outside each nostril. Benefits: Relieves nasal congestion, sinus pain, facial paralysis, and facial swelling.

Crooked Pond (LI 11)

Location: At the outer end of the elbow crease. Benefits: Relieves cold symptoms, fever, constipation, and elbow pain; strengthens the immune system.

Joining the Valley (Hoku) (LI 4)

Caution: This point is forbidden for pregnant women because its stimulation can cause premature contractions in the uterus. Location: At the highest spot of the muscle on the back of the hand that protrudes when the thumb and index finger are close together. Benefits: Relieves colds, flu, head congestion, constipation, and headaches.

Gates of Consciousness (GB 20)

Location: Below the base of the skull, in the hollows on both sides, two to three inches apart depending on the size of the head. Benefits: Relieves headaches, head congestion, arthritis, neck pain, and irritability.

Wind Mansion (GV 16)

Location: In the center of the back of the head, in the large hollow under the base of the skull. Benefits: Relieves head congestion, red eyes, mental stress, headaches, and stiff neck.

Third Eye Point (GV 24.5)

Location: Directly between the eyebrows, in the indentation where the bridge of the nose meets the center of your forehead. Benefits: Relieves head congestion, stuffy nose, and headaches.

Elegant Mansion (K 27)

Location: In the hollow below the collarbone next to the breastbone. Benefits: Relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, coughing, and sore throats.

Potent Point Exercises

You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective. Lie down on your back or sit comfortably.
Step 1 Press into B 2: Use your thumbs on the upper ridge of your eye socket to press into the slight hollow near the bridge of your nose for one minute. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, letting the weight of your head relax forward onto your thumbs.

Step 2 Press St 3 and LI 20: Place both of your middle fingers beside your nostrils and your index fingers next to them; gradually press up and underneath the cheekbones for one minute. You can easily teach this step to your child to help relieve nasal congestion.

Step 3 Press both LI 11: Bend your arm and place your thumb at theend of the elbow crease on the outside of your forearm. Curve your fingers to press firmly into the elbow joint for one minute. Repeat on your opposite arm.

Step 4 Press LI 4 firmly: Spread your left thumb and index finger apart. Place your right thumb in the webbing on the back of your left hand and your fingertips on the palm directly behind your thumb. Firmly squeeze your thumb and index finger of your right hand together to press into the webbing. Angle the pressure toward the bone that connects with your left index finger, and hold for one minute. Then switch hands.

Step 5 Firmly press GB 20: Now close your eyes and place your thumbs underneath the base of your skull, two to three inches apart. Slowly tilt your head back and apply pressure gradually, holding the position for one minute to fully release these important cold-relief points.

Step 6 Firmly press GV 16: Place the tips of your middle fingers into the hollow in the center of the base of your skull. Keeping your fingers on the point, inhale as you tilt your head back and exhale as you relax your head forward. Continue to slowly rock your head back and forward, and breathe deeply while you hold this important point for relieving head congestion.

Step 7 Touch the GV 24.5: Bring your palms together and use your middle and index fingers to lightly touch the Third Eye Point located between your eyebrows. Breathe deeply as you hold this point for balancing your endocrine system.

Step 8 Firmly press K 27: Place your fingertips on the protrusions of your collarbone, then slide your fingers down and outward into the first indentation in between the bones. Press into this hollow as you breathe deeply and visualize the congestion clearing.

Potent Points for Relieving Coughing

A severe, repeated, or uncontrolled cough can be harmful and you should always consult a physician. Many illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis can become serious if the condition continues unattended. Sometimes, your physician will find it advisable to attempt to suppress a cough to prevent further irritation of the bronchial tubes. Cough medications may be used, but acupressure can be an effective adjunct therapy. During a coughing fit, many of the large muscle groups in the upper back area can go into a spasm. Specific points on the chest, throat, neck, and upper back benefit the respiratory system, relax your body, and relieve coughs.

