All practices
Asian traditions
Acupressure for tension
Traditional Chinese medicine
Steady thumb pressure on a few classical points, used at home for jaw, temple and shoulder tension.
About 5 minutes
Daily, or whenever tension builds
How to do it
- 1Find the muscle at the angle of the jaw; press with the pad of a finger and breathe out slowly for thirty seconds.
- 2Move to the temples, then the ridge at the base of the skull.
- 3Repeat each point two or three times. Firm but never painful.
What the evidence says
Acupressure research is mixed and often small. Many people find the pressure and the pause helpful regardless of the mechanism claimed.
Be careful if
- •Avoid pressing over injuries, recent surgery or swollen areas.
- •Certain points are traditionally avoided in pregnancy — check with a qualified practitioner.
Others in this area
Practices are listed for general information only. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment for any condition, and results are not promised. If something hurts, worsens, or worries you — or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a health condition or taking prescribed medication — speak to a doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner first.