I wrote this article and attached video to show you how to use Sp 4, one of the great healing foot acupressure points for increasing circulation and balancing your digestive system.  These foot acupressure points, on both sides of the arch, calms restlessness, balances food cravings, worry, overwhelm, and relieves anxiety, appetite imbalances, abdominal problems, indigestion, bloating, edema, varicosity, PMS, menstrual cramps, foot cramps, and cold feet. Use Sp 4 if you have one or more of these complaints.

Click on the image above or on the next link to learn how to find and use these acupressure points.

Sp 4, known as the “Grandparent – Grandchild” point, is good for balancing hypoglycemia, inhibits the herpes virus, and energetically harmonizes the stomach, spleen and pancreas. Sp 4 transforms dampness (for counteracting edema), and invigorates digestion. This is also an excellent point for curtailing food cravings.

Location: Sp 4 is in the upper arch of the foot, one thumb-width from the ball of the foot.

How to Press: I usually use my thumb to press this acupressure point. Or you can tape an almond, kidney or lima bean on your Sp 4 acupressure points, on both sides. Then cover it with a sock when wearing shoes.

Instruction Details: Slowly build up the time you wear the beans on both sides within your shoes. (Just don’t let them tell you – you’re full of beans!) You might wear the taped bean or almond on the point for an hour or so to start. After a week, you can wear it for two hours. After another week, build up to about three hours and so on – gradually increasing the amount of time you stimulate these acupressure points.

Use this point for prevention as well as for relief of the array of symptoms above. That is what’s so exciting about using acupressure points; they are safe, prevent thousands of health disorders without side effects, and are so accessible.

Acupressure Point Formulas: I want you to also realize — when you learn how to combine this point with other acupressure points, the results are even more powerful.  You’ll get point recipes and formulas based on the meridians and five elements in my acupressure booklets, which are part of the Home Study Pack.  If the pack is too much for you, I suggest just getting the Basic Booklet and the Intermediate & Advanced Booklets, which are both available to download directly into your computer, and not pay any shipping or handling fees.

Why Sp 4 Works: These acupressure points (Sp 4, on both sides) balance the earth element – so you can feel grounded and be more present on earth.  Sp 4 also harmonizes the Stomach and Spleen meridians, which govern digestion and your body’s ability to function in harmony and be well.

Acupressure points can stimulate your self-curative abilities.

An Acupressure Chart is the road map for locating acupressure points for beginners and advanced practitioners.

If you’re an acupressure beginner, you may find the guidelines below helpful for relieving most of your apprehensions, fears or doubts about applying acupressure to yourself. This may also answer some of your basic questions about how to apply pressure to the acupressure points. Follow the five guidelines I have provided and use common sense, and you’ll find acupressure is safe.

1. Apply pressure gradually and slowly. Hold with a light, steady pressure for 1 to 3 minutes. If you are sore, use less pressure. If less pressure is still tender, use light touch. However, if you’re muscular or like deeper pressure, you can increase the pressure until it hurts good. Always hold the acupressure points lightly for a minute before coming off the points.  For best results, relax in a very comfortable position with your eyes closed, and breathe deeply for at least 5 to 10 minutes afterward. This deep relaxation enables the acupressure points to balance the systems and healing energy within your body.

Guided Self-Healing Sleep Disorders Program

I am excited to announce that my Sleep Better Audio Program is now available as an e-program. This self-healing fully guided audio program relieves insomnia by counteracting stress in your upper back, shoulders, and neck area – and actually sends you to sleep.

You can now download my voice, which guides you how to easily stimulate effective acupressure points for relieving and preventing insomnia. Here’s exactly what this exciting program contains.

Learn to counteract sleep disorders with these routines:

1. Acupressure Calming Points in a Chair 
(17 minutes)

2. Acu-Yoga Sleep Better Floor Routine 
(17 minutes)

3. Insomnia Exercises: Preparation for Bed 
(7 minutes)

4. Guided Relaxation & Visualizations in Bed 
(15 minutes)

This Sleep Better Audio Program gives you step-by-step guidance to breathe properly, with creative visualizations for insomnia, and detailed relaxing acupressure instruction to get to sleep, and sleep better.

Illustrations & Graphics come with the program to easily follow along.

