Acupressure may not be your first thought during the holiday season, as this time of year should be spent filled with family, friends, food and memories. But this year everything will look different, and these couple of months could be stressful. Even if you love the holiday season, the expectations and extra work can be overwhelming. If you notice yourself feeling edgy, it’s a perfect reminder that self-care is essential during the holidays, and every day.

This 4-minute acupressure self-care demonstration offers a routine for general wellness. It uses acupressure points that promote relaxation, helps prevent colds and flu, and reduces headaches and neck pain. These are all things we can use during the holiday season.

Acupressure is an ancient form of self-massage. By pressing on acupuncture points, we can change the flow of Qi, or energy, in the meridian system. Meridians are pathways of energy flow which were developed thousands of years ago and tend to somewhat mirror nervous system and blood flow pathways.

Want to start planning for a better 2021?

How about downloading the Live Whole Health Mobile App and starting to set some goals?

VA’s Live Whole Health app is a free, easy-to-use tool created for Veterans and others who are ready to take the next step in their Whole Health journey.

Whole Health is VA’s holistic approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers your care around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you.

With this app, you can fill out your personal health inventory, set goals, get virtual coaching, and learn more about Whole Health. Best of all, it’s free and easy to use. Learn about the app here:  https://mobile.va.gov/app/live-whole-health

Don’t forget to rest and recharge

Find balance between the activities you enjoy and the rest you need this holiday season. To #LiveWholeHealth, your body needs ample time to recharge. Get resources to help you relax and sleep well: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/recharge.asp


Juli Olson, DACM, DC, is the national lead, Acupuncture, for VHA’s Integrative Health Coordinating Center.

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One Comment

  1. Mimi Marylon Moore Routh December 8, 2020 at 13:39

    Thank you for getting right to the helpful info! My old husband, Richard Wayne Routh, an Army medic in Vietnam, now passed on, taught me about massaging the web between thumb and pointing finger for headache. Stuart Wilde, a wonderful teacher, also moved on, suggested pressing the top of the head for calming. He would extend an imaginary hand on a long outstretched arm to calm other people’s fussy children! [USAF 64-69 Captain]

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