Caregivers take on many tasks, including physical and emotional support. Tension can often build up in various parts of your body, and you may experience varying levels of stress, anxiety and burnout. One self-care tool you may want to consider is acupressure.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is sometimes called acupuncture without the needles. Acupuncture is the traditional Chinese medicine practice involving thin needles inserted into specific points on the body. Acupressure consists of manual pressure on specific points, using the thumb, finger, elbow or an acupressure pen.
How does acupressure work?
Acupressure stimulates hundreds of acupoints along the body’s 14 meridians or energy-carrying channels. Applying pressure at very specific points stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, which can help guide the body to balance and heal itself.
What are the potential benefits of acupressure?
According to Christine Fung, a licensed acupuncturist and the director of the Acupuncture Shiatsu Clinic in Mississauga, acupressure can help relieve:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Hormonal imbalances such as PMS and menopause
Who can do acupressure?
Acupressure can be self-administered, but you may want to have a few sessions with a licensed acupuncturist first to learn the proper technique and pressure points. To learn more, check out Christine’s Do-It-Yourself Acupressure webinar, hosted by the Ontario Caregiver Organization.