My dear 90-year old aunt, who introduced me to Yoga, told me that my audio programs relieved her pain and relaxed her to sleep. “Which techniques helped you most?” I asked her. “Darling,” she replied, “I just listen to your voice and it heals me. Your soothing voice guides me into a good night’s sleep using such easy stretches, self-acupressure, gentle eye movements, and deep breathing. It just sends me into never neverland.”

Order the e-audio Sleep Better now. You’ll save $3 off the Sleep Better CD and get a MP3 download into your computer. There’s no shipping or handling fees on this e-audio. Get all six tracks (60 minutes) and illustrations for $12.95. You won’t be among the over 60 million Americans, plus millions of others around the world, who suffer each year from insomnia, which can lead to serious sleep deficits and health problems.

Can’t Sleep? Not when you’re above the clouds,
On your way down; it’s too incredible!

Man, that's incredible! - An Acupressure.com Copyright. All rights reserved.

I tried to get on a TV show called That’s Incredible years ago. The show’s director asked me, “What can Acupressure do?”  I told him, “It’s so relaxing, you can use acupressure points to get to sleep. Holding just a few points for several minutes is so relaxing, it can make you fall asleep; it’s incredible!”  “Sorry,” he replied, “That’s Not Incredible enough for our show.”  (Can’t win them all.)

I want you to know how effective Acupressure is for sleep disorders. In my last article, I showed you how to use Acupressure points to stimulate your system to counteract sleepiness and narcolepsy.  This article gives you a couple of Acupressure points to sedate your energy for counteracting insomnia, plus tips to help you get to sleep, or get back to sleep.

Insomnia sleep disorder Acupressure Points K 6, B 62

The Acupressure Points (K 6 and B 62) between your heel and anklebones (on both sides) have traditionally been used to relieve and prevent insomnia. The acupressure point on the inside of the heel below your inner anklebone is called Joyful Sleep. Can you guess what to do to obtain joyful sleep? Just hold this ankle acupressure point while taking deep breaths for a few minutes before you go to bed.

The Acupressure points on the outside of your heel, below your outer anklebone are called Calm Sleep. Pressing these ankle points together by placing your thumb on one side and your fingertips on the other side of your ankle, can relieve pain from the waist down, and enable your body to relax deeply for a good night’s sleep. This acupressure technique and the following tips are easy to teach your child.

4 Tips for Getting to Sleep Naturally

• Gentle Stretching – Before you try to go to sleep, gently stretch your arms, legs, side-to-side bends, and massage your shoulders and neck.
• Eye Stretches – With your eyes open, move your eyes slowly in a large circle – three times in each direction. Repeat this slow eye rotation with your eyes closed while breathing deeply. End by stretching your arms up and back as you take a few deep breaths.
• Induce Yawning – Exaggerate several yawns, as you stretch your arms and legs.
• Deeply Relax – Nestle comfortably into a very relaxed position. Take several slow, deep breaths as you enjoy relaxing. Focus on taking slower and deeper breaths. Let yourself completely relax.

Causes of Insomnia: The inability to get to sleep, or stay asleep, can be caused by emotional distress, noise, jetlag, sexual frustration, medication side effects, drinking caffeine or overeating before bedtime.

For further guidance, check-out Sleep Better.

Many people become sleepy at inappropriate times, like at school, while driving a car, or at work when you need to concentrate or you could loose your job. When you feel drowsy and need to be alert, acupressure along with Yogic breathing can stimulate your metabolism without drugs. My approach to counteract chronic fatigue and sleep disorders is holistic – using diet, exercise, breathing techniques and acupressure therapy.

One cause of narcolepsy and drowsiness is poor quality sleep. Acupressure points and techniques can enable you to actually Sleep Better. In this blog article I’ll give you essential details on how to use acupressure points with breathing techniques to balance your metabolism naturally.

