Acupuncture and acupressure

My way of grounding and stepping out of a busy mind.

Part of my Wellbeing Toolbox.

• Anna’s Wellbeing Tool: Acupuncture and acupressure — my go-to for stress reduction, pain relief, and quieting an overactive mind.

• What it is: Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques that use either fine needles (acupuncture) or firm pressure (acupressure) on specific points along the body’s meridians — energy pathways believed to carry qi, a concept often translated as “life force” or “vital energy.”

• Practitioner needed: Yes, for acupuncture. Acupressure can be self-administered at home with tools like a mat, ring, or roller.

• How it works: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, illness and imbalance arise when the flow of qi along the body’s meridians is disrupted. Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted at specific points to help restore that flow; acupressure uses firm pressure — from fingers, palms, or devices — on the same points. 

  TCM is a centuries-old system with its own internal logic, distinct from Western biomedical models. Modern research on acupuncture is mixed: some studies suggest benefit for specific conditions like chronic pain, while the broader framework of meridians and qi isn’t recognized within conventional medicine.

  This article reflects my personal experience, not a claim about how or why it works.

  
  

• What it can help with: Headaches, muscle aches, period pain, stress, sleep issues, low energy, and digestion.

  
  

• Techniques commonly used: Needle insertion at meridian points (acupuncture); pressure via fingers, mats, rings, or rollers (acupressure).

  
  

• Who it’s not for: If you’re pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, use a pacemaker (particularly if electroacupuncture may be used), or have any medical concerns, consult your healthcare provider and a qualified practitioner before starting treatment.

  
  

• How it helps me: Leaves me more relaxed, energized, and at peace with myself. Interrupts overthinking and brings my attention back into my body.

  
  

• How often I use it: Acupuncture about once a month; acupressure tools daily.

My Experience

My first acupuncture experience was in Sri Lanka, during an Ayurveda retreat years ago. It didn’t have much of an impact and left me a little disappointed. A later session, during a two-week fasting retreat in Germany, completely changed my perspective. I was already in a deep state of calm from the fasting, and the combination with the acupuncture felt incredible — I came out of it deeply relaxed, connected, and in flow. That experience is what pushed me to find a regular acupuncturist in Hamburg. It took trying a few different specialists before I found the right one.

Acupressure, on the other hand, has been part of my life since childhood. My parents were strong advocates of alternative medicine and introduced me to Lyapko mats and rollers back in Russia — devices developed by a reflexologist who enhanced traditional acupressure tools with metal needles of varying electric potentials. Over the years, I’ve kept experimenting and refined my own set of tools.

I see a qualified acupuncturist about once a month for a full-body session, though the frequency shifts depending on my stress levels and how I’m feeling physically. Afterward, I usually feel more relaxed, energized, and at peace with myself.

For acupressure, I’ve built a small daily toolkit:

• Acupressure mat: I lie on it before sleep most nights. Overthinking is a habit of mine, and the initial discomfort of the spikes interrupts my thoughts and pulls my attention back into my body. I also find it helpful when my digestion feels sluggish or my muscles are sore — and if I wake up at night and can’t fall back asleep, putting it under my head usually helps.

• Acupressure ring: I roll it on my fingers for a quick energy boost, especially during long calls or in the afternoon slump.

• Massage roller: I use this once or twice a week on my feet, legs, and belly for circulation, muscle tension, and digestion. Sharper than the mat at first, though I usually feel the effect quite quickly.

• Eye pillow: Filled with clay beads — helps me fall asleep faster and soothes tired eyes. I was skeptical at first, but now I bring it with me when traveling. It’s especially good for a 20-minute nap after lunch.

  
  

Most of the tools I currently use are from Shakti Mat, while my massage roller is from Lyapko.

Looking back, a few things stand out. Trying acupuncture at different points in my life is what let me actually discover whether it worked for me — one disappointing session early on wasn’t the full picture. Every practitioner had their own approach, and it took time to find one that felt right for me. And with acupressure, the tools themselves are simple, but building the right personal set took time and testing — it’s still evolving.

Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice. The brands mentioned reflect my personal preference; I’m not affiliated with them. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.

Annather view.