De-stress and Relax with Acupressure: A Guide to Incorporating this Holistic Ritual into Your Daily Routine

Facial acupressure is a holistic technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the face to reduce stress and tension. It works by stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, promoting circulation, and restoring balance to the body's energy systems. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can experience a sense of calm and relaxation, and improve your overall well-being.

Stress: the inescapable reality of our fast-paced modern world. Work pressures, family responsibilities, politics—it doesn’t take much to set us off in a downward spiral and spike our cortisol levels.

Yet, despite our best efforts to avoid it, stress in any capacity has a profound impact on our mental and physical health.

Stress management is a hot topic for a reason and luckily there are many prescribed rituals that can often be practiced in the comfort of your own home at very little financial expense. Meditation, candles, journaling are a few examples, but one tactic we’ve found especially helpful is facial acupressure. A technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the face to promote relaxation and reduce tension and a ritual that can be done throughout the course of the day.

Acupressure is a form of alternative medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. It is thought to help promote healing and more specifically, regulate the flow of Qi—a concept rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that refers to the vital life force of energy that flows through the body. It is believed that when this energy is in balance and flowing freely, a person experiences good health and wellbeing.

Through targeting specific acupoints, acupressure can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, reduce pain and inflammation and enhance overall health and vitality. While the existence and nature of qi may be difficult to prove scientifically, its profound impact on Chinese medicine and its effectiveness in promoting wellness cannot be denied.

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to use our Dual-Ended Applicator & Acupressure Beauty Tool to de-stress with facial acupressure:

Find a comfortable and quiet place to sit or lie down

Before you begin the acupressure, it’s important to find a peaceful and relaxing environment. You can sit in a comfortable chair, lie down on a yoga mat or even try as you lie in bed before you drift off to sleep. If you have never tried acupressure before, we find it best to start your first few sessions in front of a mirror as you get accustomed to the specific points.

Pro tip: Add a small amount of Abaci Lip Balm to the round end of the Beauty Tool. This helps to glide the wand for a deeper massage while the aroma of sweet orange transports you to a warm Mediterranean summer.

1. The Third Eye

The “Third Eye” acupressure point is located in the middle of the forehead between the eyebrows and is often associated with deeper focus and intuition. Use the round end of the Acupressure Beauty Tool to gently apply pressure for about 1-2 minutes while taking deep breaths.

2. Lymphatic Drainage Massage for the Eyes

Relax your eye muscles with the added benefit of using lymphatic drainage to help reduce the appearance of eye bags and dark circles. Using the round edge of the Beauty Tool apply gentle pressure in eight points starting outward from the inner point of your eyebrow (closest to your nose) and circling back inwards along the top of your cheekbones. Repeat this circle four times along each eye while continuing to take deep breaths. Once this sequence has been completed along each eye, gently massage each temple by drawing micro-circles with the Beauty Tool. And, with each movement, don’t forget to breathe deeply.

3. The Welcome Fragrance

The “Welcome Fragrance” acupressure point is located on either side of the nostrils, just below the cheekbones. Also known as “Large Intestine 20,” these points are connected to the parts of your body used for removing what is not needed for nourishment/ what does not serve the body. Apply gentle pressure with the Beauty Tool on each side of the nasolabial folds and just as the step above, take a few minutes to deeply inhale and exhale. This is thought to open the nose and improve breathing, which can help when trying to slow down and be present. Other benefits are thought to include relief from rhinitis, sinusitis, acne and toothaches.

4. The Jaw Bone Point

You can find this point by clenching your jaw and feeling where the muscle bulges—about the halfway point between the corner of the mouth and bottom of the earlobe. Gently press this spot with the Beauty Tool while continuing to breathe deeply. As reported in Well and Good, New York City-based dentist Inna Chern, DDS advises that, “Starting off gently and then increasing the pressure to a tolerable amount is key while also maintaining regular deep breathing for one minute.”

5. The Heavenly Pillar

This point is located at the base of the skull in the hollows on either side of the neck. Use the round tip of the Beauty Tool to apply firm pressure to the point in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes while practicing deep breathing. This is believed to relieve stress, tension, headaches and neck pain.

Repeat as needed

You can repeat these facial acupressure techniques as needed throughout the day. The combination of sitting still and practicing deep breathing with acupressure is a simple and effective way to manage stress and promote relaxation.

Disclaimer: Facial acupressure is a safe and natural way to de-stress and relax. It's important to note that acupressure should not replace medical treatments for serious conditions. If you're experiencing chronic stress or have any medical concerns, consult with your healthcare provider and/ or a qualified practitioner before trying any of these techniques.