Lifestyle

Nip Travel Illness With Acupressure Points

Unexpected incidents can happen, particularly while travelling when your body is exposed to unfamiliar environment like a change in climate or even diet. Disrupted sleep, sluggish digestion, unbearable cold and motion sickness are common health issues while on the road. Here is how stimulation of acupressure points can help ease minor ailments, without having to resort to medication.

Fear of cold (涌泉穴)

This applies if you are visiting a country with a temperate climate.

Location of 涌泉穴
Centre of the foot, one-third from the base of the toes

What to do
Applying pressure on 涌泉穴will warm up your body. It has the effect of generating yang energy that keeps you warm. Press the area repeatedly for 10-15 minutes daily

Insomnia 安眠穴

Insomnia is common if you find it hard to sleep in a new environment or adjust your sleep pattern in a different time zone.
Location of 安眠穴
Two fingers-width from the back of your ear lobe
What to do
Gently massage the spot for 10-15 minutes half an hour before bedtime, or stick a small piece of medicated plaster for muscle soreness on your 神阙穴30 minutes before you sleep

Motion sickness 神阙穴

Some people suffer from such severe motion sickness that they avoid travelling altogether.
Location of 神阙穴
It is on your belly button
What to do
Stick a small piece of medicated plaster for muscle soreness on your 神阙穴half an hour before your journey

Overeating 足三里

It is common to overindulge when on holiday. The downside though is digestive discomfort and weight gain. By pressing this acupoint, you can get relief from problems like indigestion as your metabolic rate increases to burn off some extra calories.
Location of 足三里
Three inches below the centre of the knee cap, one finger-width from the outer side of the tibia
What to do
Press repeatedly for 10-15 minutes daily

Constipation 天枢穴

Constipation is generally uncomfortable and is a great inconvenience while on holiday. Your tummy gets bloated and your appetite is affected.
Location of 天枢穴
Gently massage the area for 10-15 minutes when needed

Try stimulating these acupoints on your next trip and feel the difference.

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