According to the theory of Acupressure, gently massaging a few of the points we have already discussed in previous posts can help alleviate the symptoms of "After the Holiday Parties" Syndrome, sometimes referred to as "too much of a good thing," or a hangover, which can be the result of too much food, drink, socializing, hanging with family, etc. (see May 9, 2006 post: What is Acupressure?).

 

An effective way to work with these points is to sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply, and gently press or massage each point with your thumb or fingertips on both sides of the body for 1 minute each (a total of 8 minutes).  Follow the order of points listed below, left and right side for each point.

 

The four points and their locations and post dates are:

 

1. Acupressure Point LI 4, source point on the Large Intestine Meridian (May 23, 2006 post):

Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger.  The bones of the thumb and index finger form a v-shape at the base of this webbing.  The most effective way to apply pressure to LI 4 is to slide your thumb along the webbing until you reach the junction of the thumb and index finger bones. 

Caution: Pregnant women should not hold or apply pressure to LI 4 until they have gone into labor.

 

      

 

 

2. Facial Beauty Point (St 3) (October 31, 2006 post):

 

Location: Below the cheekbone, directly down from the pupil (center) of the eye.

 

                     

 

 

3. Three Mile Point (St 36) (October 17, 2006 post):

 

Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap and one inch to the outside of the shinbone.  If you are on the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down.

 

 

4. Acupressure Point Lv 3, referred to as the source point on the Liver Meridian (May 30, 2006 post):

 

Location: On the top of the foot between the big toe and second toe where the bones of the big and second toes form a v-shape.  The most effective way to apply pressure to Lv 3 is to slide your finger along this v-shape on the top of the foot between the big and second toes until you reach the junction of the big and second toe bones. 

 

 

 

Caution: If the points or surrounding areas are sensitive or painful, press or massage very gently at first, and gradually increase the pressure only up to a threshold of mild discomfort at most, not severe pain.

 

Caution: This acupressure information is not a substitution for qualified medical advice.  If you don't know what is causing pain or other symptoms, consult a medical doctor before you start treating yourself.