Introduction
- Acupressure and Yoga are known to assist the individual practitioner to gain a deeper understanding of self which is a key requirement in attaining the Mind and Body Balance which is very relevant for maintaining a healthy existence.
- The Ayurvedic and Chinese systems have ‘mapped’ the Energy flow in the human body and with it have developed Acupressure/Acupuncture as therapies that have effect on the different organs and systems of the body while applying pressure to external body parts
- Acupressure has been used for generations to manage disease conditions as well as improve wellbeing
- There are 10 Acupressure Points that have been deeply explored and utilized for the treatment of hypertension
- The World Health Organization has standardized the nomenclature of the Meridians and the different Points.
- Habit and dietary changes recommended for managing hypertension support the efficacy of Acupressure.
Process
- Pressure is applied for 10 seconds with a break of 5 seconds and repeated four times during a session. The 5 seconds is the resting period that allows the energized part of the body to respond to the stimulation done with the pressure application.
- For controlling and managing hypertension, each of the 10 points discussed below should be treated during a session
Acupressure points for Hypertension
GB 20/ Gallbladder 20/Wind Pool
The gallbladder which is closely related to the Liver in the body is responsible for the storage and emptying of the bile to support the digestion of food. The Gallbladder Meridian is one of the longest in the body, running from the head to the toes; emphasizing its relationship to the entire body.
The GB 20 is one of the very potent acupressure points for managing Hypertension and headaches. It is located at the base of the skull, in the depression on either side of the vertebral column. This point is also called the ‘Wind pool point’; pressure is best applied to this point with the thumb. Conducting Deep Breathing exercise while applying the pressure contributes positively to achieving the anti hypertensive benefit of this point.
Pressure applied to this point leads to the reduction of the blood pressure; provides relief for strained muscles of the neck and related tension/stiffness; and alleviates headaches. This point is helpful in the treatment of generalized body weakness; dizziness and diseases around the head including eye problems and sinusitis.
GV 20/ Governing Vessel 20/Hundred Convergences
The Governing Vessel converges all the Yang channels and is called the ‘Sea of Yang meridians’. It is used to enhance the Yang energy of the body; the vessel controls the circulation with the body and serves as the body’s defense channel. Its flow is quick and ubiquitous, making it keep the fire of the body alive and as such is very related to the balance of energy and fluids in the body.
There are two Midline Energy channels in the body; one runs from the perineum through the front part of the body in a straight line to the lower lip and is called the Conception Vessel (CV), while the other runs from the tip of the coccyx, straight through the back over the midline of the head to the upper lip and is called the Governing Vessel (GV).
Additionally there are twelve Meridians related to the organs in the body and with the two midline ones are considered the Primary Meridians in the body.
This is another potent point for managing Hypertension using acupressure. It is considered the most important when managing hypertension. It is called the Governing Vessel because of its positional authority over other points and the point of Hundred Convergences because all the Energy points are considered to converge there.
The point is located at the centre of the head; in a small depression on a line joining the top of the two ears. The forefinger is best for applying pressure on this point which when stimulated leads to the control of hypertension. It is helpful for the management of dizziness, headaches, eye problems and sinusitis. It helps in calming the nerves, promoting sleep and memory by enhancing the mental power and concentration. It is best to apply pressure on both points simultaneously for better results.
LI 11/ Large Intestine 11/Crooked Pond
The Large Intestines receives the content of the Small Intestines after the food from the stomach has been digested and assimilated. The large intestines are responsible for eliminating what the body does not utilize; these become waste and can cause harm to the body. The poor functioning of the large intestines leads to congestions, constipation and hemorrhoids. Hypertension is also a consequence of poor elimination of waste substances from the body.
The LI 11 is potent for the management of hypertension. This point is located on the outer side (lateral) of the elbow and at the point where the crease ends when the elbow is flexed. The thumb is best for applying pressure on this point but with the forefingers, pressure can be applied simultaneously to both points.
The stimulation of this point leads to the control of hypertension. It reduces excessive heat and inflammation in the body by enhancing the excretory functions of the Large Intestines; as such it is helpful in managing fevers, treating skin diseases; enhances blood circulation and beneficial for managing menstrual pains. It is beneficial for psychosis and other mental disorders.
LI 4/ Large Intestine 4/Union Valley
This point as the last name suggest is where many meridians meet and is very important in the management of many health conditions. Located midway between the thumb and the forefinger, where the crease ends. It is one of the easiest acupressure points to reach and could be used more often to improve health, especially in the management of Chronic disease conditions. It is a very important point to stimulate when managing hypertension. The thumb is best for applying pressure on this point; pressure application should be alternated during the 10 second resting period.
Based on its strategic location, stimulation of this point improves the flow of blood and energy in the body and by so doing aids in the decongestion of stagnations in the body and boosting the immune system.
Pregnant women should not stimulate this point because it could lead to the stimulation of the uterus and premature Labor, during Labor however it is a good point to assist delayed Labor. Management of sinusitis, and acute health challenges benefit greatly when this point is stimulated.
ST 36/ Stomach 36/Leg Three Miles
The Stomach point is very important because of the function that the Stomach serves as the major receptacle for substances that are eaten; knowing that what one eats must influence the entire body. The stomach point is very essential because it is responsible for the assimilation of physical and energy aspects of the food eaten thereby serving as an energizer. This point is located on the outside (lateral) aspect of the leg (shinbone); four finger widths below the lowest point of the kneecap. The thumb is most suitable for applying pressure to this point.