Vital Diaphragm (B 38)

Location: Between the shoulder blade and the spine at the level of the heart. Benefits: Relieves coughing, breathing difficulties, and respiratory problems. This calming point also helps balance the emotions.

Ding Chuan (Extra Point 17)

Location: To the side and a little above the vertebra that protrudes at the top of the spine when the head is tilted downward. Benefits: Relieves throat problems, coughing, shoulder and neck pain, and thyroid imbalances.

Heavenly Pillar (13 10)

Location: One-half inch below the base of the skull on the ropy muscles one-half inch out from either side of the spine. Benefits: Relieves sore throat, stress, burnout, overexertion, and heaviness in the head.

Heaven Rushing Out (CV 22)

Location: At the base of the throat in the large hollow directly below the Adam's apple. Benefits: Relieves dry cough, bronchitis, sore throat, chest congestion, and heartburn.

Elegant Mansion (K 27)

Location: In the hollow below the collarbone next to the breastbone. Benefits: Relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, and anxiety. (You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a cough can be effective.)

Potent Point Exercises

Although many of the following points can be held while you are sitting, it is preferable to lie down comfortably on your back. Step 1 Hold both K 27 points: Place your fingertips on your chest and firmly press into the indentations directly below the protrusions of the collarbone. This is another point that you can easily teach a child. Step 2 Use tennis balls3 on B 38: Place two small rubber balls or tennis balls together on a clean carpet. Lie down, placing the balls between your shoulder

blades at the level of your heart. Close your eyes and take three long, deep breaths as you continue to press the K 27 points on your upper chest.

Step 3 Firmly press extra point 17: Slowly roll the tennis balls a few inches higher toward the base of your neck. If the tennis balls tend to slip, or you aren't using them, Sim ly use both middle fingers to press this important acupressure point at the base of the neck.

Step 4 Hold both B 10 points and CV 22: Press B 10 on the upper neck with one hand, using the fingertips. Use your other hand to lightly hold CV 22, an inch below the base of the Adam's apple, pressing lightly at a downward angle. Close your eyes and breathe deeply as you visualize healing energy soothing your throat.

For Sore Throats and Coughing

A small piece of fresh ginger can be one of the most natural and effective ways for soothing a sore throat. Simply place a very thin slice of fresh ginger on the back of your tongue. If your throat is sensitive and the ginger feels hot, use a smaller, thinner piece and place it farther back toward your throat. Keep the ginger in the back of your throat for ten minutes. Repeat with a fresh piece several times a day as needed. A quarter cup of chopped ginger can also be simmered in a few cups of water and used as a tea for soothing coughs and

sore throats.

Emotional well being Anger GB-44 acupressure LI-11 acupressure LIV-2 acupressure Assertiveness LIV-1 acupressure Calmness LI-4 acupressure SP-6 acupressure ST-36 acupressure Clarity of mind SI-5 acupressure Concentration SI-5 acupressure Decisiveness GB-44 acupressure Depression LIV-3 acupressure Distractability GB-44 acupressure SI-5 acupressure Emotion, too much P-7 acupressure Emptiness LU-1 acupressure LU-3 acupressure Energy ST-36 acupressure Excitement, too much P-7 acupressure

Expressiveness TB-5 acupressure Fear KI-3 acupressure KI-4 acupressure KI-6 acupressure SP-6 acupressure Feelings TB-5 acupressure Focus GB-44 acupressure SI-19 acupressure SI-5 acupressure Grief LI-4 acupressure LU-1 acupressure LU-3 acupressure LU-7 acupressure LU-9 acupressure Inner worth LU-1 acupressure LU-3 acupressure Internal emptiness LU-1 acupressure LU-3 acupressure Irritability SP-6 acupressure Listen to one's heart SI-19 acupressure Longing LU-3 acupressure LU-9 acupressure Nervous SP-6 acupressure ST-36 acupressure Passivity LIV-1 acupressure Relax