Narcolepsy* & Drowsiness Acupressure Points Routine - use the following acupressure points and breathing techniques to balance your nervous system. You do not have to practice all six techniques; using one or two of them can be effective:

GV 26 Point for Alertness & Stability

GB 20 The Gates of Consciousness Points

1. Press CV 26 firmly: with swift inhalations
2. Press GB 20, under your skull, with three rapid successive inhalations.
3. Scratch GB 20 with your nails
4. Deep Breathing Exercise called Upholding Heaven
5. Briskly Rub your Lower Back (B 23 and B 47)
6. Rub St 36 for Rejuvenation

B 23 & B 47 "Sea of Vitality"

For Relief & Prevention: These acupressure point techniques can be used to relieve narcolepsy and drowsiness. It’s vital to note that these methods can also be used to prevent drowsiness and narcoleptic occurrences. Acupuncture and Acupressure balances the brain’s neurotransmitters overall chemistry by stimulating therapeutic pressure points.

Daily Exercise especially aerobic exercise (20 minutes of lively dancing, swimming, running sports, and biking) is well known to help Narcolepsy. If these activities are difficult, a brisk walk once or twice a day can be very beneficial for counteracting drowsiness. Exercise or walking increases your body’s strength and improves your metabolism. Exercise releases hormones that promote overall energy and alertness.

Dietary Considerations: Your diet can enhance or hinder acupressure’s balancing process. Certain foods many be difficult for your system to metabolize and can contribute to narcolepsy. Avoid processed foods with sugar, white flour products, and excessively rich foods. Eat more fresh, healthy whole foods and especially more green vegetables, both raw and lightly cooked.

Recommended Healing Resources: To rejuvenate your energy, boost your immune system, develop greater vitality, and enable your body to have more healing energy – I recommend these materials:

Book: Greater Energy at your Fingertips
Chart: Greater Energy Chart: Presents 8 Wellness Acupressure Points
Increase Vitality: Self-Healing CD
Sleep Better: Self-Healing CD

*Narcolepsy ranges in severity. This sleep disorder occurs when your brain is unable to assimilate and regulate your body’s normal sleep cycle. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (E.D.S.) is an overwhelming drowsiness, which occurs during the day-light hours.

Narcolepsy Informative Website

Narcolepsy & Drowsiness Video Clip

I love the spiritual aspects of using acupressure points, which can open you to wondrous depths of life. Acupressure can transform emotional pain into beautiful spiritual experiences. Gently touching another human being in this way is one of the greatest gifts I know.

When blocked acupressure points are held and the body’s energy opens thoughts, images, feelings or memories can surface from past traumatic experiences. When it’s completely safe to explore this release of healing energy, a new inner awareness for spiritual guidance emerges. My most recent book, Acupressure for Emotional Healing has 400 illustrations showing how to cultivate spirituality and harmonize your emotions.

In this blog article, I will show you how to use a purely spiritual acupressure point, which is illustrated and taught in my e-Introduction to Acupressure. This powerful point, located in the center of the “soft spot” on an infant, can be used to bless a person and harmonize healing energy.

Spiritual Acupressure Point (GV 20)

For Lovemaking: Lightly holding GV 20 for a few minutes after an orgasm can balance the energy released, making the intimate exchange, a sacred act for healing each other. This focus was the basis of ancient Chinese Sexology practices. The Hundred Meeting Point (GV 20) transforms sexual energy into a deep spiritual experience. For more information, see my book and dvd on acupressure points for lovers.

For Mental Health:
Pineal and Pituitary Gland Acupressure Points
The Hundred Meeting Point also connects with the pineal gland and balances the seventh chakra. Holding this point lightly with the 3rd Eye Point (GV 24.5) between your eyebrows, until you get a gentle pulse, can help stabilize mental imbalances without using drugs. Holding these two spiritual acupressure points for several minutes with long, slow deep breaths, balances the relationship between the pituitary and pineal glands for mental health.

For Epileptic Seizures: The Hundred Meeting Point is traditionally used to prevent and relieve epileptic seizures. GV 20 is also good for headaches, heatstroke, and for boosting morale.

Introduction to Acupressure
This Hundred Meeting Point is one of many other valuable points and acupressure techniques you can learn from my e-Introduction to Acupressure workbook, now available as a download with no shipping for only $5.95 (US). Order this instructional workbook now – to have it for the rest of your life.

My aim is to make Acupressure and its benefits accessible to you. To do this, I am giving you many links below – to make it easy to learn more about Acupressure, and discover its benefits through an Introduction to Acupressure.

