[KoK! Health] Various Symptoms During Chuseok Holiday, Relieve Them with Acupressure

As the six-day Chuseok holiday officially begins, concerns are also rising about various symptoms such as back pain and abdominal pain that may unexpectedly occur during the holiday. Many medical institutions close during the holiday period, and if pain arises while traveling long distances, appropriate measures may be difficult to take.

In preparation for such emergency situations, the Korean medicine community advises that there are simple yet effective acupressure methods to relieve symptoms. Together with Director Hong Soon-seong of Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, we explored four bare-handed acupressure techniques to cope with various health issues during the Chuseok holiday.

[KoK! Health] Various Symptoms During Chuseok Holiday, Relieve Them with Acupressure

Hugyehyeol.
Photo by Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital

First, there is the 'Hugye Point' which can be stimulated when experiencing back pain. During the Chuseok holiday, many people travel long distances for homecoming or trips. However, prolonged driving or sitting increases the burden on the spine, surrounding muscles, and ligaments, which can cause acute back pain. In such cases, pressing the Hugye Point can be helpful. Located at the edge of the hand where the palm lines end when making a fist, the Hugye Point helps gently relax the entire back, neck, and shoulders, effectively reducing back pain symptoms. Using a hard fingernail or a pen to press for 30 to 40 seconds is more effective than using fingers alone.

Intravenous acupuncture. [Photo by Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital]

If motion sickness occurs due to long travel, pressing the 'Naegwan Point' is beneficial. During the holiday, motion sickness symptoms can worsen as cars repeatedly start and stop in traffic jams. Motion sickness arises from a mismatch between the environmental information received by the eyes and the sense of balance, causing dizziness, vertigo, and nausea. If symptoms are severe, pressing the Naegwan Points can alleviate them. These points are located about 4 to 6 cm from the center of the wrist crease toward the elbow on both wrists. Gently press each Naegwan Point 20 times. For faster relief, stimulate the points frequently regardless of the number of times or duration.

Jang Munhyeol.
[Photo by Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine]

If you experience stomachache or diarrhea, press the 'Jangmun Point.' One awkward situation during the holiday is sudden abdominal pain, often caused by consuming more greasy food than usual. The problem is that once abdominal pain starts outdoors, there is no quick solution until you find a restroom. In such emergencies, pressing the Jangmun Point (腸門穴) can provide significant relief. The Jangmun Point is located about 10 cm from the wrist along the line of the little finger and, as its name suggests, acts as the 'gate of the intestines,' greatly reducing abdominal pain and the urge to defecate. Unlike typical acupressure points, the Jangmun Point requires a basic pattern of 'press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds.' Repeat this 15 times, then switch hands and repeat.

Hapgok acupoint. [Photo by Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital]

During Chuseok feasts, overeating or excessive drinking is common. This can lead to indigestion, causing symptoms such as abdominal bloating, nausea, headache, and cold sweats. Some people prick their fingertips with needles to relieve indigestion, but this carries a risk of infection and should be avoided. Pressing the 'Hapgok Point' is one method to relieve indigestion symptoms. In Korean medicine, the Hapgok Point (合谷穴) is a representative acupressure point for alleviating digestive disorders. If digestion is poor or you feel bloated, lightly press the Hapgok Point located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger while taking a gentle walk. Use the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand to pinch and press the Hapgok Point on both hands for one minute each.

Director Hong Soon-seong of Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital advised, "Even if pain is relieved through acupressure, if similar symptoms persist continuously, it is recommended to receive an accurate medical examination after the holiday." He added, "While it is good to plan to spend Chuseok meaningfully, it is also important to pay attention to potential health issues."