Acupressure has been used to beautify the skin for thousands of years because it enhances muscle tone and increases circulation. Just like acupuncture, acupressure incorporates the same pressure points and meridians. But acupressure uses gentle to firm finger pressure instead of needles. And if used properly, acupressure will help make your skin glow! In fact, the right pressure on certain points will even help reduce wrinkles, improve circulation and keep your skin acne-free.
Ancient Chinese secret…
For centuries Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has incorporated acupressure to help restore balance. Acupressure points lie along energy channels, called meridians. These meridians begin at your fingertips, connect to your brain and then connect to a specific organ associated with that certain meridian. If one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance, illness takes hold.
Practitioners use special devices, fingers, palms elbows and even the feet to apply pressure to acupoints on the body’s meridians. And, of course, beyond using acupressure to beautify the skin, it can be used to treat chronic conditions such as insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, anxiety and more.
The following acupressure points, when stimulated, help restore balance to the body’s largest organ — the skin:
1. Third eye point for general skin problems
Let’s begin by prepping the skin. Right between your eyebrows, where the bridge of the nose meets the center of the forehead is the third eye point. This pressure point stimulates the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is the main endocrine gland which helps enhance the condition of the skin on the entire body.
Simply place your index finger on the pressure point and massage slightly for about 60 seconds each day. By doing so, you’ll reduce the risk of general skin problems. As a side note, stimulating the third eye can lead to increased clairvoyance, perception and precognition.
2. Blemish-free point to get rid of zits
This pressure point is located just below the lower ridge of the eye socket, right below the iris and near the cheekbone, on both eyes. Stimulating this point will help reduce blemishes. Place your index fingers on the points and press for about 60 seconds. This will help reduce blemish marks and help keep skin acne-free.
3. Heavenly pillar to relieve skin stress
Yes, your skin can get stressed — and stress affects your skin. To relieve stress-related skin problems, press the heavenly pillar points located behind your head, at the base of the skull, where your spine is attached. Press these points for at least two minutes each day to relieve stress related to the skin.
4. Facial beauty point for a complete facial
The facial beauty point sits at the base of the cheekbones on both sides of your face — just beside the nostrils. Massage the points using your index fingers regularly to reduce blemishes, acne, improve circulation and skin tone. Apply gentle pressure daily to get the most benefits for your skin.
5. Heavenly appearance point to improve skin luster and wrinkles
This acupressure point is situated behind the jaws. You can find the heavenly appearance point by moving downwards from each earlobe behind the jaw and just below the jaw bones. Put pressure on the point for a few moments to balance the thyroid gland, which increases the luster of the skin and relieves hives. Repeat throughout the day to also improve facial tone and lessen wrinkles.
6. Before-bed beauty treatment for complexion and tone
Massage the inner eyebrows, bridge of the nose, beside the nostrils and the temples before going to bed each night. Doing so will give you a better complexion, improve skin tone and even help you sleep better.
Here’s a great way to build this into your routine: First, apply your nightly face cream. Now apply gentle pressure with your thumbs on the bridge of the nose, moving down from the inner side of your eyebrows. Hold these points with gentle pressure for a few seconds. Next, move towards your temples and massage the area on both sides for a few seconds. Finally, place gentle pressure on each side of the nostrils and hold for a few seconds. Repeat the process about six times each night.
Consistency is key
When performing acupressure, use gentle to firm finger pressure. Make sure to drink plenty of warm water after stimulating pressure points to help clear away toxins in your body. If you are consistent with your acupressure massages daily, you’ll see a noticeable improvement to your skin in no time!
— Katherine Marko
