Relaxing Self-Massage With Acupressure Points

Self-massage is a great way to relax and invigorate you. Before bedtime you can easily press 3 acupressure points on your head, which, if stimulated with a finger massage, can help decrease the accumulated energy.

Those acupressure points are: Gallbladder 20, Liver 2 and Shi Shen Cong (group of four points).

1) The points of the Gallbladder Meridian

Gallbladder 20 (The English name is “Wind pool”) is situated in the upper part of the posterior neck, below the occiput; it’s in the depression between the muscles sternocleidomastoideus and trapezius. Every person has two Gallbladder 20 points (one on the right side and one on the left side).

2) The Points of the Meridian of the Liver

Liver 2 (The English name is “Moving between”) is situated on the dorsum of both feet, between the big toe and the second toe; a half thumb width from the margin of the interdigital web, at the junction of the red and white skin.

3) The points Shi shen cong (also called “Reunion of the four gods”)

Shi Shen Cong (the points of the four spirits or gods) is a group of four points which are situated at the vertex of the head, grouped around the point Governing Vessel 20 and located one thumb width anterior, posterior and lateral to it.

The self massage is carried out as follows: first you treat Gallbladder 20 with the tip of your middle finger, making quick circular movements for about one minute. Men rotate the finger first to the left and then to the right; women first to the right and then to the left.

Then you pass on to Liver 2 which is located a half thumb width from the margin of the interdigital web, between the big toe and the second toe. Make pinching movements with index finger and thumb, increasing the pressure and then releasing it for about one minute. Men start with the left foot, women with the right one.

Finally you treat the four points at the vertex of the head, called shi shen cong. Put your index fingers on the two lateral points (right hand for the point on the right side, left hand for the point on the left side). Make slow pumping movements, increasing and releasing the pressure, for about one minute. Then put your right index finger on the anterior point and the left index finger on the posterior point; repeat for one minute.

It is important that your attention is focused on the point you are treating.

Prof. Maurizio Corradin, teaches at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda how a relaxing self-massage with acupressure points works.