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Colds are caused by viruses that thrive in your nose and throat when
e temperature, acidity, and moisture suit them. When you are run down and
ur resistance is low, your ability to adapt to environmental changes
eakens, making it easier to catch a cold, and the mucous membranes
come a perfect breeding ground for viruses. Cold symptoms are the body's
empt to protect itself from these intruders. When a virus enters your nose,
r instance, the body secretes more mucus to flush it away.
Because acupressure stimulates your body to expel the virus more
ickly, it may seem at first that your cold is worsening. But your body is
mply progressing through the symptoms faster than usual. Although
upressure cannot cure a cold, working on certain points can help you get
tter quicker and increase your resistance to future colds.
Seasonal Changes
Step 2
Press St 3 and LI 20: Place both of your middle fingers beside your nostrils
d your index fingers next to them; gradually press up and underneath the
eekbones for one minute. You can easily teach this step to your child to help
ieve nasal congestion.
Step 3
Press both LI 11: Bend your arm and place your thumb at the- end of the
bow crease on the outside of your forearm. Curve your fingers to press firmly into
e elbow joint for one minute. Repeat on your opposite arm.
Step 4
Press LI 4 firmly: Spread your left thumb and
index finger apart. Place your right thumb in the
webbing on the back of your left hand and your
fingertips on the palm directly behind your thumb.
Firmly squeeze your thumb and index finger of your
right hand together to press into the webbing. Angle the pressure toward the bone
that connects with your left index finger, and hold for one minute. Then switch
nds.
Step 5
Firmly press GB 20: Now close your eyes and place your thumbs underneath
e base of your skull, two to three inches apart. Slowly tilt your head back and
ply pressure gradually, holding the position for one minute to fully release these
portant cold-relief points.
Step 6
Firmly press GV 16: Place the tips of your middle fingers into the hollow in
e center of the base of your skull. Keeping your fingers on the point, inhale as
u tilt your head back and exhale as you relax your head forward. Continue to
owly rock your head back and forward, and breathe deeply while you hold this
portant point for relieving head congestion.
Step 7
Touch the GV 24.5: Bring your palms together and use your middle and index
fingers to lightly touch the Third Eye Point located between your eyebrows. Breathe
deeply as you hold this point for balancing your endocrine system.
Step 8
Firmly press K 27: Place your fingertips on the
protrusions of your collarbone, then slide your fingers
down and outward into the first indentation in between
e bones. Press into this hollow as you breathe deeply and visualize the congestion
earing.
Step 2
Use tennis balls3 on B 38: Place two small rubber balls or tennis balls
gether on a clean carpet. Lie down, placing the balls between your shoulder
ades at the level of your heart. Close your eyes and take three long, deep breaths
you continue to press the K 27 points on your upper chest.
Step 3
Firmly press extra point 17: Slowly roll the tennis balls a few inches higher
ward the base of your neck. If the tennis balls tend to slip, or you aren't using
em, Sim ly use both middle fingers to press this important acupressure point at
e base of the neck.
Step 4
Hold both B 10 points and CV 22: Press B 10 on the upper neck with one
hand, using the fingertips. Use your other hand to lightly hold CV 22, an inch
below the base of the Adam's apple, pressing lightly at a downward angle. Close
your eyes and breathe deeply as you visualize healing energy soothing your throat.
Top of Page
• Excess standing damages the bladder and kidney meridians, which can cause fatigue and low
backaches. To restore these meridians, stimulate the Sea of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) by rubbing
your lower back for one minute. Then hold Elegant Mansion (K 27) directly below your collarbone for
another minute. Finally, hold the Bigger Stream (K 3) points on the insides of your ankles for one
minute as you breathe deeply.
• Excess sitting can damage the stomach and spleen meridians, which can contribute to anemia or
digestive disorders. Stimulate the Three Mile Points (St 36) on the outsides of your calves to benefit
these meridians.
• Excess lying down can damage the large intestine and lung meridians, which can affect both
respiration and elimination. For these meridians use Joining the Valley (Hoku, LI 4) in the valley
between the thumb and forefinger and Crooked Pond (LI 11) on the upper edge of your elbow crease
as directed on page 120.
• Excess use of your eyes (as in close desk work) or emotional stress can damage the small intestine and
heart meridians, which can create emotional imbalances. The Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) on the center
of your breastbone is an excellent point for balancing these meridians.
• Excess physical exertion can damage the gallbladder and liver meridians, which can cause cramps and
spasms. Use Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) on the top of your feet to benefit these meridians.
By using these acupressure points regularly, balancing your activities, and practicing deep breathing you
n counteract stresses, prevent fatigue, and boost your immune system. Deep breathing exercises alone can
eatly increase your energy level and boost your immune system (see page 123).