LIV-3 acupressure SP-6 acupressure Restlessness KI-6 acupressure Secure, feeling ST-36 acupressure Self-esteem LIV-1 acupressure Self-expression TB-5 acupressure Sensitivity TB-17 acupressure TB-5 acupressure Shyness LIV-1 acupressure Spiritual emptiness LU-9 acupressure Stability ST-36 acupressure Stamina ST-36 acupressure Thinking too much SP-6 acupressure ST-36 acupressure Timidity GB-44 acupressure ST-36 acupressure Unblock emotions LIV-3 acupressure Unemotional TB-5 acupressure Vision KI-6 acupressure Will KI-4 acupressure Worrying SP-6 acupressure ST-36 acupressure

GB-44
Name: Yin Portals of the Foot (Gall Bladder 44)

Location: On the fourth toe, in the outer corner of the nail (so near the smallest toe). Use: Press. Effects: Enhances decisiveness and focus, while resolving anger. For timidity.

KI-3
Name: Supreme Stream (Kidney 3) Location: On the inside of the foot, halfway between the Achillestendon and the side of the ankle-bone. Use: Press. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much fear. (Also for lower backpain.)

KI-4
Name: Great Bell (Kidney 4) Location: On the inside of the foot, near the Achilles-tendon, level with the lower part of the ankle-bone. Use: Press. Warning: Using this point to go against your heart or beyond your limits will damage your health even further. This will be the case when there are dark circles around your eyes. Effects: Strengthens the will and dispels fear. For timidity.

KI-6
Name: Shining Sea (Kidney 6) Location: On the inside of the foot, directly below the middle of the ankle bone. Use: Press. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much fear. Enhances vision.

LI-11
Name: Crooked Pond (Large Intestine 11) Location: On the side of the elbow, on the outer side of the arm. Bend your forearm with your hand towards your neck, the point is located at the end of the crease at the elbow. This is halfway up the side of the arm. Use: Reduce, so move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point. Warning: Use this point only when there is Heat, as when you're red in the face or your skin feels hot to the touch and you're feeling warm from prolonged anger (not from exertion). Don't use when weak or low on energy. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much anger.

move counterclockwise (click for video)

LI-4
Name: Joining of the Valleys (Large Intestine 4) Location: On the top side of the hand, on the web between thumb and index finger. To locate, squeeze the thumb against the

base of the index finger. The point is located on the highest point of the bulge of the muscle, level with the end of the crease. Use: Press. Warning: Don't use this point during pregnancy. Effects: Letting go of grief. Calms.

LIV-1
Name: Great Esteem (Liver 1) Location: On the big toe, at the bottom corner of the nail at the side of the other toes. Use: Press. Effects: Assertiveness, discerning when to go along with others and when to assert oneself. Self-esteem.

LIV-2
Name: Moving Between (Liver 2) Location: On the foot, between the big toe and the second toe, a half thumb width from the margin of the web. Use: Reduce, so move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point. Warning: Use this point only when there is Heat, as when you're red in the face or your skin feels hot to the touch and you're feeling warm from prolonged anger (not from exertion). Don't use when weak or low on energy. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much anger.

move counterclockwise (click for video)

LIV-3
Name: Great Surge (Liver 3) Location: On the foot, on the line between the big toe and the second toe. The point is located about 3 finger widths from the edge, in the depression the size of a finger tip you can feel there. Use: Reduce, so move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point. Warning: Don't use when weak or low on energy (in that case use SP-6 instead). Effects: Relaxes and unblocks emotions (especially repressed anger). Depression.

move counterclockwise (click for video)

LU-1
Name: Middle Palace (Lung 1) top of the chest, under the shoulder. First locate under the end of the clavicle, next to the one thumbwidth under this point, slightly to the Use: Press. internal emptiness and making contact to one's (Also for cough and asthma.) Location: On the the depression muscle. LU-1 is side. Effects: For inner worth.

