By Dr. Christopher Trahan | Licensed Acupuncturist with 45 years of experience

Look, I get it. You’re stressed. Your shoulders are up around your ears, your mind won’t stop racing, and you’re googling “how to relax” at 2am. Been there.

Here’s something I’ve learned after 45 years of practicing acupuncture: you don’t always need needles or a fancy spa appointment to feel better. Sometimes, all you need are your own two hands and a few minutes.

That’s what acupressure is. It’s basically acupuncture without the needles. You use your fingers to press specific spots on your body, and it genuinely helps. Both techniques come from traditional Chinese medicine and work by getting your body’s energy (we call it “qi”) flowing smoothly again.

Why This Actually Works for Stress

Let’s clear something up first. Stress and anxiety aren’t quite the same thing, though they often show up together.

Stress is what happens when life piles on – work deadlines, traffic, bills, that thing you forgot to do. Anxiety is more like background noise in your brain, worry that hangs around even when everything’s technically fine.

Acupressure helps with both. When you press these points, you’re basically telling your nervous system “Hey, it’s okay to relax now.” Your stress hormones calm down, your muscles let go of tension, and your breathing gets easier.

There’s actual research backing this up, by the way. It’s not just ancient tradition – studies show acupressure really does reduce anxiety. And since you can do it yourself, you’ve got a stress-relief tool that’s always available. Though if you’re interested in a professional, acupuncture for stress relief offers even more powerful results – but we’ll get to that later.

The 10 Points I Recommend Most

1. Third Eye Point (Between Your Eyebrows)

Finding it: Put your finger right between your eyebrows, in that little indent where your nose meets your forehead. That’s it.

What to do: Press gently with your index finger and move in small circles for a minute or two. Sit or lie down, whatever’s comfortable.

Why it helps: This one’s great when your brain won’t shut up. It calms mental chatter, eases tension headaches, and helps when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

2. Heavenly Gate (Top of Your Ear)

Finding it: Feel around the upper inside part of your ear. There’s a little triangular dip just above where your ear canal opens. That’s the spot.

What to do: Use your thumb and finger to gently squeeze and massage both ears at once for 2-3 minutes.

Why it helps: They call this the “Soul Door” for a reason. People tell me all the time they feel instantly calmer after pressing this point. It’s especially good for anxiety and trouble sleeping.

3. Inner Gate Point (Inside Your Wrist)

Finding it: Hold your arm out, palm up. Measure three finger-widths down from your wrist crease. You’re looking for the spot between two tendons – you’ll feel them if you press around a bit.

What to do: Press firmly with your thumb for 2-3 minutes, then switch wrists. You can do circles or just hold steady pressure.

Why it helps: This is probably the most versatile point I know. Works for stress, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, even motion sickness. Those acupressure wristbands for car sickness? They target this exact spot.

4. Union Valley (Between Thumb and Pointer Finger)

Finding it: Look at the back of your hand. See that webbing between your thumb and pointer finger? Press into the meaty part there. You’ll feel a little tenderness – that’s normal.

What to do: Squeeze this area firmly between your other thumb and finger. Hold for 1-2 minutes while breathing deeply. Then do your other hand.

Why it helps: This one’s powerful for stress-related tension. Headaches, neck pain, mental fog – it helps with all of it. Really good when stress is making your body physically tight.

Heads up: If you’re pregnant, skip this point. It can potentially trigger contractions.

5. Great Surge (Top of Your Foot)

Finding it: Look at the top of your foot. Find the space between your big toe and second toe. Slide your finger up that groove about two finger-widths. You’ll hit a tender spot where the bones meet.

What to do: Press down firmly with your thumb for 2-3 minutes. It should feel like pressure, not pain.

Why it helps: Anxiety, irritability, can’t-turn-off-your-brain insomnia – this point addresses all of it. In Chinese medicine, we say it releases emotional tension that gets stuck.

6. Heart 7 (Inside Your Wrist)

Finding it: Find the crease on the inside of your wrist. Slide your finger toward your pinky side. There’s a little hollow right next to the tendon, below your pinky finger. That’s Heart 7.

What to do: Press gently with your thumb while taking slow breaths. Do each wrist for 1-2 minutes.

Why it helps: The name says it all – this calms your spirit. Particularly good for nighttime anxiety. When fear or worry keeps you up, this point helps settle things down.

7. Shoulder Well (That Tense Spot on Your Shoulder)

Finding it: You know that spot on your shoulder that always feels tight? Halfway between your neck and the edge of your shoulder? That’s it.

What to do: Use your opposite hand to press and knead this point for 1-2 minutes. Switch sides. Even better if you can get someone else to do this for you.

Why it helps: Most of us carry stress in our shoulders. This releases that tension and helps with headaches too. Fair warning – it might be tender at first.

Note: Avoid during pregnancy.

8. Hundred Convergences (Top of Your Head)

Finding it: Imagine a line from the top of each ear up to the crown of your head. Where those lines meet, right in the middle – that’s the spot.

What to do: Press gently with your fingertips in small circles for 1-2 minutes. You can also tap it lightly.