Diet also plays an important role in building resistance to illness. When we eat processed, preserved, or
vitalized foods, we weaken our immune system and our resistance because these foods have been stripped of
cessary nutrients and fiber. Certain foods, such as miso soup, parsley, beans, tofu, sea vegetables, fresh
getables, and lightly toasted sesame seeds can strengthen the immune system and reinforce the body's ability
protect itself.
Acupressure Points for Strengthening the Immune System
There is a particular acupressure point, Bearing Support (B 36), that governs resistance, especially
sistance to colds and flu. It is located near the spine, off the tips of the
oulder blades. The Chinese book The Yellow Emperor's Classic of
ternal Medicine says, wind and cold enter the pores of the skin" at this
int.1 It, as well as other points in this area, helps to strengthen the
mune system. Conversely, these points around the tips of the shoulder
ades are the first to get blocked up just before an illness, especially a
ld or flu, takes hold.
The following acupressure points are effective for dealing with a
ndition that may be caused by a weak immune system. Elegant
ansion (K 27) reinforces immune system functioning by strengthening the respiratory system. Steady, firm
essure on the Sea Of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) fortifies the immune system, rejuvenates the internal
gans, and relieves pain associated with lower back problems. The Sea of Energy (CV 6) tones the abdominal
uscles and intestines, and helps fortify the immune, urinary, and reproductive systems. Firm pressure on the
hree Mile Point (St 36) immediately boosts the immune system with renewed energy. It helps tone and
engthen the major muscle groups, providing greater endurance. Bigger Stream (K 3) on the inside of the
kle helps balance the kidney meridian and strengthen the immune system. Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) and
ooked Pond (LI 11),ire important points for relieving pain and strengthening the immune system. The Outer
ate point (TW 5) helps to balance the immune system and strengthen the whole body. Hoku (LI 4) is a famous
congestant and anti-inflammatory point; it relieves arthritic pain and strengthens the immune system Last,
d most important of all, the Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) governs the body's resistance to illness and decreases
xiety by regulating the thymus gland. Each of these important points benefits the immune system by enabling
e internal organs to function at optimal levels.
Potent Points for Boosting the Immune System
Elegant Mansion (K 27)
Location: In the depression directly below the protrusions of the collarbone.
Benefits: Strengthens the immune system as well as relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties,
thma, coughing, anxiety, and depression.
6. K-3 Situated just one finger from the protruding ankle 8. GV-20 Situated at the crossing point of the line
bone towards the heel. (Fig. 23) drawn from the centre of the ears and the mid-
line of the skull. (Fig. 23a)
Asthma / Bronchitis
Asthma
• Severe difficulty in breathing due to allergies, emotional stress and a number of other
factors
Pituitary K-3
Lung Sp-6
Adrenal St-40
Intestine GV-14
Bronchitis
Reflex Acupressure
Points Points
Lung
P-9 & K-2
Reflexus
Adrenal
St-40 & TW-3
Gland
UP
Headache
• Glandular imbalances
Allergies and High Blood Pressure
Brain H-5,7
Sinus TW-3,4,5,23
Ear GB-14,20
Eye Li-4
Spine Liv-3
UP
Back-ache/Neck-Pain/Shoulder-pain
• Injury
Reflex Points Acupressure points
• Rotation of wrist,elbow,arm
• Poor posture
• Stress and Tension
• Improper lifting
• Standing or sitting for a long periods of time
• Due to prostate problem for men
• During menstrual time and pregnency for women
Kidney B-21,B-47
Spine B-23,B-51
Sciatic Nerve
UP
Cold/Sinus
Symptoms
• Nasal Congestion
• Sneezing
• Running nose and tears in eyes
• Muscular pain
• Coughing
• Occasional Fever
Sinusitis
Causes
• Allergies
• Exposure to pollutants
Pituitary K-7
Sinus H-7
Ear Li-4,20
Lungs St-2,45
Adrenal B-2
Lymphatic GV-24
UP
Symptoms
Causes
• Improper Food
• Improper timings
• Consuming oily, spicy or sour food stuff
• Eating acid-forming, gas-causing food
Stomach B-22
Liver Li-2,3,4
Intestine St-25,36,41,42,45
Sp-5,6
GB-34
UP
Constipation
Causes
o Improper Diet
o Lack of fibrous diet
o Stress
o Absence of convenient toilet facilities
o Dehydration
Reflex Points Acupressure Points
Stomach CV-25
Liver K-3
Liv-2,9
St-41,42,45
Li-4,11
Sp-3,5,15
UP
Causes
• Hereditary predisposition
• Obesity
• Stress
• Kidney disorders
• Disturbances in the function of the glands (Pituitary, Thyroid and
Parathyroid)
• Disease of Heart
Adrenal Gland
Kidney
Relaxation Desserts
Diabetes
Symptoms
• Frequent urination
• Loss of weight
Pituitary K-3
Thyroid B-23
Liver St-40
Adrenal Sp-6
UP
Arthritis
Causes
• Aging
• Obesity
Adrenal Si-10
Kidney B-10,47
Spine St-36
Acupressure helps your body expel cold viruses more quickly, and it can provide relief from congestion
and muscle aches.
