Anxiety can feel overwhelming, making it hard to focus, sleep, or even go about your daily routine. While there are many ways to manage stress, acupressure offers a natural and effective way to calm your mind and body. By stimulating specific pressure points, you can encourage relaxation, ease tension, and restore balance.

In this article, we’ll explore six powerful acupressure points that help relieve anxiety symptoms. These simple techniques can be used anytime, anywhere, to help you feel more grounded and at ease.

1. Yin Tang (Hall of Impression)

Location: Between your eyebrows, in the center of your forehead.

The Yin Tang point is commonly known as the “third eye” and is associated with deep relaxation and mental clarity. Gently pressing this point can help reduce stress, quiet an overactive mind, and promote better sleep.

How to use it:

• Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
• Apply light pressure with your index or middle finger.
• Massage in small circles for 1-2 minutes.
• Breathe deeply and feel the tension melt away.

2. Shen Men (Spirit Gate) / Heart 7

Location: On the wrist crease, in line with the pinky finger.

Shen Men is a well-known point in traditional Chinese medicine for reducing stress, improving sleep, and calming the nervous system. It’s also commonly used to alleviate palpitations and restlessness caused by anxiety.

How to use it:

• Find the small indentation on your wrist crease.
• Use your thumb to apply gentle pressure.
• Hold for 1-2 minutes while breathing deeply.
• Switch to the other wrist and repeat.

3. Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan)

Location: About three finger widths below the wrist, between the two tendons.

Nei Guan is famous for its ability to ease nausea and motion sickness, but it’s also highly effective for calming anxiety and reducing tension in the chest.

How to use it:

• Use your thumb to locate the point and apply steady pressure.
• Hold for 1-2 minutes while taking slow, deep breaths.
• Switch to the other wrist and repeat.

Bonus: If you experience anxiety-related stomach discomfort, this point can help ease digestive issues as well.

4. Hundred Meetings (Bai Hui)

Location: At the top of your head, in the center.

Bai Hui is a powerful acupressure point that helps clear mental fog, boost energy, and relieve stress. It’s especially helpful if your anxiety comes with a feeling of heaviness in the head.

How to use it:

• Place your fingers on the crown of your head.
• Apply gentle pressure and massage in circular motions.
• Continue for 1-2 minutes while inhaling deeply.

5. Stomach 36 (Zu San Li)

Location: About four finger widths below the kneecap, slightly to the outside of the shinbone.

Stomach 36 is one of the most important acupressure points for overall well-being. It helps regulate digestion, boost energy, and calm the nervous system.

How to use it:

• Use your thumb to locate the point and apply firm pressure.
• Massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes.
• Switch to the other leg and repeat.

6. Anmian (Peaceful Sleep Point)

Location: Behind the earlobe, in the indentation just before the base of the skull.

Anmian is widely used to promote restful sleep and alleviate anxiety-related insomnia. Stimulating this point helps to calm the mind and encourage deep relaxation.

How to use it:

• Use your fingers to find the soft indentation behind your earlobe.
• Apply gentle pressure and massage in small circles.
• Repeat for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Enhancing Your Anxiety Relief Routine

While acupressure is a great tool for relieving anxiety, it works even better when combined with other relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises, meditation, and lifestyle changes can all enhance your ability to manage stress.

One of the most important components of anxiety relief is vagus nerve stimulation. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating your nervous system, digestion, and overall stress response. If you’re looking for a deeper, science-backed approach to calming your mind and body, check out my book: “Vagus Nerve Therapy: Daily Techniques to Reduce Stress, Improve Digestion, and Restore Balance.” It’s filled with practical exercises that can help you unlock the full potential of your body’s natural healing power. Available on Apple Books.

Final Thoughts

Using acupressure to manage anxiety is a simple and effective way to regain a sense of calm. By incorporating these six pressure points into your routine, you can create a natural and holistic approach to stress relief.

Have you tried any of these acupressure techniques? Let us know in the comments! For more tips on natural health and wellness, be sure to check out the rest of our blog.