in-flight acupressure for mind/body bliss

Airplane cabin pressure and super-dry, recycled air are a well-known drag for the sinuses, skin, eyes, and soul. Even on short flights, the combo of cabin pressure and stale, dry air can trigger skull-aches, itchy eyes, swollen extremities and low spirits. But the good news is, help is literally at your fingertips, via acupressure. This ancient Chinese healing modality was invented thousands of years before cabin air pressure, but practicing in-flight acupressure helps your body and mind stay balanced during travel and after landing.

Here are four methods from Los Angeles-based licensed acupuncturist and Tui Na massage practitioner John Holmstrom, who is also a co-director of Surya Spa in Pacific Palisades, CA. (www.suryaspa.com)

Step 1: To relieve headaches, strained eyes and sinus congestion: Place thumbs on the inside of eye sockets, pressing against the bridge of the nose. Apply pressure up and onto the bone under the eyebrow, making tiny inward circles.

Step 2: To soothe tense, red or itchy eyes: Place fingertips on the rim of eye sockets, directly underneath the pupils. Feel around to locate the indentation on the top of the cheekbones and make small outward circles.

Step 3: To bring a rosy bloom to pale cheeks and soften facial lines: Bring fingertips down from eyes to cheek, level with the nostrils. Find the indentation under the cheekbones under the cheekbones and make small outward circles.

Step 4: To release tension in the jaw and increase blood circulation throughout the face: Find the indentation in the muscle at the hinge of the jaw. Make small circles toward the back of the head.

John Holmstrom can be reached by email at: shivalchemy@yahoo.com or by telephone at (310) 409-8454.