Our hearts are pretty important, right? They're the engines that just keep on running, no matter what. So, it makes it our duty to return the favour and keep it healthy!
You might think of medicines and various treatments to improve your heart health, but what if I tell you something that you could do right now? We're talking about acupressure!
This ancient healing practice is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is used to improve various health problems. We have shared acupressure points for skin, anxiety, weight loss, and more! Today, it’s time for the heart. Out of 361 pressure points in the body, you will find 5 acupoints for your heart health in this blog!
By acupressure on these points in your body, you may be able to save your heart from many kinds of problems and improve the symptoms of any heart condition you might have. So, where are the pressure points for the heart located? Keep reading to discover these pressure points for the heart!
Table of Contents
- Acupressure Points For Heart — Locate 5 Pressure Points For The Heart
- Where Should I Massage If I Have Heart Problems?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Acupressure Points For Heart — Locate 5 Pressure Points For The Heart
Although it is pretty self-explanatory, acupressure is the application of pressure to specific points on the body to kickstart natural healing processes.
Many people often confuse it with acupuncture, which uses needles. In acupressure, however, we only use our fingers, palms, elbows, or pressure tools like bands or seeds. The goal of acupressure is to balance the body's energy flow, called "Qi" (chee), which travels along pathways known as meridians.
There are thousands of studies on how acupressure works, including some specific to heart health. Here are 5 acupressure points that can keep your heart healthy:
a) Heart 7 (H7)
- Location: H7, also known as the ‘spirit gate’, is located on the wrist, on the crease of the inner side, just below the base of the pinky finger. It’s found at the point where the palm meets the wrist, in the hollow area between the tendons.
- How to: To activate this point, apply continuous pressure for about 1 minute on both hands at the Heart 7 points. This can improve the heartbeat and help prevent heart-related problems.
b) Large Intestine 11 (LI 11)
- Location: This is located at the outer end of the elbow crease. It is found at the highest point of the elbow joint, just where the crease forms when you bend your arm.
- How to: To activate this heart acupressure point in hand, apply pressure with your thumb on the elbow joint for about 1 minute. This can help reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.
Also Read: Struggling to Breathe? Check Out These 7 Effective Acupressure Points for Breathing Difficulties
c) Pericardium 4 (PC4)
- Location: PC4 is located on the inner forearm, about 2 inches (or roughly three finger widths) above the wrist crease, in the area between the wrist and the elbow. It's on the line between the two tendons that run along the inner arm.
- How to: To activate this point, apply continuous pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. This can help relax the body and promote normal heart rhythm while alleviating other heart-related issues.
Also Read: 5 Pressure Points For Increasing Height: Effect Of Acupressure & Acupuncture On Height!
d) Pericardium 6 (PC6)
- Location: PC6, also known as the ‘Inner Gate’, is located on the inner forearm, about 2-3 finger widths above the wrist crease. It lies between the two tendons on the inside of the arm, directly in the middle of the forearm.
- How to: To activate this point, press with your thumb on both hands for about 1 minute. This can help improve palpitations and chest pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.
e) Pericardium 7 (PC7)
- Location: Pericardium 7, also known as the ‘Great Mound’, is located between the palm and the wrist, in the centre of the wrist crease.
- How to: To activate this point, press gently with your thumb for about 1 minute. This can help relieve angina pectoris and improve heart health.
Also Read: 8 Cardio-Boosting Exercises for Heart Health To Keep Your Heart in Top Shape
Where Should I Massage If I Have Heart Problems?
We've already talked about acupressure for heart health. Now, to take it a step further, you can combine it with massage to improve circulation, reduce stress, and support heart health. Here's how:
1. Hands and Feet Reflexology & Acupressure
Massaging reflex points on the hands and feet can be enhanced by acupressure on Pericardium 6 (Inner Gate), helping reduce palpitations and chest pain while promoting better circulation.
These reflex points are:
- Centre of the palm
- Ball of the foot
- Centre of the palm or foot arch
- Below the ball of the foot
- Above the heel on the inner foot
2. Lower Body Lymphatic Massage & Acupressure
Combining leg massage with acupressure on the Large Intestine 4 can stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and ease pressure on the heart.
These points are:
- Inside of the Ankles
- Behind the Knees
- Thighs
- Groin Area
Also Read: 25 Heart-Healthy Foods to Nourish Your Health And Satisfy Your Taste Buds
3. Upper Back, Shoulders, and Acupressure for Stress Relief
Acupressure on Heart 7 and Pericardium 6 can relieve stress, enhance the effects of shoulder and back massage and support heart health.
These points are:
- Trapezius
- Shoulder Blades
- Base of the Neck
- Spine
- Upper Arms
4. Chest and Rib Massage & Acupressure for Angina Relief
Gentle chest massage with acupressure on Pericardium 7 can help ease chest pain and improve blood flow to the heart.
These points are:
- Sternum
- Ribcage
- Pectoral Muscles
- Between the Ribs
- Upper Chest
Together, acupressure and massage provide an amazing way to enhance circulation, reduce stress, and support heart health.
Also Read: Stay Alert: 9 Critical Symptoms You Might Experience 1 Month Before a Heart Attack
Expert’s Advice
Acupressure offers a gentle but effective way to support heart health. If you're ready to take a holistic approach to your heart health, consider integrating acupressure into your wellness routine. I recommend starting your day with a few minutes of acupressure to keep you and your heart healthy.
However, acupressure alone can't keep your heart healthy, so I would recommend having a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in lean proteins, dietary fibre, and healthy fats.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Acupressure points for heart health offer a natural, non-invasive way to boost circulation, reduce stress, and enhance well-being. By adding this ancient practice to your daily routine, you'll be able to support your cardiovascular system and promote heart health for a stronger, more balanced life. You can also add massage to your routine, along with acupressure, for a stronger heart.
FAQs
1. Which acupressure is good for the heart?
Heart pressure point 7, located in the crook of your wrist, is the best pressure point for heart health. It lies in the line between your ring and your little finger.
2. Which pressure point is best for heart blockage?
Pericardium 6 (Inner Gate) is considered one of the best acupressure points for heart blockage.
References
- https://sunfox.in/blogs/acupressure-points-for-heart/#:~:text=A%20study%20published%20in%20the,pressure%20in%20patients%20with%20hypertension.
- https://www.myupchar.com/en/disease/heart-disease/acupressure
- https://www.onlymyhealth.com/learn-from-an-acupressure-specialist-3-acupressure-points-to-keep-heart-healthy-in-hindi-1573815711
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/massages-and-heart-conditions
- https://www.curedaily.com/blogs/press/massage-treatments-for-heart-disease-patients#:~:text=Did%20you%20know%20that%20you,even%20a%20total%20back%20massage.
- https://bocabeautyacademy.edu/how-massage-therapy-can-improve-heart-health/
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