Acupressure is a healing technique where pressure is applied to certain points in the body known as acupoints. It's a therapy that you can perform yourself, without needing any special tools. Here's a basic guide to doing acupressure for the first time.

Contrary to what some might think, acupressure doesn't require any special tools. You can use your hands to apply pressure to the acupoints. Some people prefer to use aids like stones or acupressure pens, but these are optional and mainly serve to alleviate soreness in the fingers.

When you're just starting out with acupressure, the most important thing is to establish a consistent routine. While there are specific times in the day that correspond to each meridian in your body, adhering to these times can be challenging and might even require waking in the middle of the night. As your practice advances and becomes more consistent, you can experiment with synchronizing your acupressure routine with these meridian times.

When applying pressure to acupoints, aim for a firm but not overly uncomfortable pressure, around a 7 out of 10 on the pressure scale. The area where you're applying pressure should feel mildly uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful.

You can either hold the pressure continuously or rotate your finger in small circles over the acupoint to maximize efficacy. Choose the technique that feels most comfortable for you.

While you can use any finger to apply pressure, most people find the thumb the easiest to use due to its strength and size. But ultimately, the choice of finger depends on your comfort.

The time it takes to notice effects from acupressure can vary greatly and largely depends on the specific symptom you're addressing. For acute symptoms like a sudden headache or immediate stress, acupressure can bring relief quickly.

For chronic conditions like long-term migraines or digestive issues, it might take around 10 sessions of daily consistent practice to notice significant differences. Remember, acupressure, like exercise, works best when used frequently over a period of time.