6 Points for Mental Balance

Acupuncture and acupressure have been used for centuries to balance the body-mind and promote well-being. As a compliment to working with a professional mental healthcare provider, these points, when stimulated are some of the most easily accessible that we use in the office to help calm the mind, reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, promote emotional balance, and enhance cognitive function. We hope you find this information helpful for your own use at home, in the office, or while traveling.

Yintang (M-HN-3)

Located between the eyebrows, in the center of the forehead, Yintang is often referred to as the “third eye” point. It is believed to calm the mind, relieve stress, balance hormones, centering and promote clarity of thought.

One way to stimulate this is to come into child’s pose (if that is available for your body) and place your forehead on a block, gently rocking side to side to massage this space. If your knees need more space, sit at a table or desk and place the block on its tall edge, then bring the forehead down and make a gentle “no” nod to massage the point.

Baihui (GV20)
“Hundred Convergences”

Located at the top of the head, Baihui is considered the meeting point of all the yang meridians and connects us to sense of larger consciousness. Stimulating this point is believed to enhance mental clarity, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional balance.

You can massage this point with your fingertips or ask a (good) friend to give a gentle massage for 3-5 minutes.

Nei Guan (PC-6)
“Inner Gate”

Located on the inner forearm, two finger widths above the wrist crease between the tendons, Nei Guan is wonderful for calming the mind and reducing stress. It is believed to relieve anxiety, insomnia, and moving stuck energy (which can express as emotions like frustration, anger, or grief). *not to be used during pregnancy

Hegu (LI-4)
“Joining Valley”

Found in the webbing between the thumb and index finger, Hegu is the master point of the head and face. It is believed to reduce stress, relieve headaches, and promote a sense of calmness. Use the thumb and middle finger to massage this point on the opposite hand. Court loves stimulating this point during Zoom meetings. *not to be used during pregnancy

Shanzhong (CV-17)
“Chest Center”

Located at the center of the sternum, Shanzhong is also known as the “sea of tranquility”, and helps to regulate emotions via the Shen, or the spirit, calm the mind, and relieve tension in the chest due to anxiety and promote inner peace. As you massage this point, you might visualize the weight of a heavy heart gently diffusing outward and releasing through the breath.

Jianjing (GB-21)
“Shoulder Well”

Found at the highest point of the shoulder muscle, midway between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder. Stimulating GB 21 is believed to help alleviate neck and shoulder pain, reduce headaches, release emotional stress and tension, and promote a sense of relaxation. Stimulating this point has strong descending energy which helps to drop a lot of mental agitation. *not to be used during pregnancy

We like to use two orange-sized balls of medium density (like Yoga TuneUp balls) to stimulate this point on both sides. Come onto your back with feet on the floor and knees bend, place each ball at the upper medial (inner) border of the scapula. Leave the back of your head on the floor, then press into your feet to lift your hips - the higher you lift the hips the more pressure you will feel.