Stimulation of this point is relevant for the treatment of hypertension and diseases of the circulatory system like arteriosclerosis and lymphatic disorders. Diseases of the airways like Asthma and musculoskeletal diseases like arthritis benefit from the stimulation of this point. Indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting and other disorders of the gastrointestinal organs are treated with this point. This point is relevant for managing Diabetes. It energizes the body and restores mind and body balance and beneficial for managing dizziness, and mental disorders.
PC 6/ Pericardium 6/Inner Pass/Inner Gate
The PC 6 is the active point on the Pericardium Meridian used for the treatment of hypertension and other diseases. The pericardium being the wrapping of the Heart is very relevant in maintaining a healthy environment for the heart to function. Because of the relationship of the heart to the occurrence of hypertension, this point is very potent for controlling hypertension and diseases of the circulatory system (blood and lymph). This point is also referred to as the Inner Pass and Inner Gate.
The point is located on the forearm, about three finger widths away from the crease of the wrist at the middle in the inner side of the forearm. The thumb is very effective for applying pressure to this point. Apart from the treatment of hypertension and diseases related to the circulatory systems, this point is potent for the treatment of congestions around the chest and the entire body including edema, asthma, and sinusitis. Nausea and vomiting are treated with this point as well as disturbances related to the mind and body balance including insomnia, anxieties and other mental disorders.
GB 34/ Gallbladder 34/Yang Hill Spring
This is one of the points on the Gallbladder Meridian; while the GB 20 is on the base of the skull, this point is located on the legs; and with the two points the upper and lower parts of the body are engaged in the management of diseases that are influenced by the Meridian. The GB 34 is also very potent for the treatment of hypertension and is located on the outer (lateral) side of the lower leg, in the depression below the head of the outer (lateral) bone (fibula). The forefinger and middle finger together are used for applying pressure to this point.
This point is very potent for treating hypertension and detoxification of the Liver. Jaundice is treated at this point and it relieves the bitter taste related with Malaria and other diseases.
LV 3/ Liver 3/Bigger Rushing/Great Rushing
The Liver is responsible for the production of bile, which is relevant for the digestion and utilization of fats; responsible for the removal of toxins in the blood stream (detoxification); storage of glycogen, some Vitamins; and production of heparin which prevents blood clotting, antibodies and albumin.
The LV 3 is one of the very potent points for the treatment of hypertension because of the relationship of the imbalance of the Liver to the increase of blood pressure. When the Liver is not effective, there is accumulation of toxins and deficiency of essential substances produced by the Liver; this negatively influences all organs and system of the body.
This point is located on top of the foot in the web between the big toe and the second toe. The thumb is very suitable for applying pressure on this point which when stimulated also supports the treatment of headaches, anxiety disorders, indigestion and disease of the gastrointestinal system. Erectile dysfunction and Menstrual disorders are benefit from stimulating this point.
HT 7/ Heart 7/Spirit Gate
The heart is the organ responsible for circulating blood and its associated energy around the body. With a left half that receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and circulates to the body and the right side that receives deoxygenated blood from the body which is sent to the lungs for oxygenation, the heart plays a complex role to ensure continuous flow of blood. Normally the heart beats at a rate of 60-100 beats per minute (average of 70 bpm) during rest however this rate is affected by emotion and diseases and prolonged alteration of heart rate leads to other chronic disease conditions like hypertension. The heart unites and coordinates all the Meridians and considered the Meridian through which the body can access the spirit aspect.
The HT 7 point is located at the wrist, within the wrist crease on the inner (medial) side/radial side at the point where the ulna bone meets the bones of hand. Apart from hypertension, this point is potent for the treatment of other heart disease conditions like Angina pectoris, Irregular heart beat and other cardiovascular diseases like Stroke. It is beneficial for managing anxiety and sleeping disorders.
KD 1/ Kidney 1/Gushing Spring/Bubbling Spring Point
The kidneys are responsible for ‘filtering’ the blood; extracting the useful substances from it and excreting those that are of no benefit. The kidney thus serves the functions of removal of waste (urea and salts) substances from the blood; maintaining the acid-base balance; and maintaining the water balance in the body. All the functions that the Kidneys perform are related to the blood pressure. In traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are considered as warehouses Chi Energy which is the driving force of the individual.
The KD 1 is located on the sole of the foot, in the depression which appears when the foot is plantar flexed; between the second and the third toe bones, about two-third distance from the heel to the base of the second toe. The forefinger is very effective for applying pressure to this point whose stimulation is very potent for the treatment of hypertension. Due to the excretory property of the kidney, the point is very essential for relieving congestions in the body that occurs in sinusitis, tonsillitis, and the feeling of bloating. Lower back pain, Menstrual and post menopausal symptoms are treated with this point because of the location of the kidneys on the back muscles of the upper abdomen.
Note:
- For quick results, it is important that the practitioner repeats a session many times a day (at least four times)
- Combining Acupressure and other Natural methods of therapy like Breathing Exercises; Water therapy are known to ensure excellent results.
- Dibandu Herbal Tea (DHT) enhances the results associated with Acupressure management of hypertension.
References
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s7143e/s7143e.pdf
http://www.lieske.com/channels/5e-gc.htm%202/8
https://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-for-high-blood-pressure/3/19