What is a pressure point?

A pressure point is a specific sensitive area on the surface of the body. It also refers to an area on the body where an underlying artery is pressed on a bone to stop bleeding. When pressed, a pressure point causes certain effects or sensations in the body.

Pressure points originate from the field of martial arts associated with Chinese traditional medicine. There are several types of pressure points including pain, muscle and reflex points. These points function differently to cause different effects, such as pain when struck or rubbed, improved blood circulation and relaxation of the muscles. Pressure points are common on the pathway of the nervous system.