Acupressure, an ancient therapeutic practice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has achieved global renown for its capacity to improve wellbeing simply by applying pressure to particular places on the body. These spots, called acupoints, are said to be linked to numerous organs and systems, allowing energy flow (or “Qi”) throughout the body.
One such acupoint, near the heart, is known to have a significant impact on both physical and mental well-being. In this post, we’ll look at the importance of this acupressure point, how it affects the body, and how you may implement this easy practice into your daily routine for improved health.
The acupressure point near the heart: Pericardium 6 (P6 or Neiguan).
The acupressure point near the heart that we will concentrate on is Pericardium 6 (P6), commonly known as Neiguan. This place lies on the inside forearm, about three finger widths below the wrist, between the two tendons. P6 is a popular acupoint in TCM, known for its capacity to impact the heart, chest, and emotional state.
How to Locate and Stimulate Pericardium 6 (P6)
To find the P6 point:
- Turn your hand up and measure three finger widths from the wrist crease.
- The spot is located between two visible tendons running up your forearm.
- Once identified, use your thumb or index finger to provide firm, moderate pressure.
The Effects of Pressing the Pericardium for Two Minutes
1. Relief for Nausea and Vomiting
One of the most well-documented effects of stimulating the P6 point is that it reduces nausea and vomiting. This effect has been documented in multiple research, making it a common treatment for motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and even postoperative nausea. Applying pressure on P6 for two minutes can help soothe the stomach and minimize the desire to vomit by affecting the digestive system’s neurological pathways.
2. Calming the Heart and Mind.
P6 is strongly related with the Pericardium meridian, which is said to protect the heart in traditional Chinese medicine. Stimulating this spot can have a relaxing impact on the heart, lowering palpitations, anxiety, and tension. This makes it a good acupoint to press during times of high tension or worry since it may slow your heart rate and generate a sense of calm.
3. Enhancing Circulation and Reducing Chest Pain.
P6 is known to affect blood flow and can help improve circulation, especially to the heart and upper body. Applying pressure to this spot can help reduce chest pain or tightness by increasing blood flow and lowering muscular tension.
4. Promoting Emotional Balance
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Pericardium Meridian is also associated with emotional well-being. Stimulating P6 can assist balance emotions, especially when dealing with sorrow, despair, or feeling overwhelmed. Applying pressure to this spot may provide relief from emotional distress and an improved capacity to control your emotions.
5. Promotes Sleep and Relaxation.
P6, with its relaxing effects on both the heart and the mind, can also help improve sleep quality. Pressing this area before bedtime can aid in relaxing, making it easier to fall and remain asleep. It is a natural cure for individuals who suffer from insomnia or restless nights.
How to Add P6 Stimulation to Your Daily Routine
Including acupressure in your daily routine is simple and can be done practically anywhere. Here’s how you can add P6 stimulation to your day:
- Morning peaceful: Begin your day by pressing P6 for two minutes to encourage a peaceful and balanced mentality.
- Midday Stress Relief: If you’re feeling overwhelmed during the day, take a quick break to apply pressure to P6, which will assist to alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Pre-Meal Nausea Control: If you feel nauseated, press P6 before eating to assist settle your stomach.
Bedtime Relaxation: Take P6 before going to bed to help your body relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
The power of acupressure
The Pericardium 6 (P6) acupoint, positioned near the heart, provides a natural and accessible method for improving several areas of health and well-being.
Whether you’re suffering from nausea, stress, emotional imbalance, or sleep problems, this easy exercise can be a beneficial addition to your wellness toolkit. As with other types of self-care, consistency is essential—regular stimulation of P6 can result in more dramatic and long-lasting effects.
Acupressure is a gentle, non-invasive method that compliments other types of health care. However, if you have any concerns, you should listen to your body and check with a healthcare expert, especially if you have underlying health issues or are pregnant. Accept the ancient knowledge of acupressure and explore the possible advantages of pressing this spot near your heart for two minutes every day.
I overheard my husband asking our 4-year-old son not to tell me what he saw – Days later, I uncovered the shocking truth myself
After four miscarriages and plenty of plain to overcome, Paige and her husband, Victor, finally welcomed a child in their life.
