Stress doesn’t just live in your mind — it lands in your body: tight shoulders, a heavy chest, digestive weirdness, restless sleep, cold hands and feet, or that “I’m fine” feeling… while your system is clearly not fine.

Quick self-assessment — which stress pattern sounds like you?

Why acupuncture points can help with stress release

In acupuncture, points aren’t just “pain spots.” Many points are used because they tend to influence common stress patterns like

- tight neck/shoulders
- chest tightness or shallow breathing
- rumination and restlessness
- low appetite, bloating, or “nervous stomach”
- trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

Acupuncture points can help with stress release because they give your nervous system a physical “off switch.” When you press certain points (acupressure) or stimulate them with acupuncture, you’re sending calming signals through the body—often easing muscle tension, softening chest/diaphragm tightness, and helping your breathing slow down—so your system can shift from fight-or-flight into a more regulated, restorative state.

How to do acupressure

Use these guidelines for every point below:

• Press firmly but comfortably (think “good soreness,” not sharp pain)

• Hold 30–60 seconds

• Breathe slowly while pressing

• Repeat on both sides (when applicable)

Tip: If you can only do one thing, pick 1–2 points and do them daily for a week. Try using your knuckles or small a massage ball to press firmly.

The TCM stress release workshop

I just did this workshop in Bernal Heights, San Francisco. This is a practical introduction to how acupuncture and acupressure points can support stress release — starting at home, with your own hands.

3-minute Zhan Zhuang (standing qigong) for stress reset

If sitting meditation doesn’t calm you, try standing. In the workshop, we taught Zhan Zhuang, a standing meditation often used before Tai Chi / martial arts practice.

Try this quick version:

- Stand with feet about shoulder-width, toes forward
- Slightly “sit” (soft knees), tailbone pointing down (not sticking out)
- Relax shoulders; hold arms in front of chest like you’re “holding a ball”
- Tongue gently on the roof of your mouth near the front teeth
- Breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth for a few slow rounds
- Start with 3–5 minutes, then build up if it feels good.

Bonus: 2-minute head massage for screen fatigue + sleep

We also shared a simple head/neck sequence to calm the nervous system—especially helpful if your mind feels like “fireworks.”

Highlights:

- Find Bai Hui at the crown (top of head)
- Tap or massage around the crown, then move to the back of the head and gently squeeze the tissues
- Do it 3–6 times before bed—it takes a couple minutes