Acupressure stimulates the body’s self-curative abilities using a system of healing acupressure points; it releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, heightens spirituality and vibrant health. Acupressure therapy can be used to relieve back pain, detoxify your body, fortify your sexual energy, and cultivate wellness.

I love how acupressure can be empowering to take your health into our own hands. You can do it anytime, anywhere. My aim is to make it accessible to learn. With this in mind, I want to introduce you to my new e-Intro to Acupressure.

Introduction to Acupressure’s 24 workbook pages & 66 illustrations cover:

• 12 healing acupressure points and what they are good for
• Self-acupressure techniques known as Do-In
• Shiatsu instruction (Japanese Acupressure) covering the whole body
• Foot Reflexology – charts of both feet
• Traditional Chinese Breathing Exercises (Qi Gong) to counteract stress, fatigue, and to obtain wellness.

Here’s some of the illustrations from the workbook:

Learn to do an Acupressure Facial

Learn Shiatsu to release tension

Foot Reflexology Chart included

Discover central acupressure points

Explore energy gateway points

I recommend this useful, instructional Acupressure e-booklet to learn specific therapeutic Acupressure points, ways to stimulate them, and self-acupressure methods to discover the benefits.

I am making the The Introduction to Acupressure instructional e-booklet available for only $5.95. No shipping costs! Here’s the link to order it now

May you learn and benefit from using this acupressure workbook. . . .

I have successfully used Acupressure Points (GB 40) on my own body and many others for relieving ankle pain, stiffness, ankle sprains, and swelling. These acupressure points, on both ankles, work like a charm.

I’m confident I can describe how you can get relief. If you read further and watch my YouTube clip on relieving an ankle sprain. I’ll give you the details necessary for getting good results.

GB 40: Good for relieving ankle sprains, sciatica, irritability, stiffness, swollen ankles, and pain on the top of the foot.

I’ve gotten great results from using GB 40 on the same side that‘s injured, hurts, or is weak. If you damaged or broke your ankle, or your ankle is weak, painful or extremely fragile – then only use light touch on this Acupressure point. If the light touch is too painful, due to the trauma or injury, press into GB 40 on the opposite side – until your body can handle light pressure on the side of your ankle that hurts.

Acupressure Points GB 40 are located in the large hollow directly in front of the outer anklebone.  This point relieves ankle problems, sprains, swelling, sciatic pain, and improves the health of your ankle joint. These acupressure points are also good for relieving sciatica, irritability, frustration, and difficulty in making good, wise decisions.

How to Apply Pressure: Hold GB 40 for five to ten minutes, alternating every sixty seconds or so between light and firm pressure gradually. At the end of holding the point, use light touch, without pressure for at least a minute, as you breathe deeply.

Acupressure Directions & Indications: To maximize the healing benefits in the ankle, hold GB 40 until you feel an even pulse at the point.  After using this point for a few days, if you find you’re getting a clearer or well defined pulsation at the point sooner, be encouraged to continue; you’re getting the healing energy to flow through the ankle joint.

_____________________________________________________________

* Ankle pain, ankle stiffness, ankle sprains, and swollen ankles are common complaints among people with previous injuries, overweight conditions, and athletes.

Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D.

I teach these classes only once a year. Teaching Acupressure and practical healing techniques excites me.  I hope you’ll be able to study with me this April.  I know you’ll find the experience valuable.

– Michael Reed Gach, Ph. D.

Holding painful emotions and trauma in a healing way is a spiritual, sacred experience.

Acupressure for Emotional Healing

April 20 & 27    10am – 5pm
Learn to gently guide people when emotional pain or trauma surfaces. As you’re giving Acupressure, you’ll want to know what to do when tears or traumatic memories occur.

This 12-hour class covers points and affirmations for anxiety, anger, fear, panic attacks, grief, and emotional numbness. It’s based on my latest book, Acupressure for Emotional Healing, packed full with 400 photos and illustrations of practical self-healing techniques.

Acu-Yoga Foundations
April 21 – 22    10am – 5pm
Study with the author who originated Acu-Yoga. Learn special Yoga postures and breathing exercises to share with clients for relieving stress related ailments.

In this 12-hour class you’ll explore how yoga postures stimulate Acupressure points and help relieve dozens of common complaints. Discover the uses of this healing art for both self-care and as a tool in a holistic private practice.

