The World's Most Natural First Aid Kit
Acupressure, an alternative therapy based on Chinese acupuncture, is gaining cred: It's now practiced at hospitals around the United States. Use this pressure points chart to guide you through your pain, naturally. REDBOOK.
"To target pain, press a specific point on your body with your fingers for a minute," says Janet Shaffer, a licensed acupuncturist at Duke Integrative Medicine, in Durham, NC. "You're in the right spot if the tissue feels a bit tougher or sore." (But get your doc's okay if you're pregnant--some points can bring on contractions.)
For nausea: Press on the middle of your forearm, about three finger widths from your wrist crease. (This is the point motion-sickness bracelets press as well.)
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For headache: Pinch the web of flesh between your thumb and forefinger.
For heartburn/indigestion: Press down in the middle of your torso, about six finger widths above your belly button and two below the bottom of your rib cage.
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For menstrual cramps and period bloat: Press on the inside of your leg, just below and slightly behind the knee joint.
For neck pain: With your thumbs, press the hollows at the back base of your skull.
For gas or constipation: Rub your abdomen clockwise, 150 to 300 times.
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For insomnia: Press down on the crease between the palm and wrist, in line with the pinky finger--daily, for best results.
For all-over water retention: Press on the inside of your leg, about a hand's width up from the ankle bone, just behind the tibia.
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