Peter G. Hanson, M.D.
“Stress is simply the adaptation of our bodies and minds to change.”
Whether it’s the daily pressures of work, personal challenges, or simply the fast-paced nature of modern life, stress can take a toll on our well-being. Fortunately, there are simple, effective ways to find relief and restore balance. This blog will guide you through easy acupressure and self-massage techniques you can use on-the-go to manage stress and cultivate a sense of calm whenever needed.
Techniques & Benefits
These techniques combine the benefits of acupressure and self-massage to calm your nervous system, release tension, and manage stress effectively.
Hand Pressure Point for Tired, Achy Hands
- Benefits: Relieves hand fatigue and pain.
- Location: Web of muscle between the thumb and index finger.
- Technique: Press your thumb and index finger into the web of the muscle between the thumb and index finger of the other hand. Press and wiggle through the muscle tissue toward the edge of skin. Repeat as desired.
Yin Tang Acupressure (Third Eye Point)
- Benefits: Calms the mind and reduces anxiety.
- Location: The point between your eyebrows.
- Technique: Gently apply pressure with your index finger for 1-2 minutes, focusing on deep, slow breaths.
Heart 7 Acupressure (Shenmen)
- Benefits: Soothes the mind and alleviates anxiety.
- Location: On the wrist crease, aligned with your little finger.
- Technique: Apply firm, steady pressure with your thumb for 1-2 minutes.
Pericardium 6 Acupressure (Neiguan)
- Benefits: Reduces anxiety and nausea.
- Location: On the inner forearm, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons.
- Technique: Apply gentle, circular pressure with your thumb for 1-2 minutes.
Neck Relief for Headaches and Soreness
- Benefits: Relieves headaches and neck tension.
- Location: Base of the skull where it meets the spine.
- Technique: Take the palm of your hand and center it at the back of the head. With medium pressure, squeeze and grasp the back of the neck by drawing the fingers toward the center. Release and repeat 4 times with the right hand, then 4 times with the left hand.
Temple Massage for Tension Headaches and Tired Eyes:
- Benefits: Alleviates tension headaches and eye strain.
- Location: Temples, just beside the eyes.
- Technique: Place your index and middle fingertips at the temple. With light pressure, make 6 to 8 clockwise circular movements, then 6 to 8 counterclockwise circular movements. Repeat as desired.
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
The use of essential oils and aromatherapy can also help amplify some of these techniques.
Key Essential Oils & Benefits:
- Lavender: Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety
- Chamomile: Calms the nervous system, promotes relaxation
- Bergamot: Reduces anxiety, uplifts mood
- Ylang Ylang: Reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation
Usage: Diffuse, inhale directly, or apply diluted to the skin
Thank you to our content partners at Sharp HealthCare.
Need Additional Well-Being Support?
While acupressure and self-massage techniques can be powerful tools for stress management, sometimes we need additional support. California Schools VEBA (CalVEBA) offers a range of resources to help you navigate life’s challenges and daily stress.
Optum Wellbeing Solutions (EWS)
- 24/7 Support: For immediate assistance with stress, relationship conflicts, work-life balance, communication strategies, and more, contact Optum EWS.
- Visit: Live and Work Well
- Call: 1-866-248-4096
- Dedicated Workplace Support Consultants: CalVEBA members and their dependents (18+) in California can access no-cost counseling visits virtually or in-person at the VEBA Resource Centers (Kearny Mesa and Carlsbad).
- Available: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 7 pm.
- To Book: Visit https://bit.ly/optumvrc, create an account, enter the verification code, and select “Onsite service” to choose your appointment type (in-person, video, or telephone).
Therapy Resources:
- California Schools VEBA (CalVEBA) Therapy:
- Short-term mental health support is available. Schedule a consultation with a CalVEBA Care Navigator—a critical care and holistic Registered Nurse.
- To schedule a Care Navigation appointment, call 619-398-4220 or book an appointment here. The Care Navigator will assist you with scheduling your therapy appointment and connect you with the resources you need for long-term support and care.
- Health Plan Network Therapists:
- Kaiser Members: For mental health care, call Kaiser Permanente directly.
- Call: 833-579-4848 (8 am – 5:30 pm, Monday – Friday).
- UnitedHealthcare Members: Sign in to your member account or call the number on your member ID card. For more information regarding wellness resources visit.
- Visit: Whyuhc.com/csveba/wellness-resources or call 888-586-6365
- Kaiser Members: For mental health care, call Kaiser Permanente directly.
Questions about your mental health benefits or need help finding an in-network provider? Contact the California Schools VEBA Advocacy Team for assistance with benefits eligibility, enrollment questions, or finding a therapist within your network.
- Visit: Vebaresourcecenter.com/contact
- Call: 888-276-0250
Thank you to our content partners at Sharp HealthCare.
