Every individual has their own unique way of dealing with stress. Some escape to a sunny beach, some prefer a nice glass of wine, while some even do their best to ignore it. Each way has its advantages (and sometimes disadvantages), but we can’t always do what helps at the exact moment we need it. This is where pressure points become a quick and effective long term solution. Pressure points are areas in the body that, when applied with some pressure, can trigger various effects in our minds and body.

The Scalp

The Scalp is full of pressure points, many of which can effectively and discretely reduce stress levels. You can sit at your office desk, lean back and use two fingers to massage the point where the neck meets the skull for approximately 20 seconds. Much of the stress we accumulate during the day collects in the shoulders and neck muscles, and applying pressure to this point can relieve much of it.

The Ear

This pressure point is known as Shen Men (The Spirit Gate). Some experts claim it’s the best stress-relieving point in the body. In reflexology, it’s also used to reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body. It’s recommended that you massage this spot with an earbud or even a pen, and to take deep, slow breaths during the massage.

The Chest

Strange but true that we can forget to breathe due to stress or take shallow breaths. This point helps reduce the stress that accumulates in the chest, while reminding you to breathe normally again. Use three fingers to massage this point, or one finger to tap rhythmically on the area while taking deep breaths. If you experience chronic stress, combine massaging this point with the point between your eyebrows. The connection between these two points helps in calming the nerve system.

The Stomach

Many reflexologists prefer to use this point because it helps create movement that frees the chest and diaphragm, which improves the breathing process. Patients who go through this treatment instinctively take deeper breaths and almost always report a sensation or relief.

The Forearm

A classic spot for reflexology and acupuncture. Stress and anxiety create a reverse energy flow in the body, which this spot is supposed to repair. It helps your energy move in the right direction while aiding in your mental focus and stress reduction.

The Palm

The moment you press on this spot, you’ll feel your stress evaporating. It is located on one of the most important meridians (an energy channel), which affects the heart, liver, and pancreas. It is believed that much of the stress we experienced is stored in the liver, so applying pressure at this point is highly effective. It is also a great spot for treating headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, and insomnia – all of which could be symptoms of stress.

The Calves

If you feel stress in the upper part of your body, massaging this spot is perfect. The area could be quite tender in people who deal with a lot of stress, and in women in particular.

The Foot

Pressure at this point can help ease a stressed mind that keeps rethinking whatever it is that causes your stress. Some reflexologists believe that this is the best meridian for treating the pancreas and that its location – at the center of the foot, helps patients reduce their stress and provide better attention to their bodies.