For thousands of years, acupressure was used in China for treating different conditions and promoting relaxation and wellness.Usually called pressure acupuncture, acupressure works similarly as acupuncture except for the needles. But, do you know what exactly is acupressure and how does it work?

Acupressure is just one of the many Asian bodywork therapies which origins from the traditional Chinese medicine.Tuina and medical qigong are among the other popular Asian bodywork therapies while Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that there are acupressure points that lie along meridians or channels in the body (the same acupoints and energy meridians like those targeted with acupuncture.

It is considered that vital energy flows through these invisible channels as well as they have a connection with particular organs or network of organs, thus creating a communication system through the entire body.

These meridians start at the fingertips, connect to the brain and then connect to an organ related to a specific meridian.For that purpose, we have 5 exercises for you which will improve your balance, strengthen your feet and relieve pain:

1. Toe press

Make sure to properly warm up your legs before starting the exercise. This exercise is one of the most effective ones. Start in a standing position, and bend your knees in order to grip the floor with the toes. Hold that position for 3 seconds. Repeat this exercise 3 times a day, in 10 sets.

2. Toe Pencil Pickups

This exercise is very easy and simple. You should place a pencil on the floor, and simply lift it off. Hold for 10 seconds then release it. Repeat this exercise 5 times on each foot.

3. Toe walking

Toe walking can help you to strengthen the toe muscles, muscles around the balls of the feet as well as the ligaments. Stay on the tiptoes and move forward for 20 seconds then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat the exercise for 5 times. In order to get the best results, you should perform this two times a day.

4. Resisted Flexion

This exercise targets the small muscles in the foot, responsible for balance. Also, it will tighten the muscles, thus protecting you from injuries. You should sit on the floor and straighten your feet in front of you.

Wrap an exercise band around the bedpost and place the bend on the top of the feet. In order to tighten it make sure to lean backward. Hold for 5 seconds with your foot bent backward, then rest. Repeat this exercise for 10 times.

5. Ankle circles

It is very important that the ankles have proper mobility and flexibility. Usually, an overload of the body is the cause of tight and restricted ankles, which can result in muscle, joint, knee, back, and hip pain.

Lie on your back and extend the leg over your head, and rotate it clockwise for 10 seconds. Then, repeat the same procedure with your other leg.