Expert: John R. Cross - 3/3/2011

Question
Dear John
I have struggled with feeling bad for some time - chronic tiredness, spaciness, nervousness, inability to experience pleaseure from anything, although I wouldn't class myself as depressed. All probable causes (thyroid etc) have been ruled out over the last 15 years. Now I'm convinced it is a neurotransmitter problem (ie lack of dopamine) and so does my Doctor, who has prescribed Ritalin. I'm only on a low dose so far but I can tell it's doing something and now I'm convinced I've found the answer, I would like to know how I can use acupressure to treat this problem as I don't want to rely on drugs for the rest of my life? Are there points to balance brain chemistry/increase dopamine? Could you also please advise how to stimulate these points and for how long etc.

So very grateful for your help once again!

Jade

Answer
Hello Jade, Sorry to hear you are struggling. The main acupoint for improving dopamine (and many other brain chemicals) release is BaiHiu or Governor 20. This point is situated at the very top of the head and is also called the Crown Chakra. Take lines vertically just behind the ears and the point lies where these two intersect in the mid line. I would NOT advise you to massage this point with any degree of vigour - it can make you feel a bit spaced out. Lie down and hold the point with the pad of the middle finger whilst putting the other middle finger pad about two finger widths below the tummy button. Now GENTLY 'work' the points by using some circular movements for about 2 minutes. Repeat this twice a day for a couple of weeks until you are in a position to work on this point in other ways. Please write again when you have completed this stage and I will point you in the right direction as to continuation. Good luck - John