Acu-Yoga Teacher Training
April 23 – 26    9:30am – 4:30pm
Learn to teach Acu-Yoga breathing exercises, meditations, Qi Gong, mudras, and guided relaxation healing techniques in this focused 4-day teacher training. Each student will have a chance to practice teaching with the support and guidance of the instructor. Learn special Acu-Yoga teaching skills along with in-depth Yoga Therapy. An Acu-Yoga Teaching Certificate is awarded upon completion of the training.

Zen Shiatsu Foundations
April 28 – 29        10am – 5pm
Zen Shiatsu is known for its ease and effectiveness in relieving tension throughout the body. When practicing correctly, a Zen Shiatsu practitioner has the sense of being healed, relaxed, and energized while giving a session.

This is one of my favorite classes to teach, and a joy to experience. During this weekend workshop, you’ll receive lot of wonderful bodywork, and learn to work on the body from head to toe, front and back – all in a skillful, powerful, and relaxing way.

Special Teacher Training Opportunity!
Zen Shiatsu Teaching Apprenticeship
April 28 – 29    6 – 9pm

Learn the teaching skills needed to present Shiatsu in an empowering, flowing way. First you’ll observe what’s taught. Then I will mentor you in discovering how to teach Zen Shiatsu skillfully. Experience how I guide students. Learn to effectively time your classes, to teach with confidence, and inspiration.

This apprenticeship opportunity will provide you with valuable guidance, support and encouragement.  This special class will meet for 3 hours after each day of my 4/28-29 Zen Shiatsu Foundations class. Limited to 12 students only.

Classes are limited in size to allow each student to receive individual attention from the teacher.To reserve your space in these classes email: info@AcupressureInstitute.com

I’ll personally answer any of your questions about these classes. Email me at info@Acupressure.com with AI in the subject line.

- Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D. www.Acupressure.com

Call the Acupressure Institute: (800) 442-2232 to register or get more info.

I know Valentine’s Day is meant to share love, however so many people are faced with tremendous stress, unhealed hurt from relationships, and personal strife. All these pressures around us affect the collective consciousness that needs healing.

How do you really feel about stresses in your personal life and in the world?  Most people numb their pain or are stuck in some kind of survival mode – breathing shallowly.

I am writing to give you an opportunity thru acupressure and an easy self-healing practice to relieve anxiety. Using this acupressure blog can clear and transform negative emotions, deepen your breathing, and open your heart.

CV 17 a calming, nurturing, emotional healing point known as the "Sea of Tranquility"

Try the following Acupressure breathing movement meditation which is in the instructional video clip below for a few weeks, to discover the benefits.

Point Location: CV 17, a great emotional balancing point, is four finger widths up from the base of your breastbone, in the center of your chest. Use your fingertips to slowly rub up and down in the center of your breastbone to feel for an indentation, between the nipples on a man.

Prayer Pose presses CV 17, a calming point, where all the yin meridians cross

For Self-Healing place your palms together, your fingers pointing upward, and with the back knuckles of your thumbs pressing into the center of your breastbone to hold CV 17, known as the Sea of Tranquility point. With your spine straight, focus on breathing slowly and deeply into this emotional healing acupressure point to nurture your heart.

Directions: Keep your hands in prayer position with your spine straight, supported by a straight back chair.  Close your eyes gently. Inhale, as your head slightly comes upward. Exhale slowly as your head relaxes downward.

Continue this healing movement breathing meditation for two or three minutes to discover the benefits. You can also hold CV 17 with your fingertips instead of being in prayer pose which will enable you to practice throughout the day to calm any anxiety you may have and counteract problems caused or worsened by stress in your life.

A Healing Practice: You have to practice this exercise two or three times a day, with super slow, deep breathing to obtain the full benefits. It’s effective because we are combining acupressure, with an easy yoga posture and deep breathing, which changes your metabolism. Keep using this practice for a few months to see substantial health condition changes.

Benefits: Good for PTSD, chronic fatigue, depression, hormonal imbalances, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, anxiety attacks, trauma, fear, recovering from a injury or surgery and Fibromyalgia,

Share this with others – Once you experience the power of this self-healing practice, share it with others. Inspire yourself and others to practice as much as you want to feel better, restore your vital energy, and live a good life.