Pressure Points

HUNCHING OVER the computer for long hours is bound to leave the body with sores and aches. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stimulating acupoints is said to relieve blockages and balance out yin and yang energy.

TCM physicians Lim Xiang Jun, founder of Dr Xiang Jun, and Tan Yuan Ming of Pulse TCM give tips on how to ease aches and pains.

HEADACHES

For headaches and migraines, Physician Tan recommends massaging the He Gu acupoint, located at the highest point of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought together. Use a deep and firm grip to massage the area for five seconds. Rest and repeat till the pain is reduced. "Massaging the He Gu acupoint is useful for most types of headaches, or if the area of pain is concentrated at the forehead area, near the brow bone; commonly experienced in tension and cluster headaches. Pregnant women, however, should avoid massaging this point," he says.

SORE WRISTS

Dr Lim says to massage the Shou San Li acupoint, located three fingers' width down the outer side of the forearm from the tip of the elbow crease. Using the opposite thumb, press onto the acupoint and rotate the wrist clockwise and anticlockwise for one minute. Repeat on the other side. "This is the trigger point on the muscles and nerves that lead to the wrist and are responsible for all movements in the wrist. Stimulating it can build up qi, which can then be directed to the needed part of the upper limb to increase circulation there."

NECKACHE

Dr Lim recommends massaging the Tian Zhu acupoints, located at the origin of the trapezius muscle that extends over the back of the neck and shoulders. "Stimulating these acupoints signal the muscle to release tension." Slide fingers from the back of the earlobes along the hairline towards the middle of the skull base. Where your fingers first come in touch with the muscular ridges on either side of the neck are where the acupoints are located. Breathe in, and squeeze the fingers against the acupoints in an inward motion. Breathe out and release. Repeat for one minute.

LOWER BACK PAIN

Dr Lim suggests stimulating the Yao Tong Dian acupoint located at the back of the hands, midway between the wrist crease and the knuckle joint. Place index and middle finger pads of the opposite hand on the second webbing between index and middle finger and last webbing between ring and small finger. Slide the fingers along the palm bones until they meet the Y intersections of the bones and can slide no further. Massage in a circular motion for one minute, then change direction of the massage for another minute. Switch hands and repeat.

INDIGESTION

With more time spent at home, being more sedentary may lead to unwanted weight gain. Physician Tan suggests massing the Zhong Wan acupoint, a point on the Ren Meridian which "harmonises the stomach and strengthens the spleen. A healthy stomach and spleen is important for better digestion and metabolism," he says. The Zhong Wan acupoint is located directly above the umbilicus with a five finger spacing. Massage this acupoint for two to five minutes after meals. "Apart from massaging these acupoints, having an active lifestyle and healthy diet is also key to losing weight," he adds.