Reverse the Aging Process

By Guest Author, Emily Parker

When we think of improving our appearance, we concentrate on the skin and our face. However, the root cause of sagging skin, spots and dark circles stems from deeper issues in the organs.

You may have read about A-list celebrities using cosmetic acupuncture to keeping sagging eyes and jawline jowls at bay.

Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez are just a few stars that swear by its rejuvenating powers. With ongoing treatments charging up to $300 per session, only the rich and famous can afford this treatment.

However, very shortly, you’re going to learn how to apply a simple, but incredibly effective skincare regime – using acupressure.

Acupressure is the Older Sister of Acupuncture

Before the use of needles, the ancient Chinese used acupressure, or finger pressure.

Going back as far as 4000 years ago, the ancient Chinese had a profound understanding of natural health. Although acupressure/acupuncture is largely known for its fast painkilling power and accelerated healing, it is also a highly effective means for beauty care.

More people are choosing to apply acupressure on themselves – as acupuncture sessions are invasive, expensive and a hassle to commute to the therapist.

By using a few simple acupressure techniques and incorporating natural, chemical-free products into your daily skincare regime, you will not only slow the signs of aging but also improve your general health and well-being.

In this article, there will be references to “qi”. Qi (pronounced “chi”) can be roughly translated as “vital energy”, “life force” or “energy flow”. Qi is called “Ki” in Japan, “Prana” in India, and “Mana” in some Polynesian cultures. 

What is Qi?

Qi flows through our meridian system, allowing our lungs to breathe, our muscles to move and our hearts to beat. It is what animates us and keeps us alive.

Our state of well-being is highly dependent on the state of our qi, and this is what we are trying to regulate when we use acupressure or acupuncture.

The Meridian System – Your Personal Communications Network

According to Chinese medicine, qi flows around the body through very fine channels called meridians.

These meridians are like qi traffic channels, and your qi should move through them freely, nourishing every cell, muscle, and tissue as it goes.

However, sometimes, like peak hour traffic, the meridians can become blocked or congested. 

Perhaps a physical injury, lifestyle or diet has prevented the smooth flow of qi. Or maybe there is simply not enough qi to move as it should. This is when disease or physical imbalances occur such as weight gain or premature aging.

There are twelve main meridians, one for each of the main organs. Each meridian is accessible from the surface of the body, via acupoints. These acupoints are dotted all along the meridian lines. 

This forms a complex communications system throughout the entire body.

These special points along the meridian lines are the places where we can access and regulate stagnant qi or restricted flow of qi.

There are several ways we can stimulate these acupoints to restore a free-flow of qi. Some of these methods are acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, specific sound frequencies, and acupressure.

When your qi and internal organs are in balance and harmony, it shows. Your skin becomes radiant and firm. Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced. And as a bonus, you will reduce your stress levels, sleep better and have more energy too!

The Kidney Meridian – The Gatekeeper of Youth

The Kidneys are the most important organ in the body as far as aging is concerned.

As your Kidneys begin to decline, you may notice symptoms such as thinning hair, dental problems, a weak bladder, difficulty hearing, poor memory and feeling tired all the time.

You can preserve your Kidneys directly by using specific acupressure points both on and off the Kidney meridian.

Acupressure Points for Nourishing the Kidneys – Your everyday essential

Apply pressure to each of the points for 10 to 20 seconds. Repeat twice so each point is stimulated for 30 seconds to one minute in total. 

Kidney 3 – Tai Xi – Greater Stream

Location: On the inner ankle, in the hollow between the prominence of the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.

Actions: Nourishes Kidney yin and yang; works to slow down the aging process.

Roots qi; improving energy and giving your skin a healthy glow.

Benefits the lungs for silky smooth, wrinkle-free skin.

 

Kidney 6 – Zhao Hai – Illuminated Sea

Location: On the inner foot, below the prominence of the ankle bone, in a groove between the two ligaments.

Actions: Nourishes the Kidney; especially Kidney yin which declines as you reach menopause, resulting in hot flashes, mood swings, and aging skin. 

Calms the mind and aids restful sleep. Good quality sleep is a beauty essential, preventing dark circles and giving skin a healthy luster.

 

Kidney 10 – Yin Gu – Yin Valley

Location: Behind the knee at the inner end of the knee crease, between the two tendons. Best located with the knee slightly bent.

Actions: Benefits the Kidneys; the body’s anti-aging powerhouse.

 

The Lungs – The Forgotten Fountain of Youth

In Chinese medicine, the Lungs the organs responsible for the skin. Healthy Lungs means having smooth, young-looking skin.

Coughs, colds, and allergies, as well as skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, are all attributed to imbalances in the Lungs.

