When I was younger, I used to pick at my thumbs until they would bleed.

Ask anyone of my closest friends from high school, college, my time in NYC and they would tell you, I was incessantly picking at my skin. It felt comforting to me somehow but it was also painful. I would pick so much that I had constant red, irritated, oozing thumbs that were embarrassing to have as a dancer whose body and looks were constantly being scrutinized. I also waited tables and wondered if the patrons would notice my hands when I was tightly gripping their plates of food.

Would they be disgusted?

What I didn’t realize was that at the time, it was an outward manifestation of my anxiety. 

In Chinese Medicine, they say that when the Heart’s energy is out of balance, it is scattered. The definition of scattered when referring to a person is: distracted and disorganized. This is a perfect way to describe how I was feeling inside.

• I was trying to distract myself from years of emotional instability in my family of origin.

• There was no organization to my thoughts or my actions.

• I was often careless, reckless, and desperate.

It wasn’t until I finally found acupuncture when I was reeling from the loss of my first child that I began the path towards understanding my scattered heart. 

Acupuncture school gave me so much, a priceless education, a community, life-long friendships and tools that have changed my life for the better. Acupressure is one of my very favorite parts of Chinese Medicine. It can be done any time, anywhere and is highly effective. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have anxiety. I’m not saying I don’t have it any more. I definitely have bouts here and there but it has been years since I’ve picked at my thumbs. 

I want to share with you some of my hands down (pun intended! LOL) favorite acupressure points for anxiety. That’s why I’ve created Nurturing the Heart: An anxiety ebook just for you! 

Here’s what you’ll find inside: 

• A simple introduction to acupressure and who it’s for (hint: everyone!) 

• A list of my top 5 favorite acupressure points for anxiety

• A detailed description of the points

• A list of uses/symptoms for each point

• Locations and pictures of each of the points

• A guide on how to use the acupressure points 

This ebook is printable and can be downloaded onto your computer! I love making ebooks into spiral bound notebooks because I love a tangible book! You get to decide what is best for you! 

I hope you find a deepened connection with your heart and find ease and peace with this ebook. 

Big hugs, 

Emily