Acupressure is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can help with several issues like stress and fatigue by improving the flow of energy (or qi) like acupuncture. Rather than needles, acupressure uses massage to stimulate pressure points in your body. Here are four points you can try on your own at home to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Use this time to practice mindfulness and take slow, deep breaths while activating these pressure points.

Head  – Hall of Impression (Yin Tang)

If you’ve experienced a headache, you’ve likely instinctively rubbed this point before in an effort to relieve discomfort. The Hall of Impression point is located above the nose right between your eyebrows. It is said to help with both anxiety and stress.

Touch the spot between your eyebrows with your index finger or thumb. Gently massage in slow circular motions for five minutes.

Ear – Heavenly Gate (Shen Men)

The Heavenly Gate point is in the top of your ear, right in the hollow spot. This point is said to ease the mind and help relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Using your index finger and thumb, pinch the point. Apply firm, gentle pressure in a circular motion for two minutes.

Hand – Union Valley (He Gu)

This one can be done anywhere – even a stressful Zoom meeting. The pressure point is located on the web between your thumb and index finger. It’s said to reduce stress and headaches.

With your index finger and thumb, apply firm pressure to the Union Valley point with your opposite hand. Massage the pressure point for four to five seconds.

Feet – Great Surge (Tai Chong)

The Great Surge pressure point is on your foot between your big toe and second toe in the hollow just above the foot bone. This pressure point may help to reduce anxiety and stress and help with pain and insomnia.

Find the point by moving your finger straight down from between your first two toes (about two to three finger widths down). Apply firm, deep pressure to the point and gently massage for four to five seconds.

Try these pressure points out when you need to relax. Acupressure should not be painful and if your symptoms of stress become more severe, contact a health professional.