The party season survival trick you need right now
Imagery: Mathew Coyte // @mathewcoyte
Words: Emma Vidgen // @emma_vee
Free, effective AND totally doable during awkward family dinners and office Christmas parties, acupressure is the wine-free way to ease anxiety we’re living for. We sat down with acupuncturist and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Emma Quine to get her top tips on how to calm your nervous system in minutes. Check out the video to see how it’s done.
HOW DOES ACUPRESSURE WORK?
Applying pressure to specific acupuncture points (aka: acupressure) is one of our favourite tricks to ground and relax in stressful situations. “In TCM, the body has 12 meridians, also known as channels or energy pathways,” says Emma. “There are over 600 acupuncture points on these meridians, with a multitude of functions benefiting the emotions, spirit and physical body.”
HOW TO diy acuPRESSURE
“As a guideline, use direct firm pressure on the point or points for two to three minutes, taking deep, slow breaths; this will help activate the points bringing balance and calm to your system,” says Emma. “Depending on the point, you can use thumbs or forefingers or a pincer grip, and press one side or both points at once.” Remember, any measurements given are based on your own hand and fingers, so measure them out using your own hands.
Finding the sweet spot: three finger breadths from the wrist
“There are over 600 acupuncture points with a multitude of functions benefiting the emotions, spirit and physical body.”
THE SWEET SPOT FOR ANXIETY
In TCM, the sweet spot to ease anxiety is called the Pericardium 6 (PC6). You can find it by placing three finger breadths up from the inner wrist crease, in between the two tendons. “This point has a calming action and nourishes the heart, helping reduce both acute and chronic anxiety,” says Emma. To find it clench your fist and roll it inwards slightly. “Hold the point with opposing thumb and take deep breaths for two to three minutes,” says Emma. This point also helps fight nausea - great for anyone who gets travel sick - and is safe for kids too. And this is just a taster. There are more great anxiety-reducing points to try, so check out the video above for more TCM goodness.
For more information about TCM and acupuncture, check out Emma’s website or follow her on social at @emmaquine_acupuncture.