The Human Touch

Human touch is such a powerful force. Think about it for a second. The first thing we do when we meet someone is to automatically shake their hand. From there, the judgments begin: Was it a brisk, bone-crushing shake? We immediately peg the shaker as assertive, quick, maybe even aggressive. Was the handshake soft and limp? If so, we sense timidity, perhaps a lack of self-esteem. Cold hands, sweaty hands, strong hands ... all of these factor into our overall assessment of a person, at least initially.

Now think of other forms of touch. When you are stressed out, do you find yourself rubbing your temples or the area around your eyes? Many points in this area are ones that we acupuncturists use for relaxation. Ever notice how good it feels to have your shoulders rubbed after a hard day?  his is because stress, anger and other negative emotions tend to rise to the head. 

What does this mean? Well, imagine this: You are late for work. Traffic is horrific, and now you have just been cut off by a little old lady driving approximately 12 miles per hour. As you are finally nearing your destination, you feel a jolt and realize that someone has just hit your brand-new car from behind. 

How do you feel right now? Your face is probably red, you may have a headache and your shoulders are probably up to your ears. All of that aggravation and irritation has caused the energy of your body to surge up to your head. There are points in the shoulders that bring the energy down in the body, which is why you feel calmer and happier after a shoulder rub. There are also points in the feet which do the same thing, so you might want to choose a footrub over an aspirin the next time a stress headache sets in.

Here are a few points that you can stimulate at home for stress relief, if you don't have time to pay me a visit:

• The first point is between the eyes, right above the bridge of the nose. This point is incredibly calming and is also good for frontal headaches. Press on this point for a few minutes, and take deep breaths while doing so.   
• Next, look for the point that is midway between the nape of your neck, and the tip of your shoulder. This point is usually quite sensitive, as we hold a lot of tension there. Press down (or have someone else press it for you) for a few seconds, again taking deep breaths. *Note: Do not stimulate this point if you are pregnant. 
• The last point is between the first and second toes. Run your finger about 1-1/2 inches down from the web. Again, the point will be sensitive. Press into the area for a few minutes.  

Remember, taking just a few minutes out of your day for self-care can make a huge difference in how you feel!