Acupressure for anxiety and panic attacks: Anxiety and panic attacks are becoming more common in today’s fast-paced world. Many people feel constantly on edge, overwhelmed by stress or suddenly hit by intense waves of panic that make it challenging to breathe or think clearly.
While therapy and medication help, plenty of folks also want natural tools. One option that often comes up is acupressure. But does it actually help with anxiety and panic attacks?
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What is acupressure?
Acupressure comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It’s built on the idea that qi (energy) moves through the body along meridians. When that flow is blocked or out of balance, physical or emotional symptoms, like anxiety, may follow. By pressing specific points with steady, gentle pressure, acupressure aims to rebalance energy and calm the nervous system. Unlike acupuncture, there are no needles; just your hands are applied to targeted spots.
What is anxiety?
Before getting into how acupressure might help, it’s useful to know what we mean by anxiety and panic attacks. Anxiety is an ongoing state of worry or fear that interferes with daily life. You may experience racing thoughts, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, or poor sleep. Panic attacks are sudden, intense bursts of fear or discomfort that can bring sweating, shaking, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or a feeling of losing control. Both are distressing, but there are multiple ways to manage them, and acupressure can be one tool in a broader care plan.
How can acupressure help with anxiety?
Pressing specific points can nudge the parasympathetic system, helping slow the heart rate and ease stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, anxiety is often linked to blocked or imbalanced qi (energy). Acupressure aims to restore flow and balance, supporting both mental calm and physical well-being.
Acupressure points for anxiety and panic:
Yin Tang: This is found at the midpoint between your eyebrows. Applying gentle pressure here can ease stress, quiet racing thoughts, and reduce restlessness. Place your index finger on the spot and press or make tiny circles for 1–2 minutes while taking slow, even breaths.
Heart 7: This is located on the inner wrist crease, pinky-finger side, in the small hollow beside the tendon. This point calms the heart, eases anxiety and palpitations, and supports emotional balance. Gently press or make small circles for 1–2 minutes on each wrist while breathing slowly.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4): This is located in the fleshy web between your thumb and index finger. It helps release tension and can ease stress-related headaches. Pinch or press the spot and make small circles for 1–2 minutes on each hand, breathing slowly.
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Acupressure is a simple, natural tool many people use to manage stress, anxiety, and even panic symptoms. By pressing specific points, you can help settle the nervous system and restore a sense of balance.
