In the Moment with the Adjoining Valley Acupressure Point for Achieving Peace and Calm!
Issue #014 - December 15, 2011

Happy Holidays to All!

May you have a warm, wonderful holiday season. I wish that you take a moment from the hectic activity and learn the Body Moment this month to relieve anxiety and keep you calm.

'The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that its center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.'
~ Black Elk, author of The Sacred Pipe

In the Moment with the Adjoining Valley Acupressure Point for Achieving Peace and Calm!

In Chinese medicine, it is believed that energy, called Qi (pronounced Chi), moves along channels or meridians in the body. These channels can be stimulated to balance energy, reduce pain and regulate body functions.

Both acupressure (applying manual pressure) and acupuncture (the placement of needles) utilize these meridians to access energy and unblock its flow for healing.

Acupressure can be done yourself, to yourself, if the point is within your reach. The pressure point that we will learn today is called the "Adjoining Valley" point. It lies between the thumb and the index finger, in the little hollow of the hand where the bones meet. This hollow is just proximal (towards the head, not the finger tips) to the muscle pad created in the web between the thumb and index finger.

It can be shown that pressing on this acupressure point with firm pressure will calm you and provide relief from anxiety! It can also relieve headaches! It does this by releasing endorphins, those feel-good natural hormones that your brain releases when you are experiencing something pleasurable.

To do your own acupressure on your Adjoining Valley point, take your right hand, and make a claw-like pincher formation with your index finger and thumb. Grab your left hand with your pinching right hand at the webbing between the thumb and index finger, at the hollow of the Adjoining Valley. Your thumb should be pressing firmly in the the Adjoining Valley. Hold this for three minutes, with firm pressure by your right thumb into this hollow.

Adjoining Valley Acupressure Point

As always, breathe deeply. Focus your energy on the pressure point as you apply pressure and breathe. You may wish to say affirmations for Peace and Tranquility while you do this, like, "Peace surrounds me and I am calm." Or just close your eyes and feel the pressure. I find that when I close my eyes, I can further go into the meditative state to enhance the body-mind connection.

Hold this pressure for as long as you wish, preferably for at least three minutes. When you feel complete, switch hands and apply pressure to your Adjoining Valley of your right hand for the equal amount of time.

By holding this acupressure point, when you feel your anxiety levels rise, I hope that you will sail through the holiday season and through life! May you now focus on yourself and your healing when you do this Body Moment!

'May you find the Peace that passes understanding now, during this Holiday Season, and always.'

Body Moments Back Issues