Why it helps: This lifts your mood and clears brain fog. When you’re mentally exhausted or can’t focus, spend some time here.

9. Central Treasury (Center of Your Chest)

Finding it: Place your hand flat on your chest, right at heart level, on your breastbone between your nipples.

What to do: Keep your palm there and press gently while taking slow, deep breaths for 2-3 minutes. This works best lying down.

Why it helps: When anxiety makes your chest feel tight or your breathing shallow, this point opens things up. Very calming for emotional stress.

10. Calm Sleep (Behind Your Ear)

Finding it: Feel behind your ear. There’s a bony bump, and just below it is a little dip where the base of your skull starts. That’s your spot.

What to do: Use two fingers to press gently in circles on both sides for 2-3 minutes.

Why it helps: The name’s pretty literal – it helps you sleep. Great for when stress keeps your mind spinning at bedtime.

How to Actually Do This (Without Overthinking It)

Find a quiet spot. You don’t need a meditation room or anything fancy. Just somewhere you won’t be interrupted for a few minutes. Soft lighting and maybe some background music help, but honestly, even your office works.

Do it regularly. This isn’t a one-and-done thing. Try it in the morning before your day gets crazy, at lunch to reset, or before bed. Consistency matters more than perfection.

The technique is simple:

• Press firmly enough to feel something, but not so hard it hurts
• Use small circles or just hold steady
• Breathe slowly the whole time
• Spend 1-3 minutes on each point
• You can do several points in one session

Combine them. For general stress, try Third Eye, Inner Gate, and Union Valley together. For sleep problems, focus on Calm Sleep, Heart 7, and Great Surge.

A few safety things:

• Don’t press on cuts, bruises, or swollen spots
• Pregnant? Skip points LI4 and GB21
• Got serious health issues? Check with your doctor first
• If something hurts badly, stop
  
  

Make It Work Even Better

Breathe intentionally. While you’re pressing, try breathing in for 4 counts, holding for 7, and breathing out for 8. It amplifies the calming effect.

Pay attention. Notice how each point feels. Check in with your body before and after. That awareness makes the whole thing more effective.

Add essential oils if you want. A drop of lavender or chamomile on your fingertips adds aromatherapy benefits. Totally optional, but nice.

Build a routine. Even 5-10 minutes a day makes a real difference over time. It’s not about being perfect – it’s about showing up for yourself.

When Self-Help Isn’t Enough

I love that acupressure gives people a tool they can use anytime. But let’s be real – sometimes you need more than self-care.

Consider seeing a licensed acupuncturist if:

• Your stress is interfering with work, relationships, or daily life
• You’re having panic attacks
• Nothing you try at home helps enough
• You’ve got chronic pain or other ongoing health issues
• You want someone to create a personalized plan
  
  

Work With Us in Manhattan

I genuinely believe everyone should know these acupressure techniques. But there’s something different about receiving professional treatment. At Olympus Center in Manhattan, we combine 45 years of experience with traditional Chinese medicine to help people find real, lasting relief.

Professional treatment goes beyond what you can do at home. We identify deeper imbalances and create comprehensive plans for stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and more.

Want to experience what that’s like? You can book an acupuncture appointment in Manhattan at olympuscenter.com – we make scheduling simple and convenient. Our acupuncture Manhattan NY practice is centrally located, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule whether you’re coming from work or home.

Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress or something more serious, we’re here to help.

Frequently Ask Questions

What is Chinese medicine acupuncture?

Chinese medicine acupuncture is the traditional form of acupuncture that’s been practiced for thousands of years. It’s based on the concept of qi (energy) flowing through pathways in your body called meridians. When that flow gets blocked or unbalanced, you experience symptoms. We use thin needles at specific points to restore balance and help your body heal itself. It’s the foundation of what we do, though we also incorporate modern research and techniques to give you the best possible care.

How do I schedule an acupuncture appointment?

Scheduling an acupuncture appointment is simple. You can book online through our website at olympuscenter.com, call our office directly, or even send us a message. Most practices offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend appointments. For your first visit, plan for about 60-90 minutes so we have time to discuss your health history and treatment goals.

Can acupuncture help with high blood pressure?

Absolutely. Acupuncture for high blood pressure is well-researched and effective for many people. It helps by reducing stress, improving circulation, and balancing your nervous system – all things that impact blood pressure. That said, never stop taking blood pressure medication without your doctor’s approval. Think of acupuncture as a complement to your medical care, not a replacement.

How do I find acupuncture in my area?

Looking for acupuncture in my area? Start by searching for licensed acupuncturists through your state’s acupuncture board or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). You want someone who’s properly trained and certified. If you’re in Manhattan, we’d love to see you at Olympus Center. Always check credentials and read reviews before booking.

Does acupuncture help with depression?

Yes, acupuncture for depression has shown promising results in clinical studies. While acupressure can help with stress and mild mood issues, professional acupuncture treatments work on a professional level to address the root causes of depression. Many of my patients use it alongside therapy and medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It’s particularly effective for depression that comes with physical symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, or body aches.