How Foot Pressure Points Affect the Body

Pressure Points in Foot

There are pressure points in the foot that affect different areas of the body. Reflexology is the idea that pressure points can treat ailments and diseases. Reflexology, or acupressure, is a very old idea. Historically, it has roots in traditional Chinese medicine. There are pressure points all over the body, and there are fifteen pressure points on the foot. Moreover, a foot reflexology chart identifies the purpose of each pressure point. Scientifically, pressure points can reduce pain and promote relaxation. Namely, the fifteen pressure points are the tai chong, yong quen, da dun, tai bai, tai xi, shen mai, qiu xu, kun lun, xing jian, li nei ting, xi alia, zu lin qi, gao ya xue dian, di er li dui, and di san li dui. Specifically, the pressure points target everything from stress and insomnia to heartburn and nausea.¹

Foot Massage Pressure Points on Foot

Patients can manipulate pressure points using foot massage. Additionally, there are many foot massage techniques that can affect different foot pressure points. Specifically, patients can treat anxiety, back pain, and general pain with foot massage. Patients can massage their own feet, but a massage therapist or significant other can also massage the patient’s feet. They can also roll a ball underfoot for myofascial release. Patients should discontinue massage if they experience significant pain or discomfort. Additionally, a massage therapist can provide a safe foot massage. As usual, patients should give their massage therapist or significant other feedback if they are uncomfortable. Furthermore, patients who are diabetic should consult a medical doctor before trying massage. Unfortunately, the pressure of the massage can affect the diabetic nerve damage. Foot massage can provide many benefits, and patients can experiment with different styles of massage to find out what works.²

Foot Pressure Points for Arousal

In addition to relaxation, pressure points can be used to stimulate arousal. Foot pressure points, as well as pressure points in other areas of the body, can be used to promote relaxation and trust in an intimate environment. First, there is a pressure point at the top of the head that promotes relaxation and blood flow. Second, there are two pressure points in the foot that are linked to the reproductive organs. Specifically, the points are located on the bottom and side of the foot. Third, the pressure points on the calves and ankles also promote blood flow. Fourth, the point just below the belly button boosts energy and intimacy. Fifth, there is a pressure point in line with the hips that also encourages arousal. Sexual partners can experiment with different pressure points, and some points are more pleasurable for certain people than others.³

Hand Pressure Points

On the other hand, there are also pressure points on the hands. Similarly, hand reflexology is as safe as foot reflexology when it is performed properly. The hand points are slightly different. Specifically, there are eight prominent hand pressure points. The points are heart seven, small intestine three, lung meridian, inner gate point, outer gate point, wrist point one, the base of the thumb point, and hand valley point. Interestingly, the lung meridian is a particularly long point that runs the length of the thumb down to the side of the palm. Generally, patients can learn how to stimulate their own pressure points at home. However, they should first research the different points and read about how to stimulate them properly. A professional reflexologist can also use pressure points. Of course, patients should find a reflexologist who completed training at an accredited reflexology or alternative medicine school.⁴

What Hand Pressure Points Affect

Each pressure point is used to alleviate different symptoms, and patients may apply firm pressure or massage the points. First, heart seven alleviates anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, and depression. Second, small intestine three relieves neck pain, earaches, and headaches. Third, the lung meridian might relieve cold symptoms. Fourth, the inner gate point could improve digestion. Fifth, the outer gate point may stimulate the patient’s energy. Sixth, wrist point one might promote happiness and regulate emotions. Seventh, the base of the thumb point is supposed to alleviate respiratory and breathing problems. Eighth, the hand valley point could reduce stress, shoulder tension, neck pain, and toothaches. Patients can look at a hand reflexology chart to learn about the position of each point and which body parts they affect. Patients can try stimulating a combination of hand and foot pressure points to learn about what works for them.⁵

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not entirely dissimilar to acupressure. However, acupuncture should usually be performed by a professional. Specifically, an acupuncturist can safely insert thin needles into the patient’s body to apply pressure to the points. On the other hand, an acupressure practitioner uses their hands instead of needles to apply pressure. Similarly, both practices are supposed to promote natural self-healing by stimulating the blood and endorphins. Both treatments could treat migraines, digestive issues, arthritis, menstrual irregularities, fatigue, and insomnia. Generally, acupuncture is used for chronic issues while acupressure is used for minor ailments. In both cases, patients should seek treatment from trained and licensed practitioners of alternative medicine. Typically, acupuncture patients attend sessions twice a month. Patients who are unsure about acupuncture can consult their medical doctor about its potential benefits. Acupuncture does not work for every patient, but acupressure is usually more generally effective.⁶

At Home

In general, patients can explore their own pressure points at home. Not every patient needs to see a licensed reflexologist or acupressure practitioner in order to find relief. Self-massage is an important part of at-home reflexology, and anyone can try massaging pressure points to relieve symptoms. Massage can relax muscles and promote relaxation, and it can also be used in an intimate setting with a partner. Patients can apply firm pressure and movement to a sore area of the body to stimulate blood flow and reduce pain. Moreover, acupressure pairs with meditation for additional relaxation. Additionally, pressure points on the hands and feet are not the only ones on the body. There are pressure points on the neck, shoulders, stomach, and all over the body. Patients who have medical conditions should consult a doctor before they try to manipulate their own pressure points.⁷