For a cold with a dry cough and fever, use pressure points in the depressions directly below the
protrusions on the left and right sides of the collarbone (K 27), underneath the base of the skull, two
inches out from the middle of your neck (Gall Bladder 20), and at the outer edge of each elbow crease
(Large Intestine 11).
To work these points, follow this sequence: Starting with K 27, press both points for one minute while
breathing slowly and deeply. Move to Gall Bladder 20 and press both points with the thumbs for one
minute. Then move to Large Intestine 11, stimulating one of the points with the middle finger of your
opposite hand for one minute before switching hands. Then return to K 27 and repeat the entire
sequence. This should be done at least three times a day for maximum relief.
For sniffly, sneezy cold symptoms, apply one minute of pressure each on points:
Large Intestine 4: This point is located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Relieves
congestion and headaches.
Large Intestine 20: This point can be found on the face just beside the nostrils. (either cheek in the groove
beside each nostril.)
Bladder 2: This is located in the upper ridges of the eye sockets, close to the bridge of the nose.
Caution: If you are pregnant, avoid pressure point Large Intestine 4, because stimulating this point can
activate uterine contractions.
Apply steady, penetrating finger pressure to each of the following points for 3 minutes.
Stomach 3: This relieves congestion and itchy eyes. It's located at the bottom of either cheekbone,
directly below your pupil.
Bladder 11, 12, 13, and 14: These clear and balance a distressed respiratory system.
Points along either side of the spine improve circulation, relax the nervous system, and balance the
respiratory system.
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One of the more useful aspects of acupressure is that it can be self administered for
your cold or by another’s healing hands. Having another individual apply
acupressure, ideally an experienced professional, will provide the best results in
helping to combat your common cold. However, with some training and experience,
you can learn to treat yourself between acupressure treatments to maintain their
effects and provide quick relief.
The best strategy is to try acupressure at the first signs of the common cold;
however, acupressure can be used at any stage of a cold. It can also be beneficial
as a preventive measure, to strengthen the immune system and decrease the
chance of coming down with the common cold.
Acupressure involves pressing several points on the body to help address issues
around the common cold. The patient does not need to use all of these and can
experiment, based on which symptoms are present.
The relevant pressure points, along with the symptoms they can help, are as
follows:
Take the time to become relaxed before the acupressure session, and make sure
the room is at a comfortable temperature. Also assure that one’s hands are clean
and pleasantly warm. Sit or recline during the acupressure session, depending on
which is more comfortable. Take deep, gentle breaths before, during, and after the
acupressure session.
The following is a sample technique that can be used on the classic common cold
with the symptoms of sniffles and sneezing. Gently but firmly press with the
finger(s) on the acupressure point LI4 for one minute, then LI20 for one minute,
then B2 for one minute.
CAUTION: Those who are pregnant should avoid LI4, because stimulating
this point could prompt contractions of the uterus.
For the treatment of common cold, it can be beneficial to use acupressure on both
sides of the body (left and right) in order to experience the best results from an
acupressure session. Follow the same procedure used on the other side of the body.
Or as appropriate, press on the right and left acupressure points at the same time.
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is similar to acupressure and has become quite
popular for many conditions, including the common cold. It involves tapping on the
pressure points for the condition—in this case, the common cold.
Because acupressure can help to stimulate blood circulation throughout the body
and can strengthen the immune system, it is evident that it can help with treating,
and possibly even preventing, the common cold. As most people know, there is no
cure for the common cold, but acupressure can at least promote quicker healing
from this virus.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure involves pressing on key points on the body for various health
conditions and complaints. It subscribes to the ancient, yet still relevant, belief that
energy flows through the body and that proper flowing of this energy promotes
health and healing; conversely, blockages in this energy can lead to illness and
various health conditions. Acupressure is based on the same system of medicine as
acupuncture, and provides treatment to the same locations without the use of
needles.
Unfortunately, as the name implies, the common cold is quite common year round.
A person is more susceptible to catching the dreaded common cold when he or she
is run down and the immune system is thus not as strong as it needs to be to fight
off viruses, most commonly the rhinovirus. Symptoms include sore throat, sneezing,
nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing and fatigue.
• Firm, prolonged finger pressure for about 2-3 minutes on each point is ideal.
• A general guideline to follow: the pressure should be firm enough that you
feel a “good hurt,” somewhere between pleasant and firm pressure.
• Index or middle finger are best, except the thumb when indicated
• Apply pressure on the point at a 90-degree angle
• Combine deep abdominal breathing as you hold the points, inhaling deeply
into the abdomen, letting your belly expand
The first poetic-sounding name for each point is the Chinese name translated, and
the letter/numeral in parantheses is the TCM nomenclature for the point.