ACUPRESSURE: HELP IN RECOVERING DEPRESSION

 Dear readers and friends,                                                                              original article 

Today I propose another article of the series on traditional Chinese medicine, in particular on acupressure; addressing various more or less common pathologies. This wonderful technique used correctly could give relief to many diseases caused by our incorrect way of living in this modern society. In this article we will talk about depression, unfortunately a very widespread pathology in our modern society.  For a more conscious use and to follow the topic more easily I recommend you read the first of the past articles.  Acupressure: Meridians, treatments and precautions .

For those who want to combine manual therapy with herbal therapy, I leave the link below.

PRACTICAL HERBALISM: CURES FOR DEPRESSION

DEPRESSION: Generic term used to define "a condition of deep sadness that, in its most serious forms, takes on the characteristics of a psychotic disorder". Depressive phenomena are often characterized by moral pain, feelings of depreciation of oneself and others, feelings of anguish and anxiety often prevail. There are various types and degrees of depression and, consequently, various ways to treat it. In Natural Medicine, good results are obtained, fundamentally, in cases of mild and moderate depression. I will mention some of the symptoms that are most commonly found in the depressive state:          

General symptoms

• sad mood and "feeling of inner emptiness"

• lack of pleasure in common activities, including sex

• drop in energy, tiredness and a feeling of "slowing down", i.e. the need for longer recovery times than in the past

• sense of guilt and worthlessness (loss of prestige), reduced self-esteem

• thoughts of death and, in the most serious cases, of suicide and/or suicide attempts

• crying fits

• sleep disorders; eating disorders (weight loss, anorexia, weight gain)

• chronic aches and pains resistant to any treatment

In the workplace

• poor collaboration with colleagues

• absenteeism

• poor concentration, causing accidents

• constant complaints of tiredness

• problems of moral relaxation

Brief introduction to point treatment

Points that are painful to press are judged to be areas where excessive energy has accumulated.
Points that feel pleasant to press are judged to be areas where there is a lack of  energy.  Acupressure points are generally treated bilaterally.
When there is excessive energy, apply deeper pressure and hold until the excess energy disperses.  When there is a lack of energy, apply moderate pressure, use the flat part of the thumb, and hold to draw blood and Qi to the area. (approximately 3 minutes).

The first point is the most important one to always use first.

EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF THE HEART MERIDIAN

Long-term memory, thoughts, emotions, intimacy, cognition, intelligence and ideas are dominated by the Heart function. It governs sleep; if the Heart is strong the individual will fall asleep easily and rest well. If the Heart is weak the individual's mind will start to fluctuate, preventing him from falling asleep, causing disturbed sleep and excessive dreaming. The positive attributes of the Heart are love, joy, peace, contentment, wisdom, forgiveness and kindness. The negative attributes are hatred, nervousness, guilt and aggression .

HT4 HT5 HT6, HT7:  Placed 1.3 cun above the wrist on the outer lateral part and the wrist respectively.

• They treat depression, headaches, dizziness, chest tightness, pain in the hand, wrist and elbow. Anguish, neurasthenia, restlessness, irritability, cardiac neurosis.

HT 7  – Treatment of addictions, anxiety, insomnia and depression.

 

KI 9:  Located 5 cun above the KI 3 point and two cun behind the posterior tibial border. 

• Nourishes the Kidney, Calms the Heart, cures epilepsy and depression, Analgesic, cures hernial and scrotal pain, Promotes the descent of gastric QI.

St 40:  8 cùn below the joint line of the knee, and 2 cùn externally to the tibial crest; on the vertical of the external malleolus.

• Chest pain, headache, dizziness, epilepsy

Lv 2:  In the interdigital space between the 1st and 2nd toe

• It cures convulsions and hypertension, headache and vertigo, glaucoma and insomnia
• It treats hiccups and vomiting, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, leucorrhoea and menorrhagia, diarrhoea and pelvic pain.

Conception Vessel Meridian: deals with  Emotions such as Introversion, Shame, Overwhelming.

CV 17:  REN MAI point located in the center of the line connecting the two nipples and which has the following Actions/Indications:

•  Tone up your IQ
• Free your chest
• It cures cough and asthma, chest fullness, anxiety.

VC 17. Mu Point of Minister of Heart.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health goals.