Acupressure is a major branch of TCM or traditional Chinese medicine that has been used continuously for at least 2,000 years. It’s a version of acupuncture but without the use of needles. Acupressure practitioners focus on selected acupressure points on the body to promote healing and release stagnant energy. In the treatment of ED or erectile dysfunction, researchers have found this type of self-massage beneficial for a person’s sexual health.
How Does Acupressure Work?
Acupressure clears energy blockages in the body along energy channels called “meridians.” Blockages in the meridians are the cause of illness and pain in the body. To clear these blockages, restore wellness and rectify imbalances, TCM practitioners will use either acupuncture or acupressure.
According to Tampa Center for Acupuncture Oriental Medicine doctor, Joshua Hanson, “Acupressure and Acupuncture are designed to stimulate both the vascular system and nervous system.” Hanson added that, these modalities can cause the dilation of blood vessels permitting an erection to occurmuch like pharmacological drugs do.
Perhaps, the greatest advantage in using acupressure is that it can be administered by yourself in the comfort of your own home.
How do you use Acupressure at Home?
Acupressure works by administering firm pressure to strategic acupressure points on your body.
Start by taking several deep breaths and relaxing.
Locate the acupoint and for thirty seconds to a minute,apply strong pressure before moving on to the next.
Massage each acupoint with small circular motions. Apply relatively strong pressure on the points, but be sure it’s not too strong that it produces pain.
Acupressure Treatment for ED
The acupointscommonly used for ED include:
1. Stomach 36 (St36) Acupoint – This acupoint is located on your lower leg’s front on the outside of your shinboneabout one hand-width below your knee. This is a Shin Acupressure Point
2. Spleen 6 (Sp6) Acupoint – Located four fingers’ width on top of your ankle boneon the inner side of your lower leg.This is an Ankle Acupressure Point.
3. Kidney 3 (Kd3) Acupoint – Located near the Achilles tendonon the inside of your lower leg over the heel. This is a Foot Acupressure Point.
4. Liver 3 (Lv3) Acupoint – Located about a couple inches down between your second and big toes on the top of your foot. This is also a Foot Acupressure Point.
5. Heart 7 (Ht7) Acupoint–Located a finger’s width near the edgeof the wrist’s crease and is aligned with your pinkie. This is a Wrist Acupressure Point
According to Dylan Stein, licensed acupuncturist in ,self-massage can provide benefits to other areas of the body.“One very good treatment for ED is to massage your sacrum and lower back.” “Massaging the same region on the front, from your navel to your pubic bone is also highly recommended in addressing ED.”
Other ED Therapies That Can Be Performed at Home
For Stein,acupuncture and acupressure are just simply a couple solutions to many. For ED sufferers, he usually suggests therapies such as mindfulness meditation combined with lifestyle and diet changes.
What are the Benefits of Mindfulness Exercises?
Hanson recommends that ED sufferers perform regular exercises, consume high quality health foods and refrain from eating highly processed foods.
Stein believes that an acupuncturist in Bellmore can maximize the effects of domestic self-acupressure. He also believes that acupuncture is way more potent than self-massage procedures.