PRESS the POINT

PRESS the POINT
Your Guide to Pressure Points on the Body

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PRESS the POINT

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PRESS the POINT.com is your one stop reference for pressure points on the body. We show you exactly where the POINTS are so you can PRESS them and enjoy the benefits of pressure points. There are literally thousands of pressure points on the body. Practitioners of acupressure, shiatsu and the martial arts study them for years to master their power. We know that you don't have time for that, so we make it easy. All you have to do is PRESS the POINT.

Healing Pressure Points
for relief from pain or ailments using pressure points

Pressure Point Massage
to learn how to relieve stress and relax with pressure points

Martial Arts Pressure Points
using pressure points for self defense

PressThePoint Forum
to discuss pressure points

Pressure Point Books & Products
for those who want to learn even more

To find pressure points on a particular area of the body:

Head, Face and Neck Pressure Points

Chest Pressure Points

Back Pressure Points

Hand & Arm Pressure Points

Foot & Leg Pressure Points

Pressure Point FAQ's

What is a pressure point?

A pressure point is a spot on the body that is sensitive to pressure. This can be a nerve cluster or sensitive areas of muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, arteries or veins. Pressure points are used by martial artists to cause pain or compliance in their opponents. They are also utilized in therapy and by masseuses. Acupressure and Shiatsu focus on pressure points to treat the human body.

Where are pressure points?

You can find pressure points on every part of the body. Since we are symmetrical creatures, similar pressure points exist on both sides. If there is one on the right side, there is a corresponding one on the left. If there is a pressure point in the hand, there is an equivalent one in the foot. The best known pressure points are vulnerable areas of the body like the eyes, groin and solar plexus. Less obvious pressure points include the Achilles tendon, the meaty flesh next to your thumb and the spot directly under your ear.

Why do pressure points hurt?

When pressure is applied to a pressure point it pinches nerves or disrupts a normal operation of the body. When a nerve is pinched against a bone or muscle it shoots an signal of pain to the brain. When blood flow or air is cut off, the body reacts with pain to urge the body to restore normal function. Pain is also the reaction when joint pressure points are pushed to the limit to warn people that damage may occur if the pressure is not removed. When pressure points are manipulated in a therapeutic way, they can stimulate feelings of pleasure and euphoria. There is often a fine line between sensations of pleasure and pain.

How do pressure points help?

By temporarily disrupting bodily functions, pressure points can restore correct flow and balance. Pressure point manipulation is believed to cure a long list of ailments. Back pain is usually among the most commonly referenced since it is so wide spread. Every style of pressure point manipulation has a broad spectrum of techniques to treat back pain. Many people turn to these techniques when traditional western treatments produce poor results. Pressure points are also said to treat ailments such as depression, reproductive issues, and negative states of mind like anger.

What is the history of pressure points?

Pressure points have been used in medicine and martial arts since ancient times. They were of particular importance in Asian cultures. Martial artists developed pressure point attacks to subdue and repel their opponents. Because pressure points are so sensitive, a small amount of effort causes an extreme amount of pain. Martial artists learned to defend themselves against larger and stronger opponents using pressure points. The ancient Chinese treatment of acupressure helps heal the body with pressure points. It uses pressure point manipulation to balance the Eastern concepts of yin, yang and chi. Shiatsu is a similar and more recently developed treatment from Japan. The major difference between acupressure and shiatsu is that shiatsu is both diagnosis and therapy together. Shiatsu techniques strive to correct problems as they are discovered by the therapist. Reflexology traces its roots to the ancient Egyptians. It is the study of pressure points on the feet. While some see this as simple foot massage, believers insist that reflexology points can produce healing effects throughout the human body. Different zones on the feet correspond to different organs and joints.

Can everyone feel pressure points?

No. Most people react to pressure points and can be helped or harmed by their manipulation, however between 10 and 15 percent of people are "non-reactors." They don't feel much pleasure or pain from pressure-point manipulation. There are no clear-cut indicators to predict which people will be reactors and which will be non-reactors. It seems that some people are built with sensitive nerves while others are not. It is also possible for someone to feel certain pressure points on their body while not feeling others.