Emotionale Akupressur

Extra point meridian

Wo

Directly between the eyebrows, in the small hollow above the bridge of the nose.

Wie

Rest a fingertip there with light, steady pressure and breathe out slowly for two minutes.

The classic calming point. Use it before sleep rather than during a crisis — it works by slowing, not by force.

Heart meridian

Wo

On the inner wrist crease, in the hollow on the little-finger side, just inside the tendon.

Wie

Press with the opposite thumb, firm but not sharp, one minute per wrist.

Traditionally used to settle the shen — the part of you that races at 3am.

Pericardium meridian

Wo

Three finger-widths up from the wrist crease on the inner forearm, between the two tendons.

Wie

Thumb pressure with small circles, one to two minutes each side.

The point behind travel-sickness bands. Also loosens the held breath of panic.

Large Intestine meridian

Wo

In the webbing between thumb and index finger, at the highest point when they are pressed together.

Wie

Squeeze between thumb and finger for thirty seconds, release, repeat three times.

Strong point — traditionally avoided in pregnancy.

Liver meridian

Wo

On the top of the foot, in the hollow between the first and second toe bones.

Wie

Press firmly with the thumb and hold while you exhale, one minute per foot.

Pair with LI 4 for the classic 'Four Gates' combination when everything feels wound tight.

Kidney meridian

Wo

On the sole, in the hollow that appears just below the ball of the foot when the toes curl.

Wie

Thumb-press or roll the foot over a ball for two minutes each side.

Pulls attention and charge downward out of a racing head. Best done barefoot.

Stomach meridian

Wo

Four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width outside the shin bone.

Wie

Firm circular pressure or gentle tapping for two minutes each leg.

The traditional stamina point — named for the extra distance a tired traveller could walk after using it.

Conception Vessel meridian

Wo

On the breastbone, level with the fourth rib space, at the centre of the chest.

Wie

Flat palm or two fingers, light pressure, breathing into the hand for three minutes.

Where sadness sits physically for most people. Expect the breath to catch before it deepens.

Gall Bladder meridian

Wo

At the base of the skull, in the two hollows either side of the neck muscles.

Wie

Thumbs in both hollows, head tilted gently back, firm pressure for one minute.

Effective for the headache that comes from a long day at a screen.

Spleen meridian

Wo

Four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shin bone.

Wie

Steady thumb pressure, one minute per leg, ideally in the evening.

Avoid during pregnancy. Strong for settling a night-time mind.

Lung meridian

Wo

Below the outer end of the collarbone, in the hollow near the shoulder joint.

Wie

Press with two fingers while lengthening the exhale, one minute each side.

In Chinese medicine the lungs hold grief; this point is where held grief becomes physical.

Governing Vessel meridian

Wo

At the crown of the head, on the midline, level with the tops of the ears.

Wie

Light fingertip tapping for one minute, then rest the palm there.

Lifting rather than calming — use in the morning, not before bed.