You can feel that you are clenching your jaw, that you are anticipating that something unpleasant is about to start. You might even say that a volcano is erupting and you feel taken hostage by the situation.

An example: you need to talk to your friend about a small change in your relationship. It doesn’t have to be a big stressor, but you feel like it might erupt at any moment. You might just pacify the situation and not begin to approach it, but you dislike that feeling. All of this is stressing you out, you are anxious, and you may even be holding your breath.

To solve this, the first thing I would do is lightly touch and caress my jaw. This acknowledges that I know that something is going on, and that I wish to solve it. Yes, you can do all that with a touch.

Secondly, use the heart protection point that comes down the arm meridian to the middle finger of the left hand. Yes, it’s that finger. Hold or caress that finger.

Thirdly, holding and gently wiggling the acupressure point between your thumb and index finger helps with anxiety and brings back your breath. You know you have the right spot as it is usually very tender.

Kathy at Gentle Bear Healing