Buddha’s Triangle Acupressure Helps Anxiety and Stress

I fell in love with the Buddha’s Triangle treatment over 10 years ago when I heard the name and received the treatment of 3 needles covering the triangle from my inner wrist bones to the first third of my forearm.  Since then, I have used the Buddha’s triangle in patient treatments and many now request the treatment by name because they too have fallen in love with it and the results it brings.

The 3 acupuncture points on the Buddha’s Triangle are Lung 9, Heart 7, and Pericardium 6.

Lung 9 also known as the Supreme Abyss is located at the thumb side of a crease in the wrist.  Lung 9 helps manage grief and calms anxiety by allowing the lungs to engage easily in the physiological sigh.

Heart 7 is also known as the Spirit Gate and the Valium point and is located on the pinky side of the wrist crease.  Heart 7 calms the mind and promotes restful sleep.

Pericardium 6 is also known as the Inner Pass and is located 3 finger widths from the wrist create between the tendons.  Pericardium 6 heals a broken heart and calms palpitations.

Here’s a brief Buddha Triangle acupressure practice video.

Acupressure doesn’t work for everyone, but if it does work for you, it may be due to some combination of physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual shifts that acupressure creates.

Physical Reasons Why Acupressure Works

This is the scientific, evidence-based reason why acupressure works.  For some, that may be enough.  First, acupressure has been found to activate the parasympathetic, or “rest and digest” portion of the autonomic nervous system. Second, physical pressure on the points gets the interstitial fluid prepared to create signals through the connective tissues. And, finally, these signals result in the body generating endorphins and other neurotransmitters that can further calm the mind and body.

Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Reasons Why Acupressure Works

Acupressure can provide a distraction from an anxious mind. Although acupressure is a physical body-based practice, it is also a mindfulness practice.  The practice involves focus and connecting the amount of pressure you place on the point to your in-breath and your out-breath. Place greater pressure, to the point of feeling an “achiness”, during your out breath. Finally, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) envisions the human being as the link between the sky and the earth and acupuncture points represent the energies from both converging within us.  This perspective may help you find support for why acupressure works, especially if you believe in a higher being.

Summary

The Buddha’s Triangle is a set of 3 acupuncture points that you can use in an acupressure practice to help calm anxiety and manage stress.  Two points are at either side of the inner wrist and one point is in the first third of the inner forearm.  You can provide pressure on one point at a time or use 3 fingers to provide pressure on all three points at once.  Acupressure as a practice involves syncing your pressure with your breath, providing more pressure on your out-breath.  Provide pressure for 1 to 2 minutes per point and once you have finished take a deep breath and notice how you feel: physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Acupressure can serve you as an effective mind-body ally!

The Self-Care Solutions newsletter allows you to personalize your approach to health and well-being.  It offers you choices.  Safe choices.  Evidence-based choices. The articles allow you to try on different options and see what works for you. Think of each as an invitation.

While not a substitute for care by your medical team, we’re here to support you in your quest for well-being!

Interested in Hero’s Journey Coaching?  Contact me at ruthannrusso@gmail.com or visit https://ruthannrusso.com/be-coached/

Reference Links

Effects of acupressure on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Acupressure effect on sleep quality: A systematic review