Anyone can practice stress symptoms, including an upset stomach, breathing difficulties, or a sporting center, including myself. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of methods and materials to help me get better and lessen stress, and I’ve had varying degrees of success. You may only need immediate assistance, though.
Massage is one technique I find to be effective for stimulating stress details that inevitably reduce symptoms of anxiety. Although it doesn’t address anxiety, you may experience lessening physical symptoms by applying certain pressure points.
Because it works on both an ambitious and biological level, reflexology is an extremely efficient and accessible tool for managing stress, according to Dr. Jessica Sharratt, the founder of Heal Los Angeles, a alternative therapy practice. It is “useable anywhere, in real time, without having to make a reservation.”
How does massage treat stress?
Anxiety is a common mental health condition, which is defined as having anxiety or worry about the future, according to the American Psychological Association. It differs from a typical anxiety answer. It’s a long-lasting, future-focused response to stimuli that aren’t threats. The autonomic nervous system is activated by stress.
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous techniques, which are two components of our autonomic nervous system, maintain harmony. Our “fight-or-flight” answer, which is supposed to protect us from harm, is called the sympathetic nervous system. Our brain costs rise, children grow, and our metabolism slow down when the sympathetic nervous system is activated, all of which aid in quick acting in harmful situations. The sympathetic nervous system can’t always tell the difference between actual and perceived threat, though.
The sympathetic nervous system may remain active or permanently activated in anxiety disorders. Your heart level and blood pressure rise as a result of the release of dopamine. These behaviors contribute to the unpleasant physical signs we connect with anxiety.  ,
Erik Larson, a board certified nurse practitioner in clinical mental health and user of , Larson Mental Health, said,” Massage may actually help with stress indicators because it works on the nervous system by stimulating specific details on the body that are associated with stress rules mechanisms.”
The parasympathetic nervous system restores you to a sense of balance. It basically acts like a break from the “rest and digest” response, or “fight-or-flight instinct,” according to experts. Acupressure causes pressure to build up on the body, focusing on activating the parasympathetic nervous system to calm us.
By promoting the release of endorphins and enhancing blood flow, which relaxes the muscles, this kind of massage can temporarily ease anxiety symptoms.  ,
8 points to lessen anxiety ,
According to Larson, acupressure works best when used in conjunction with deep breathing and other relaxation techniques. You might discover that some situations are more enlightening than others.
Heavenly Gate Point
The heavenly gate point is one of the most well-known pressure points, making it one of the easiest to access. It’s located in the ear’s upper shell, or hollow region. For two minutes, apply gentle pinch pressure to your finger and keep it in a circle. You might have to look it up using a mirror the first time.  ,
Heg point
The Heg point is located on the webbing section of your hand between the thumb and index finger. Larson explained that it can help reduce overall stress and anxiety. You’ll want to press hard enough to feel pressure but you don’t want pain. Apply pinch pressure for about two to five minutes.
Shou San Li
On the outer elbow, you can find the Shou San Li pressure point. Simply bent 90 degrees, you need to place two fingers below your outer elbow to access it. It is said to relieve general apprehension, neck tightness, and intestinal distress, according to experts.
Chest’s focal point
Ren 17, also known as the chest center or Tan Zhong, is a pressure point recommended by Sharratt for emotional grounding and calming the nervous system. It is level with the fourth intercostal space and is located at the center of the sternum. It’s roughly the space between the nipples for men. Apply gentle pressure for three to four minutes using small circular motions.
Neiguan point
Pericardium 6 or the Neiguan point are another pressure points that, in Sharratt’s opinion, will calm the nervous system. Although Pericardium 6 is located in the center between the two large tendons, there are a few locations in the wrist. Place three fingers on the wrist, starting at the base of the palm, and hold your hand palm side up while grabbing it for the key. Then, place your thumb just below the third finger, and you’ll start to feel the two large tendons. Apply gentle pressure.
This is particularly helpful for nausea, according to Larson, because it frequently precedes anxiety attacks.
Point of the Hall of Impression
The Hall of Impression pressure point is between the eyebrows, and is also known as Yin Tang or the third eye. Start by relaxing and closing your eyes to access it. Then, use your thumb or index finger to touch the area. As you apply gentle pressure in a circular motion, you should take a few deep, slow breaths. It’s best to do this for five to ten minutes to relieve stress and anxiety symptoms.
Yongquan Point
The Yongquan Point, also known as Kidney 1, is located on the sole of the foot. You can find this point by locating the depression formed when you curl your toes toward the sole of your foot. It’s just under the ball of your foot. This point promotes relaxation and stress reduction.
Shen Men draw a conclusion
The Shen Men draw a conclusion is one of my favorites because it’s so easy to access and feels very relaxing. Shen Men, also known as the spirit gate, is located on the pinky side of your wrist, just below the palm. It may also help with motion sickness and insomnia.
Acupressure  has been the subject of some research.
Although the research on this subject is still in progress, some studies demonstrate its effectiveness. However, it’s important to point out that the majority of studies are focused on stressful situations rather than generalized anxiety. Additionally, the sample sizes were small. Although this doesn’t discount the outcomes, keeping in mind their context is always important.
For instance, there have been a few reviews that have looked into acupressure therapy for anxiety before medical procedures and treatments. A 2018 study found that those who were receiving fertility treatment were less anxious and stressed out by using acupressure techniques. A 2024 review of research found that acupressure reduced anxiety in people who did not use acupressure during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to those who did not.  ,
The studies are small, and it’s challenging to separate the pressure point effect from the placebo effect. Acupressure can relieve symptoms, but more research is required to fully understand how. Acupressure is a risk-free calming technique you can try if your anxiety symptoms are roiling your life, unlike other trends and methods. Acupressure hasn’t had any negative effects in studies.  ,
Home remedies like acupressure can help you manage your anxiety symptoms at the moment. However, it doesn’t do anything to address the root cause of the emotions. It’s not intended to replace conventional treatments or medications. It’s just a tool that can provide temporary relief for you.  ,