Acupressure for Immunity
While acupuncture and herbal medicine can work wonders in boosting immunity and helping us destress, acupressure is another great alternative when you cannot get in for a treatment. Here are three of our favorite acupuncture points that can be used to keep your immune system strong, reduce stress/anxiety and treat cold symptoms using acupressure.
Stomach 36: This is the chicken noodle soup of acupuncture points. It is an effective point used to strengthen the immune system and is very important in building and maintaining overall health. It can also help combat psychological and emotional stress as it has a calming effect on the nervous system. You can find this point about 3 inches below the knee on the lateral side of the leg.
Ren 17: Located on the front midline about halfway between the nipples is one of our favorites for alleviating stress and anxiety. Try tapping or massaging this area to provide a calming effect on the entire body, as well as unblocking any stagnation from lung issues or anxiety. Due to its location directly over the thymus, Ren 17 is also a great immune booster. It can help with cough, asthma, shortness of breath and palpitations.
Large intestine 4: Another favorite point that has so many uses including relief from anxiety, allergies, headaches, sore throats and basically any issue of the face. It also helps strengthen the immune system. It is a point commonly use in treatments and can be found in the webbing between the thumb and index finger.
Feel free to try these acupressure points at home to help boost your immunity! Just give each of these points a massage for 1-2 minutes per day. Stay healthy everyone!