Acupuncture is an ancient healing method

Traditional Chinese medicine practices like acupuncture have inspired acupressure—an ancient healing art that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints. Pressing these points can help release muscle tension and improve blood circulation, which may ease many common side effects of chemotherapy, including headaches, constipation, stress, and nausea.

What are Acupoints?

Acupoints are points where blood, nerves, lymph, and connective tissue meet. Activating an acupoint alters brain chemistry and triggers the body to react in order to achieve a desired result. As an example, acupoints for nausea work by relaxing the nervous system, which helps regulate digestion.

In order to understand the different, you must first learn some basic information:

• Use your thumb or index finger to massage the pressure points.
• You can also use more than one finger or the heel of your hand to press on these points.
• Use firm but gentle pressure.
• Use a circular motion when applying pressure to these points.
• Press for at least two to three minutes on each point.
• Repeat a few times a day.
• Continue treatments for several days or until you begin to feel relief.

Pressure Points 

Nei Guan
Simply place your thumb 2–3 finger widths down from your inner wrist, between the two prominent tendons. Once you’ve located it, press down with your thumb for about one minute before repeating the same procedure on your other arm. Repeat if needed. 

He Gu
Find the highest spot on the muscle between your thumb and index finger. This is the area where your thumb connects to the fingers. Bring your thumb and finger together till the area bulges out slightly. The point is located about half an inch inward on the back of your hand. Apply pressure to this area and repeat on your other hand.