Understanding Anxiety

A mental and physiological state marked by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness. While occasional anxiety is normal, chronic or intense anxiety can interfere with daily life and may indicate an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety reflects the body's stress response being activated too often or too strongly. It can manifest as worry, restlessness, or physical tension. While therapy and lifestyle changes are often needed, acupressure may calm the nervous system, reduce tension, and encourage feelings of steadiness.

Recognizing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Upset stomach
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle tension
  • Sleep disruption

Emotional Impact

  • Persistent worry
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sense of impending doom
  • Avoidance behaviors

Primary Points for Anxiety

Select a point to learn more.

Additional Support Points

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Anxiety Relief Routine (During episodes or daily practice, 10-15 minutes)

Treatment Protocol

  1. IMPORTANT: If experiencing severe anxiety, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts, seek immediate professional help
  2. Find a safe, quiet space where you feel secure and won't be interrupted
  3. Begin with grounding: name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste
  4. Practice calming breath: inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold for 2, exhale slowly for 8 counts (repeat 5-10 times)
  5. Gently massage HT-7 (wrist crease, pinky side) in slow circles for 2 minutes each hand to calm heart racing and quiet mental chatter
  6. Apply steady pressure to PC-6 (inner wrist, 2 finger-widths from crease) for 1-2 minutes each arm to ease chest tightness and regulate emotions
  7. Press KI-3 (inner ankle, behind ankle bone) for 1-2 minutes each ankle to ground scattered energy and nourish kidney essence
  8. For racing thoughts: add gentle pressure to EXT-2/GV-24.5 (between eyebrows) for 1-2 minutes
  9. For physical tension: include LR-3 (top of foot, between big toe and second toe) for emotional release
  10. For overall calming: add SP-6 (inner ankle, 3 finger-widths up) for yin support and nervous system regulation
  11. End with 5 minutes of mindful breathing or progressive muscle relaxation
  12. Practice daily during calm periods to build resilience, and use during anxiety episodes as needed

Supporting Your Recovery

Lifestyle

  • Breathwork Practice: Use slow, rhythmic breathing to calm the nervous system
  • Sensory Anchoring: Engage touch, scent, or sound to ground awareness during anxious moments

Important

  • Track Triggers: Note patterns in social, environmental, or internal stressors
  • Therapeutic Support: Acupressure may complement cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based approaches