While many turn to western medicine when suffering from a mildly sore back, stiff neck or interrupted sleeping patterns, an Australian acupuncturist has revealed how these common problems may be relieved at home by massaging pressure points.
Brendan Smith, founder of the Sydney-based clinic Village Remedies, uses Chinese medicine practices to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and maintain optimal health.
‘In Chinese medicine, as the body is interconnected, there are specific areas which correspond to parts of the body – and so there’s usually a solution to most bodily problems people suffer from,’ Brendan told FEMAIL.
He said acupuncture can cause the body to dive into its own parasympathetic nervous state, known as ‘rest and digest’, where the body relaxes to heal and repair itself.
Brendan has also become a viral sensation on TikTok after sharing videos demonstrating the simple massaging tricks, which has attracted more than one million views and a following of over 100,000 people.
Brendan Smith (pictured), founder of the Sydney-based clinic Village Remedies, uses Chinese medicine practices to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and maintain optimal health
Identify the issue and the corresponding acupressure point
Brendan said one of the easiest ways an individual can help treat pain themselves is by identifying the area that’s causing the issue and massaging the surrounding muscles or applying pressure to acupressure points.
If the muscles are firmly massaged in the correct area, this can provide quick results.
In one of the TikTok videos, Brendan demonstrates how to ease a stiff neck by massaging two acupressure points and stretching.
On your opposing side to where the pain is in your neck, measure four fingers down from your hand and massage into your wrist while turning your head sideways.
Although if symptoms or pain persists, Brendan recommends seeing a qualified professional.
In one of the TikTok videos, Brendan demonstrates how to ease a stiff neck by massaging two acupressure points and stretching
Switch the body from ‘fight or flight’ mode to ‘rest and digest’ mode
People suffer from insomnia for many reasons, and over the past few months an influx of people may have experienced interrupted sleep due to coronavirus-related stress, but Brendan says there are a few simple tricks anyone can do at home.
Brendan said when someone is stressed out and can’t get to sleep, this is known as the sympathetic nervous state as there is more cortisol and adrenalin in the body.
‘When we’re in this “fight or flight” state, your body tries to keep you awake and alert,’ he said.
‘But the way to help someone improve their insomnia is to try get their body out of this sympathetic nervous state and move into the ‘rest and digest’ state.’
Brendan said the ‘best way’ to relax the body and calm the mind is through meditation and breathing exercises.
He said for clients with insomnia, acupuncture helps reduce any pain, relax the chest muscles to encourage deeper breathing and stimulate the body’s digestive system.
Brendan said for clients with insomnia, acupuncture helps reduce any pain, relax the chest muscles to encourage deeper breathing and stimulate the body’s digestive system
Massage your hands and feet to help relax tight muscles
Brendan also said a number of upper and lower body pain can often be eased by rubbing your hands and feet – a process known as reflexology.
‘Reflexology is a general practice part of Chinese medicine,’ Brandan said.
‘For example, if you have a sore neck or back you can use reflexology simply by massaging your hands to help relax the upper body.’
Brendan also said a number of upper and lower body pain can often be eased by rubbing your hands and feet – a process known as reflexology
The same method can also be applied to assist lower back strains by massaging pressure points in the feet or giving your feet a relaxing foot bath.
According to research, reflexology may also reduce other pain and psychological symptoms including stress and anxiety.
If you massage in the correct areas, this can ultimately stimulate a reaction from the nervous system to generate a healing response.
To assist clients and customers with further, Village Remedies has published a simple, practical E-book to self-care acupressure that’s free to order off Kindle.