Acupressure to Prevent Repetitive Strain

by Cathy Wong

Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that involves the application of finger pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body.  Pressure on the points is thought to promote circulation, ease muscle tension, and stimulate the body's inherent healing ability. It may help some people who have arm tension and aches from prolonged keyboarding, writing, or any other repetitive movement.

Instructions:

• With your thumb or middle finger at a 90 degree angle to the skin, apply gradually increasing pressure. Hold for 2-3 minutes.  Each point will feel different; it may be achy, sore, or tense.

• The pressure should not be painful or uncomfortable - don't try to bore a hole into your arm!
• The points do not have to be used together to be effective, so choose the most tense points if you do not have time for the whole routine.

Try these Acupressure Points:

1.	Swamp of the Curve (LI 11)
	Bend your arm so your palm faces your chest.  The point is at the outer end of the elbow crease.
2.	Third Mile (LI 10)
	From LI 11, draw an imaginary line to your thumb. The point is 3 finger widths down this line. Feel the area for the most tender point.
3.	Outer Marsh (LU 5)
	Make a fist, bending your elbow slightly. The point is at the elbow crease on the outer side of the tendon.
4.	Bottom of the Valley (LI 4)
	The point is at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger when they are brought close together. Caution: do not use this point if you are pregnant.
5.	Inner Gate (PC 6) and Outer Pass (TW 5)
	TW 5 is on the outer forearm, 3 finger widths up from the wrist crease and midway between the two long arm bones.  PC 6 is exactly opposite, on the inner forearm between the two tendons.
6.	Great Mound (PC 7)
	At the midpoint of the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons.
7.	Energy Pool (TW 4)
	The point is in the hollow at the center of the wrist crease, on the back surface of the hand.
8.	Marsh at the Crook (PC 3)
	Make a fist, bending your elbow slightly. The point is at the elbow crease on the inner side of the tendon.

The above demonstration should not be used as a substitute for treatment. It is intended to maintain health and prevent disease only.  Any newly arising arm or wrist pain should be examined by a qualified practitioner. 

Resources

• Massage and Bodywork  
• Acupuncture