Another problem which we see when the Lungs are out of balance is premature aging. Thin, papery skin, fine lines, and wrinkles are all a result of unhappy Lungs.

 

Acupressure Points for supple skin

Apply pressure to each of the points for 10 to 20 seconds. Repeat twice so each point is stimulated for 30 seconds to one minute in total. 

Lung 5 – Chi Ze – Cubit Marsh

Location: In the elbow towards the outer end of the elbow crease, in the hollow alongside the large tendon of the biceps. Locate with the hand flat and the palm turned upwards. The tendon can be exposed by making a tight fist.

Actions: Regulates the circulation of fluids keeping your skin soft, supple and smooth. Awakens entire Lung channel boosting its function of moistening the skin and smoothing wrinkles.

Lung 9 – Tai Yuan – Great Abyss

Location: On the wrist at the outer end of the wrist crease, in the hollow formed by two tendons and the wrist bone, on the radial pulse. Locate with the hand flat and the palm turned upwards.

Actions: Benefits the Lungs –another great point for keeping the Lungs moist and the skin smooth. Supplements Lung qi and Lung yin which are the two vital components for fighting against fine lines and wrinkles.

 

The Spleen – A Vital Key to the Beauty Puzzle

According to Chinese medicine, the main function of the Spleen is its role with digestion. It transforms nutrients from our food into substances which can be used by the body and transports them to where they are needed.

It also plays an important part in keeping the muscles firm and strong, and a healthy Spleen is vital in keeping organs and tissues in their correct positions. The Spleen works against gravity to hold everything in place (including your face) and if it becomes imbalanced, things begin to go south. Drooping and dangling, sinking and sagging are all classic signs of an unhappy Spleen.

Being associated with digestion means that one of the best ways to look after your Spleen is by eating not only the right foods but also eating them the right way.

There are also several acupressure points which you use to invigorate this organ and get it functioning at its very best.

 

Acupressure Points to Clear Dampness and Invigorate the Spleen – Say No to Sag!

Apply pressure to each of the points for 10 to 20 seconds. Repeat twice so each point is stimulated for 30 seconds to one minute in total.

Spleen 3 – Tai Bai – Supreme White

Location: On the inner edge of the foot, at the change in skin color. In a hollow at the flare of the head of the metatarsal bone.

Actions: Benefits the Spleen and Stomach, improving digestion and tightening sagging skin Clears dampness, an important factor in eliminating puffiness and jowls.

Regulates qi. Remember that free-flowing qi is vital for the circulation of fluids and firm, smooth skin.

 

Spleen 4 – Gong Sun – Grandfather, Grandson

Location: On the inner edge of the foot, at the change in skin color. In a hollow at the flare of the base of the metatarsal bone.

Actions: Benefits the Spleen for better digestion and beautiful skin.

Clears dampness always important for reducing swelling, sagging, and edema.

Regulates qi, benefitting circulation and firming the skin.

 

Spleen 6 – San Yin Jiao – Three Yin Junction

Location: On the inner aspect of the lower leg 4 finger-widths above the prominence of the ankle bone, in the groove just behind the tibia bone.

CAUTION: Do not use during pregnancy

Actions: Benefits the Spleen, Kidneys, and Liver; A triple whammy! This one is highly recommended to boost the Spleen’s ability to fight flaccid flesh, the Kidneys’ anti-aging properties, and the Liver’s role in nourishing the blood.

Clears dampness, an important factor in eliminating puffiness and jowls.

Reverses sinking, sagging and prolapse not just for the face, but also your neck, buttocks, and thighs. Calms the mind and aids restful sleep. A good night’s sleep leaves you feeling refreshed and looking younger.

 

Spleen 10 – Xue Hai – Sea of Blood

Location: On the thigh, three finger widths above the inner and upper corner of the knee, in a hollow on the bulge of the muscle. This point may feel tender to pressure.

Actions: Improves circulation which plumps up your skin and gives your cheeks a healthy glow. 

Benefits the skin, adding moisture and giving color to the complexion.

 

How many treatments for Long-Lasting Results?

A one-off acupressure session will certainly be beneficial. But, the effects won’t be long-lasting.

To maximize results it’s best to make your acupressure routine a habit. With a daily regime for the first week; twice weekly for 3 weeks; and then once weekly – ongoing.

If the regime seems a little too hard to keep up with, try breaking up the treatments like: Monday, Kidneys; Wednesday, Lungs; Friday, Spleen. It doesn’t matter how you fit the routine into your schedule – as long as you’re doing it.

Finish your acupressure routine with an application of your favorite natural (fragrance-free, chemical-free) moisturizer.

 

For more amazing anti-aging information, check out Regenerate Your Face with These Simple Exercises!