Do you ever crave a quick energy boost but don’t want to deal with the unpleasant side effects of caffeine or other stimulants?
As energizing as coffee is, the benefits often don’t outweigh the drawbacks, especially if you’re sensitive. Fortunately, there are some great natural ways to boost your energy levels that don’t lead to fatigue-inducing coffee crashes or spikes in anxiety.
Acupressure is a simple yet powerful way to stimulate key meridian pathways for a quick boost in energy, alertness, and mood. And, of course, the energy-enhancing benefits of acupressure are completely natural and safe, so you never need to worry about unwanted side effects.
In this blog, you’ll discover three acupressure points master Qi Gong teacher Lee Holden recommends for more energy and vitality. But first, let’s start with a brief overview of acupressure and meridian theory.
What is Acupressure?
To understand acupressure, it’s important to understand meridian theory first. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Qi Gong, meridians refer to pathways within your body that allow energy to flow and circulate. Just like blood vessels allow blood to circulate, your meridians allow Qi to move freely throughout your entire being.
Although Qi circulation happens naturally, it’s not uncommon for energy to become blocked. Like traffic jams on roads and highways, your energy can slow down or even get “stuck” at various points. This is where acupressure comes in.
Acupressure is a practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that allows you to stimulate the circulation of energy throughout your meridian pathways. By activating specific points along your meridians, you can remove blockages and free up stagnant Qi. This restores the healthy flow of energy in your body.
Having a steady flow of Qi throughout your meridians is important for all aspects of vitality, including maintaining healthy energy levels. When your energy drops, it’s often due to stagnation in your meridians.
The three acupressure points below are designed to activate important energy centers in your body, allowing you to experience a natural boost by unleashing your inner potential. In other words, these acupressure points help you access the natural energy already within you, instead of adding external sources of energy.
Three Acupressure Points for More Energy
Here are three acupressure points to stimulate more energy and vitality within your body. Qi Gong master Lee Holden recommends all three.
1. Energy Boost: Stomach 36
Stomach 36 is located on the lateral aspect of your shin and is a wonderful point for quickly boosting your physical vitality. When you need a ‘pick-me-up,’ try massaging the point gently with your thumbs as you take a few deep breaths. This point is especially good for bringing more energy to your legs for walking, hiking, or running. It also helps strengthen your immune system.
Stomach 36 is referred to as The Three-Mile Point, because it’s believed to give you three more miles of endurance when you’re feeling fatigued. Long-distance runners use this acupressure point when they need extra energy to reach their destination.
In addition to giving you more physical energy, you’ll find that Stomach 36 can help bring greater mental clarity and focus. It can also give you a nice mood boost that can make your entire day more pleasant and enjoyable.
2. Physical Vitality: Du 4
Du 4 is located directly behind your navel on your spine. It’s right under the second lumbar vertebra.
Du 4 activates Jing Qi, which is your physical life-essence and sexual energy. Jing is also closely connected to your underlying energy level, as opposed to your moment-to-moment energy level. Therefore, Du 4 is a wonderful acupressure point for addressing issues with systemic vitality. If you’re chronically fatigued or lack the energy to enjoy your everyday activities, Du 4 may be a great point to work with.
One way to activate Du 4 is to lean forward and gently massage the point on your lower back. Try to massage it firmly but with pressure that still feels comfortable. Another way to activate Du 4 is by tapping on it gently with light, loose fists. In fact, this is exactly what you do in the Qi Gong exercise, Knocking on the Door of Life.
To do the ‘Knocking of the Door of Life’ Qi Gong exercise and activate Du 4, start by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Let your hands relax at your sides and make light, loose fists. Next, rotate your hips so your upper body rotates in one direction, and let your hands swing gently as they follow your body. One hand should tap on your lower back around Du 4, and the other hand should tap on your navel. Then, rotate from your hips in the other direction, and let your hands swing in that direction so your hands tap on the opposite points.
Do this exercise for one to two minutes as your hands tap on your lower abdomen and lower back, stimulating these important energy points.
3. Energy and Digestion: CV 6
CV 6 is located about an inch and a half below your belly button. This point is called the Sea of Qi and is important for energy and vitality, as well as for digestion.
When you find this point, press gently as you take slow, deep breaths. Feel the energy activating in your lower abdomen. It may take a minute or two, but soon, you’ll feel a refreshing wave of energy pass through you as Qi is activated and circulated.
CV 6 also helps you feel grounded and centered. This makes it a great point to work with whenever you feel anxious or out of alignment.
If you’re interested in learning more acupressure practices to cultivate more energy, health, and vitality, be sure to check out our Acupressure and Self-Massage Online Course.
Charge-Up Your Energy System with Our Acupressure and Self-Massage Online Course
In our Acupressure and Self-Massage Online Course, you’ll learn powerful acupressure points to help with a variety of health goals, including increasing your energy levels. This allows you to cultivate your own ‘toolkit’ of practices so you can be your own energy healer.
The course is taught by master Qi Gong teacher Lee Holden. Click on the banner below to learn more about how acupressure can help you feel more alive and energized every day.