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By Ann Wairimu

1. The scalp

The scalp is full of pressure points, many that can effectively and discretely reduce stress levels. You can sit at your office desk, lean back and use two fingers to massage the point where the neck meets the skull for about 20 seconds.

Much of the stress we accumulate during the day collects in the shoulders and neck muscles, and applying pressure to this point can relieve much of it.

2. The ear

This pressure point is known as Shen Men (The Spirit Gate), and some experts claim it’s the best stress-relieving point in the body.

In reflexology, it’s also used to reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body. It’s recommended that you massage this spot with a cotton bud or even a pen, and to take deep, slow breaths during the massage.

3. Third eye point

This point is efficient to reduce anxiety. Acupressure third eye point is situated in between your eyebrows. Apply firm pressure on the third eye point to get rid of anxiety. It is also beneficial in healing nervousness, anxiety and improving tranquillity of body.

4. Shoulder points

Shoulder points are helpful to give relief to tension in nerves. Acupressure shoulder points are situated on the backside, in midway between your shoulders and the foundation of the neck. Apply pressure on acupressure shoulder points regularly to reduce stiffness in neck, tension in nerves and other stress-related troubles.

5. The chest

Stress can make us forget to breathe, or take shallow breaths. This point helps reduce the stress that accumulates in your chest, while reminding you to breathe normally again.

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Use three fingers to massage this point, or one finger to tap rhythmically on the area while taking deep breaths. If you experience chronic stress, combine massaging this point with the point between your eyebrows. The connection between these two points helps to calm the nervous system.

6. The stomach

Many reflexologists prefer to use this point because it helps create movement that frees the chest and diaphragm, which improves the breathing process. Patients who have this treatment instinctively take deeper breaths and almost always report a sensation or relief.

7. The forearm

This is a classic spot for reflexology and acupuncture. Stress and anxiety create reverse energy flow in the body, which this spot is supposed to repair. It helps your energy to move in the right direction while aiding your mental focus and reducing stress.

8. The palm

It is located on one of the most important meridians (an energy channel), which affects the heart, liver, and pancreas. It is believed that much of the stress we experience is stored in the liver, so applying pressure on this point is highly effective. It is also a great spot for treating headaches, stomachaches, indigestion, and insomnia – all of which could be symptoms of stress.

9. The calves

At the bottom of the prominent calf muscle, about halfway between the knee crease and the heel, is where this pressure point is located. If you feel stress in the upper part of your body, massaging this spot is perfect. It’s useful for relieving calf cramping, foot swelling, and knee pain. In some individuals, it may also help relieve lower back pain.

10. The foot

This point is used to treat stress, lower back pain, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, limb pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Apply pressure on your foot about two finger widths above the place where the skin of your big toe and the next toe join. Some reflexologists believe that this is the best meridian for treating the pancreas and that its location, in the centre of the foot, helps patients reduce stress and provide better attention to their bodies