How can I give myself an acupressure massage?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Drawing on ancient Japanese and Chinese medicine, acupressure massages are simple and effective, with no needles involved. Dab essential oils -- a blend of eucalyptus, basil, and peppermint oils, for example -- on your fingers, then massage starting at the back of the neck, moving toward your ear lobes, then up to the temples. By simply massaging vital pressure points on your body and breathing in the soothing aromas, you’ll help improve blood flow and reduce stress.Drawing on ancient Japanese and Chinese medicine, acupressure massages are simple and effective, with no needles involved. Dab essential oils -- a blend of eucalyptus, basil, and peppermint oils, for example -- on your fingers, then massage... More -
Dr. Christopher Maloney answered:I would recommend starting with just the fingertips without essential oils.
Use a text or an online chart to locate the meridian lines and points. Always start gently and ease into sore points. If you are uncertain, it is worthwhile to seek a practitioner to give you a massage and then pointers about how to do it yourself.
When you've become comfortable with the technique that is the time to add diluted essential oils. Straight peppermint oil will cause a chemical burn to the skin. I usually recommend cutting one part pure essential oil with nine parts of olive or almond oil. That will give you that soothing aroma without the following skin irritation.
I would recommend starting with just the fingertips without essential oils. Use a text or an online chart to locate the meridian lines and points. Always start gently and ease into sore points. If you are uncertain, it is worthwhile to seek a... More -
RealAge answered:Your switch can't always be turned to "On." But when it isn't, and needs to be, try a little top-to-bottom pressure.
Stimulating certain acupressure points on your body -- starting with the top of your head and moving down to the soles of your feet -- is a quick and coffee-free way to jazz yourself up.
This acupressure sequence recently proved very effective in a study. Here's how to do the wake-up rubs:- Lightly tap the top of your head several times.
- Rub the spot on the back of your head where your skull meets your neck.
- Use a thumb to massage the back of your other hand; rub the fleshy spot where the thumb joins the hand.
- Massage the front of your legs, just below the knee.
- Rub the soles of your feet, just below the ball.
Rub these points clockwise and then counterclockwise for three minutes. After that -- presto! -- you're awake.
Your switch can't always be turned to "On." But when it isn't, and needs to be, try a little top-to-bottom pressure. Stimulating certain acupressure points on your body -- starting with the top of your head and moving down to the soles of... More
