Welcome to the World of Acupressure for Recovery. I am so grateful to share this healing practice with you each month! This will be a bi-weekly section on The Sober Curator!
What to expect: Each month I will cover 2 points that you can do at home to support your recovery.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a small part of traditional Chinese Medicine that involves applying manual pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities. It is based on the same principles as acupuncture but uses pressure instead of needles. Acupressure is believed to relieve tension, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being by balancing the flow of energy, or “qi,” within the body’s meridian pathways.
How often can I use Acupressure?
Acupressure can be used as often as needed, depending on the what’s going on for you. It’s generally safe for frequent use, but I always say, to listen to your body and avoid excessive pressure or duration in sensitive areas. Regular, moderate sessions may provide better results than infrequent, intense sessions. Like most things in recovery, consistency is key!
Is Acupressure right for me?
Anyone can learn and use acupressure techniques, as they are simple and safe when practiced correctly. You can do it to yourself anywhere, which makes it accessible for everyone looking for natural methods of pain relief, stress reduction or a more holistic approach to recovery. If you want a deeper dive into acupressure, seek out a trained professional like a Massage Therapist or Licensed Acupuncturist.
As always, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Will acupressure really help me in my recovery?
Acupressure is a great compliment to already established habits or healthcare. It is not to be looked at as a standalone treatment, it is a tool for your recovery toolbox!
What is the Acupressure Technique for best results?
Here are 5 simple steps to support your recovery:
- Location: Find the point on your body where you want to apply acupressure.
- Pressure: Use your thumb, finger or knuckle to apply steady pressure to the chosen point. Apply enough pressure to feel a dull ache or sensation, but not so much that it causes pain. You may feel a sense of release and relaxation as you apply pressure.
- Breathing: As you apply pressure, focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps to promote relaxation and enhances the effectiveness of the acupressure technique
- Duration: Hold the pressure on the acupressure point for 30 seconds to 2 minutes (do what feels right to you!) You can gradulally6 increase the duration as you become more familiar with the techniques.
- Repeat: If necessary, you can repeat the acupressure technique multiple times throughout the day. Just be mindful not to overdo it!
Join me here every other week for a new point and Chinese Medicine Tips to transform your recovery!
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SPIRITUAL GANGSTER: Welcome to the ‘Spiritual Gangster’ wing of The Sober Curator, a haven for those on a sober journey with a twist of spiritual sass. Here, we invite you to plunge headfirst into a world of meditation, astrology, and spiritual reflection – all while keeping your feet (and sobriety) firmly on the ground.
Each month, our very own Analisa Six, better known as the Lady of Leosure, graces us with ‘The Sobercast with Six.’ It’s like horoscopes, but with less hocus-pocus and more sober reality checks for the coming month. And let’s not forget Daniel G Garza, or as we affectionately call him, ‘The Card Divo.’ He delivers snappy, under-a-minute weekly sober tarot card readings that’ll have you saying, “Hit me with another round…of cards!”
The newest star of this spiritual show? That’s Derek Castleman, our resident ‘Sober Stoic.’ After finding enlightenment in the Serenity Prayer and its connection to the Steps, he realized stoicism wasn’t just about keeping a stiff upper lip – it was a roadmap for leading a fulfilling life, no matter the roll of the dice.
SOBERCAST WITH SIX brings you astrology updates from our resident astrologer, tarot card reader, and Sober Curator Contributor Analisa Six.
THE CARD DIVO brings quick-hitting and intuitive horoscopes for sober people on the go. (Seriously, 1-minute once a week)
THE SOBER STOIC Sober Curator Contributor Derek Castleman is a writer, educator, scientist, data analyst, and philosopher. Struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism for over fifteen years while at the same time suffering from being bipolar, he was finally able to achieve recovery in 2018. From mental hospitals to rehab, county jail to sober living, 12 Step Programs would be his foundation, but he would eventually discover the path of Stoicism to be the key to his sobriety and sanity.
ALTAR & EGO explores topics surrounding recovery, spirituality, and mental health. We hope you will consider this section of our site as food for your sober soul. Brought to you by Sober Curator Contributor Staci DesRault
THE DAILY LLAMA brings you short, one-word weekday meditations for your complete wool-being! Brought to you by Sober Curator Contributor Staci DesRault
COMING SOON! SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE by Lane Kennedy
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
