Use Acupressure to Fight Fatigue

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

03 Feb 2007 02:30 PM

I don't know about you, but I tend to hit a mid-afternoon slump every day. Around two or three o'clock in the afternoon, I start to feel very tired and out of energy. If I have the time, I'll indulge in a little nap... but I don't have time to nap every day! If you need to fight fatigue, try acupressure!

In short, acupressure uses pressure (rather than needles, like acupuncture) to release natural painkillers called endorphins. It may also help block the transmission of pain signals through your nerves. Studies from the University of Michigan are now showing that acupressure can help fight fatigue!

There are five stimulating acupressure points that you can use to help keep the afternoon slump at bay. Apply firm pressure to each point with your thumb or your index and middle fingers together. Massage for three minutes; fifteen minutes gives you enough time to hit all five points.

1. At the base of your skull, one finger-width to the side of your spine. Use your index and middle fingers to find the mushy-feeling spot underneath where your skull curves under. Apply firm pressure and massage in circles.
2. On the pad between the joint of your thumb and index finger. Squeeze with your thumb and index finger. (This is a favorite acupressure point for when I have a headache, too.)
3. The center of the top of your head. Press firmly with your index and middle fingers together.
4. On the sole of your foot, in the little V where the ball of your big toe and the ball of your other toes meet. Use your thumb and massage in a circular motion.
5. On the outside of your shin, approximately three fingers down from your kneecap. I use three fingers together here, and massage in circles.

Not all of these may be appropriate for a sluggish afternoon at the office -- you may not want to whip off your shoes and massage your feet, for example. But you can get away with massaging the base of your skull or the pad between your finger and thumb without attracting too much attention.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger