Acupressure, an ancient therapeutic practice based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has achieved global renown for its capacity to improve wellbeing simply by applying pressure to particular places on the body. These spots, called acupoints, are said to be linked to numerous organs and systems, allowing energy flow (or “Qi”) throughout the body.
One such acupoint, near the heart, is known to have a significant impact on both physical and mental well-being. In this post, we’ll look at the importance of this acupressure point, how it affects the body, and how you may implement this easy practice into your daily routine for improved health.
The acupressure point near the heart: Pericardium 6 (P6 or Neiguan).
The acupressure point near the heart that we will concentrate on is Pericardium 6 (P6), commonly known as Neiguan. This place lies on the inside forearm, about three finger widths below the wrist, between the two tendons. P6 is a popular acupoint in TCM, known for its capacity to impact the heart, chest, and emotional state.
How to Locate and Stimulate Pericardium 6 (P6)
To find the P6 point:
- Turn your hand up and measure three finger widths from the wrist crease.
- The spot is located between two visible tendons running up your forearm.
- Once identified, use your thumb or index finger to provide firm, moderate pressure.
The Effects of Pressing the Pericardium for Two Minutes
1. Relief for Nausea and Vomiting
One of the most well-documented effects of stimulating the P6 point is that it reduces nausea and vomiting. This effect has been documented in multiple research, making it a common treatment for motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and even postoperative nausea. Applying pressure on P6 for two minutes can help soothe the stomach and minimize the desire to vomit by affecting the digestive system’s neurological pathways.
2. Calming the Heart and Mind.
P6 is strongly related with the Pericardium meridian, which is said to protect the heart in traditional Chinese medicine. Stimulating this spot can have a relaxing impact on the heart, lowering palpitations, anxiety, and tension. This makes it a good acupoint to press during times of high tension or worry since it may slow your heart rate and generate a sense of calm.
3. Enhancing Circulation and Reducing Chest Pain.
P6 is known to affect blood flow and can help improve circulation, especially to the heart and upper body. Applying pressure to this spot can help reduce chest pain or tightness by increasing blood flow and lowering muscular tension.
4. Promoting Emotional Balance
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Pericardium Meridian is also associated with emotional well-being. Stimulating P6 can assist balance emotions, especially when dealing with sorrow, despair, or feeling overwhelmed. Applying pressure to this spot may provide relief from emotional distress and an improved capacity to control your emotions.
5. Promotes Sleep and Relaxation.
P6, with its relaxing effects on both the heart and the mind, can also help improve sleep quality. Pressing this area before bedtime can aid in relaxing, making it easier to fall and remain asleep. It is a natural cure for individuals who suffer from insomnia or restless nights.
How to Add P6 Stimulation to Your Daily Routine
Including acupressure in your daily routine is simple and can be done practically anywhere. Here’s how you can add P6 stimulation to your day:
- Morning peaceful: Begin your day by pressing P6 for two minutes to encourage a peaceful and balanced mentality.
- Midday Stress Relief: If you’re feeling overwhelmed during the day, take a quick break to apply pressure to P6, which will assist to alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Pre-Meal Nausea Control: If you feel nauseated, press P6 before eating to assist settle your stomach.
Bedtime Relaxation: Take P6 before going to bed to help your body relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
The power of acupressure
The Pericardium 6 (P6) acupoint, positioned near the heart, provides a natural and accessible method for improving several areas of health and well-being.
Whether you’re suffering from nausea, stress, emotional imbalance, or sleep problems, this easy exercise can be a beneficial addition to your wellness toolkit. As with other types of self-care, consistency is essential—regular stimulation of P6 can result in more dramatic and long-lasting effects.
Acupressure is a gentle, non-invasive method that compliments other types of health care. However, if you have any concerns, you should listen to your body and check with a healthcare expert, especially if you have underlying health issues or are pregnant. Accept the ancient knowledge of acupressure and explore the possible advantages of pressing this spot near your heart for two minutes every day.
My Stepmom Gifted Me a Funerary Urn for My 17th Birthday
I always knew my stepmom, Monica, wasn’t exactly the nicest person—annoying, yes, but not evil. She was the type who would talk over me, forget my birthday, and call me “kiddo” even though I was practically an adult.
But what she did on my 17th birthday? It was the final straw.
It all started after my mom, Sarah, passed away when I was ten. After that, it was just me and Dad. We were a team—movie nights, pizza dinners, and a mutual understanding that we had each other’s backs, always.
Then Monica came along about three years ago. She wasn’t the worst, just kind of… there. She moved in, slowly took over the bathroom with her endless beauty products, and managed to inch her way into Dad’s life, whether I liked it or not.
Monica had dreams—big dreams—of opening a hair salon. I didn’t have a problem with people having dreams, but I had my own, too, and she treated me like I was an inconvenience that came with the house.
But I had a plan. College was my way out, and Dad had promised me from the time I was little that there was a college fund waiting for me. “Your mom and I set it up when you were five, Lila,” he’d say. “It’s all there, and I add to it every year.”
So, I worked hard in school, counting down the days until I could leave for college and start a life of my own.
On the morning of my 17th birthday, I wasn’t expecting much. Maybe some pancakes, a card—Dad was at work, so it was just Monica and me. But when Monica handed me a gift bag, things took a weird turn.
Inside the bag was a pink funerary urn. Yes, you read that right. An urn.
I stared at it, completely confused. “What the hell is this?” I asked.
Monica leaned against the kitchen counter, a smug look on her face. “It’s symbolic,” she said as if that explained anything.
“Symbolic of what?” I asked, already feeling a sinking feeling in my stomach.
Monica smiled wider. “It’s time to bury your college dreams, kiddo. Your dad and I decided to put that fund to better use.”
“Better use?” I repeated, my heart racing.
“Yep. We used it to help me open my salon. College is a gamble, Lila. But a business? That’s a real investment.”
I was frozen. Had they really taken my future, my college fund, and sunk it into Monica’s dream? How could my dad have let this happen?
“Life’s full of disappointments,” she added, as if that was supposed to be comforting.
I ran upstairs and slammed my door, sobbing harder than I ever had. Everything I’d worked for, everything my mom had wanted for me, was gone.
For the next few days, I barely spoke to either of them. Monica pranced around like she owned the house while I sat with the urn on my desk, a twisted reminder of what I had lost.
Then, a few days later, something strange happened.
When I got home from school, there was a note on my desk in Monica’s messy handwriting: Meet me at the salon at 6 P.M. tonight. No questions. Just trust me.
I almost laughed. Trust her? After what she did?
But my curiosity got the better of me, and against my better judgment, I went.
When I arrived at the salon, the lights were off, but the door was unlocked. Hesitant, I stepped inside. There, in the middle of the room, were Monica and my dad, both grinning.
“Surprise!” Monica shouted.
I was speechless.
“Look,” Monica said, stepping aside to reveal a shiny new sign on the wall: Dream Cuts: A Scholarship Fund in Honor of Sarah.
“What is this?” I asked, completely lost.
Monica’s smile softened. “We didn’t use your college fund, Lila. It’s all still there. The salon isn’t just for me—it’s for you, too. And for others like you. A portion of the profits will go toward funding scholarships in your mom’s name.”
I blinked, feeling like the ground was shifting beneath my feet.
“But… why make me think otherwise?” I asked, still trying to wrap my head around it.
Monica winced. “Yeah, the urn thing… That was not my best idea. I thought it would be motivational, like burying the past and embracing the future. Turns out, it was just creepy.”
Dad stepped forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve been planning this for months. Your mom always wanted to help kids get to college. This way, her dream lives on.”
I stood there, stunned, my anger melting into something softer.
Monica looked at me earnestly. “I’m not trying to replace your mom, Lila. I just want to build something meaningful, something that helps you and others. I know I haven’t been the best stepmom, but I hope this can be a fresh start.”
For the first time in a long time, I smiled.
It wasn’t perfect, and maybe things with Monica never would be. But in that moment, standing in a salon named for my mom, I realized she wasn’t trying to destroy my future—she was trying to honor it in a way I hadn’t expected.
And yeah, I kept the urn. I planted peace lilies in it. Maybe it wasn’t the symbol Monica had intended, but it had become something new. A symbol of hope.
What would you have done in my shoes?
Leave a Reply