LU-3

Name: Heavenly Palace (Lung 3) Location: On the upper arm, one handwidth under the armpit (axillary fold). The point is located in the depression between the muscles from the shoulder and the biceps (under the shoulder muscle). Use: Press. Effects: For grief, feelings of loss and longing, internal emptiness and making contact to one's inner worth. (Also for cough and asthma.)

LU-7
Name: Broken Sequence (Lung 7) Location: Keep your hand with the nail of the thumb up. Move your thumb up and back (away from the palm of your hand), this reveals a depression at the bottom of the thumb, called the "anatomic snuffbox" (between two tendons). Move your finger from the anatomic snuffbox along the side of your lower arm, until you feel a bone sticking out (about a thumb's width from it). LU-7 is located on that bone, in between the two tendons you feel there. You can press it with the nail of your thumb or index finger. Use: Press. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much grief.

LU-9
Name: Very Great Abyss (Lung 9) Location: On the palm-side of the wrist, in the depression beneath the thumb, between the point where you can feel your pulse and the tendon that goes to your thumb. Use: Press. To increase the effectiveness of this point, combine it with SP-6 or ST-36. Effects: For grief, feelings of loss and longing, spiritual emptiness, many regrets. (Also moistens skin, and for cough and asthma.)

P-7
Name: Great Mount (Pericardium 7) Location: On the middle of the palm-side of the wrist, in the depression between the two tendons, on or just below the crease of the wrist. Use: Reduce, so move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point. Warning: Don't use when weak or low on energy. Effects: Heals effects on the body of too much joy or emotion. Also diminishes nervousness.

move counterclockwise (click for video)

SI-19
Name: Palace of Hearing (Small Intestine 19) Location: Near the ear, just before the small projection in front of the ear canal. The point is located in the depression that forms when the mouth is opened. Use: Press. Warning: Don't use on a regular basis; this point is meant for gaining insight only.

Effects: To focus and listen to one's heart and the hearts of others.

SI-5
Name: Yang Valley (Small Intestine 5) Location: Near the wrist, on the pinky-side of the hand. It is a finger's width under the crease of the wrist, in the depression just above the bone that is sticking out. It's not straight above the bone, but straight under the pinky finger. Use: Press. Effects: Improves concentration, reduces distractability. Clarity of mind to distinguish the right path to take among several.

SP-6
Name: Three Yin Intersection (Spleen 6) Location: On the inside of the lower leg, one hand width (four fingers) above the tip of the ankle bone, on the back of the shin bone. Use: Press. Warning: Don't use this point during pregnancy. Effects: Calms, relaxes and reduces irritability. Heals effects on the body of too much fear, worrying and thinking. (Also used for gynaecological conditions.)

ST-36
Name: Leg Three Miles (Stomach 36) Location: On the front of the leg, one hand width (four fingers) below the kneecap, on the outside, in the depression between the shinbone and the leg muscle. What can go wrong is that you may be locating it somewhat too low on the leg. The point is immediately one hand breadth below the kneecap, so if you'd use something thick, like a finger, you might get half a finger breadth to low. It's at the outside of the bone that's on the front of the lower leg, one finger breadth from the crest of that bone. Use: Press. A fingernail or thumbnail is particularly suited for this point, as you will be able to press more closely to the bone and on a broad range. Warning: Using this point to go beyond your limits (e.g. overwork) will damage your health even further. Effects: Increases stamina and energy. Provides stability and grounding. Heals effects on the body of too much worrying and thinking.

TB-17
Name: Wind Screen (Triple Burner 17) Location: At the bottom part of the ear, behind the earlobe, in the depression the size of a fingertip. Use: Press. Effects: Makes less sensitive to what people think of you.

TB-5
Name: Outer Frontier Gate (Triple Burner 5) Location: On the lower arm, on the top side, two thumb widths below the crease of the wrist. In the middle, in the depression between the bones and tendons. Use: Press. Effects: Increases expressiveness and sensitivity to feelings.