3 Pressure Points & Essential Oils For More Energy

Holistic health systems all over the world have their own ways of boosting energy levels and supporting vitality, from herbal remedies to movement practices, breathing techniques to meditations, increasing energy levels is something both ancient and modern cultures have paid special attention to. Pressure points are used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and India’s system of Ayurveda for various physical and energetic purposes, and especially for increasing vitality and longevity. Today, you’ll find acupressure mats to lie your whole body upon, as well as specific acupressure foot mats like the Scentred Foot Mat With Aromatherapy Balm, that stimulates the many reflexology points on the soles of the feet. The Hayu’u Body Comb is also a great tool for enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage, and also works to release blocked subtle energy or ‘Qi’. The use of essential oils also dates back several thousands of years, when the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks, as well as those in China and India used the oils for rituals and healing methods. Combining pressure points and essential oils is a wonderful way to combine the powerful benefits of both, and is something you can bring into your own self-care practice to support your wellbeing. It’s important to remember that these techniques are indeed powerful, and that if you’re pregnant or at all unsure of whether you should use them, seek out a qualified acupuncturist or aromatherapist to guide you in the right direction. For those who are ready to start safely adding these holistic tips to your wellness toolkit, read on for three pressure points and essential oils for more energy and vitality.  

K1 & Cypress or Frankincense Oil 

Acupressure point ‘K1’ or Kidney 1 is great for anyone who has a busy mind and feels unsettled. Being the lowest acupressure point on the body, K1 is all about drawing energy downwards to help cultivate a calmer and more grounded state of mind. Too much time over-thinking can be very fatiguing, so using this point regularly is a great way to help drain excess energy from the mind, and replenish your energy levels. K1 is also linked to the energetic qualities of the kidneys, which in TCM are said to hold our deep stores of vitality. Too much stress, over-working, too much stimulation, illness and burnout can all severely deplete the Kidney Qi, which makes us feel depleted and low, whilst actions like rest, nourishing foods, enough sleep and spending time in nature can all help rebalance these stores of vitality. Pair this pressure point with frankincense essential oil, which can be calming, grounding and stress-relieving – a little frankincense oil on the soles of the feet at night is also thought to enhance vivid dreaming! You can also use Tisserand’s – The Little Box of De-Stress, and choose the Inner Harmony blend, with frankincense and geranium to bring a sense of contentment. The roller ball application of this blend is also very portable, so you can take this practice with you to keep you grounded whilst travelling.    

To find K1, locate the spot between your second and third toe, then trace a line about 1/3 of the way down the sole of your foot. Use a finger or thumb to press and massage the oil here for about 5 minutes.  

GB25 & Eucalyptus Oil 

Acupressure point GB25 or Gallbladder 25 is linked to the wood element according to TCM, and is a point to work with especially throughout the transition from Winter to Spring, when we begin to emerge from hibernation and make our way out into the world again. GB25 helps relax the physical tendons and ligaments, reducing physical stiffness, whilst encouraging a free-flow of ‘qi’ around the body too. Spring is a great time to start making new plans and changing up your daily routine, and as nature’s ‘new year’, Spring is also a great time to start adopting those healthy habits of taking up an exercise regime or even embarking on a gentle detox. If you’ve been pressing ‘snooze’ a little too much recently, or you feel your energy needs a boost, use GB25 to revitalise yourself. Pair this point with Tisserand’s eucalyptus essential oil, which can help clear the physical congestion of coughs and chest conditions that tend to arise at the end of Winter and beginning of Spring. Eucalyptus is also refreshing and can help boost the body’s physical and energetic circulation to promote a free-flow of Qi. 

To locate GB25, place your thumbs on your lower back around the area of the waist. Gently push upwards until you feel your bottom pair of ribs. Follow the ribs around until you get to the ‘free’ end of the rib (the pointy part) at the sides of your body. This area can be a little tender, so use gentle pressure if needed, and press or massage for a few minutes. 

GB20 & Free Spirit Pulse Roller Oil 

The acupressure point GB20 or Gallbladder 20 is another point connected to the wood element. According to TCM, each element has a specific direction of movement, and wood harnesses the direction of ‘upward’ moving energy. If we look to nature in Spring (governed by the wood element) we can see plants and flowers starting to shoot ‘upwards’, and the sun also appears to be higher in the sky around Spring and Summer, which provides more brightness and also a sense of emotional upliftment. This upward movement of energy encourages us to start moving our bodies more, to start exploring new ideas and projects, and to nourish ourselves with leafy bitter greens. In turn, these bitter greens are great for the health of the liver and gallbladder, and support the natural detoxifying powers of these organs. GB20 is particularly useful for a quick energy boost, especially if much of your day has been spent looking at a screen, and is also great as a headache remedy. Pair this point with the Yogamatters Free Spirit Pulse Roller, containing patchouli and Moroccan chamomile to lift your spirits any time of the day.    

To locate GB20, gently grasp the back of your head with your hands, and press your thumbs to the base of your skull. GB20 is at the base of the occiput, in a small depression just about where the head and neck meet. Use your thumbs to place a little pressure here for a few seconds at a time, and take a few deep breaths to boost your energy even more.  

Try adding these techniques to your self-care toolkit this season to boost your energy levels!

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Source: 3 Pressure Points & Essential Oils For More Energy