The two were a great couple who knew what worked for them and what didn’t. After every miscarriage, Victor assured Paige that everything would be all right eventually, and that if they couldn’t have a baby of their own, they could always consider other options. His words were always comforting.
When baby Mason was welcomed into the world, it felt like all those shattered dreams had finally pieced themselves together. He became the center of his parents’ lives and they put him above everything else, including their careers.
Being a chief executive with a clothing brand, Paige needed to travel a lot because she was involved in every step of the product designs.
This didn’t bother her much because she knew Victor was a wonderful father who took great care of their child whenever she was away from home.
When Mason turned four, Paige knew he was about to enter pre-school soon so she decided to limit her work trips in order to be able to spend more time with him.
One time, Paige was away from home for three days, and once her work was done, she was eager to get home to her family and give her son a hug. Little did she know that this time would be different.
As she entered, the house was strangely quiet, with faint shuffling noises coming from upstairs.
Victor’s voice was hushed but urgent — the same urgency that Mason associated with misbehavior and bedtime.
“Buddy, you’ve got to promise me one thing, okay?” Victor said.
“Okay,” Mason muttered innocently. “What is it?”
“You’ve got to promise me that you won’t tell Mom what you saw.”
“But I don’t like secrets,” Mason said. “Why can’t I tell Mommy?”
Victor let out a deep sigh — its echo seemed to ripple through the house, as if carried by the air.
“It’s not a secret, Mason,” he said. “But if we tell Mommy, it’s going to make her sad. Do you want Mommy to be sad, buddy?”
“No, I don’t,” Mason answered.
At that moment, pretending she didn’t hear a thing, Paige yelled, “Mason! Victor! Mom’s home!”
“What’s going on?” she asked, as Mason leaped into her arms.
“Nothing, honey,” Victor said, winking. “Just a boys’ chat. Welcome home.”
Since Victor was the perfect husband and father, Paige tried to convince herself that the conversation she overheard was truly nothing important. She thought to herself that Victor probably gave Mason too many sweets or let him eat junk food, and that’s what they tried to hide from her.
However, letting it go seemed harder that she thought.
The week that followed and the trip she had to take were both a blessing and a curse for Paige. As much as she loved her job, the thought of leaving Mason saddened her profoundly. She only found solace in the photos Victor sent her, and one of those photos brought more questions than answers.
In one of the photos showing Mason playing with his toys, Paige spotted blue shows she had never seen before. They weren’t hers, yet they were there in her living room.
Paige decided to scroll through each of the photos Victor has ever sent her, and she did find more evidence of someone being in their home while she was away. Was it a nanny he hired to take care of their son? If yes, she had a very expensive taste.
This time, Paige decided to return home without telling Victor. She wanted to surprise him.
Once home from her trip, she entered straight to Mason’s room who had just woken up and was rubbing his eyes.
“Dad’s not downstairs?” she asked, as she could hear noises coming from the bedroom. “Mommy, don’t go in there. You’ll be sad,” Mason warned her.
In the bedroom, Victor was in bed with another woman. “Paige!” he exclaimed, sitting up in bed. “It’s not what you think!”
“Do I look that stupid?”
The woman took her clothes and entered the bathroom, locking the door behind her.
The ensuing confrontation was a whirlwind of tears, accusations, and heartbreak. Victor attempted to deny everything, relying on his charm. Paige knew that if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she might have fallen for his lies.
“I have nothing else to say to you,” Paige said.
“What did you expect, Paige?” Victor asked.
The woman fled the house and Paige was left to confront the man she no longer knew.
“You’re never here,” he lashed out. “You’re never around. And when you’re home, you spend all your time on Mason or working. What about me?”
He tried to portray himself as a victim. “I need human contact, too,” he said. “And I don’t know what you get up to when you’re flying all over the country. I bet you’ve got stories, too.”
“No, Victor,” she said. “I’m not you. My vows meant something to me.”
Eventually, Paige asked Victor to move out and filed for divorce. Reflecting on that conversation between him and Mason that she had overheard, Paige realized the signs were always there, but she tried to ignore them because she only saw the good in her soon to be ex-husband.
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