Minimize Jetlag by Resetting the Body Clock

with Acupressure
by Mary Golob, PT

W 5-7am 1-3pm 9-11pm

ouldn’t it be great, when traveling
across time zones, if jetlag could be
Base of nail bed
avoided by resetting the body clock on thumb side of
the same way the time is changed on a me- index finger
chanical clock? Acupressure points, although
not quite as simple as changing the time on a
mechanical clock, can be used to minimize
the symptoms of jetlag. Here’s how it works. On the little Between the bones
Acupressure is an ancient form of bodywork finger side of the forearm, three
that uses gentle finger or hand pressure to of the wrist thumb-widths
facilitate balance of energy flow in the body. above the wrist
There are 12 major energy pathways in the
body called meridians, with each taking its
turn being the strongest of the 12 for a two-
hour period each day. Acupressure points are 7-9am 3-5pm 11pm-1am
located along the meridians and are the access
points to these energy pathways. Within each Outer side of On top of the
meridian is an acupressure point that works the foot just foot between
like a “reset button” for the body clock. above the joint toes four and
Reset the body clock when traveling by fol- connecting five where
lowing these steps: the little toe to the bones
■ Before boarding at your departure gate the foot meet
reset the time on your watch to your destina- Below the
tion point’s current time. (Your cell phone knee just
will keep you on schedule for any connecting outside the
flights.) shin bone
■ While boarding your plane, reset your
mental clock by visualizing yourself at your
destination at the time of day it is there.
■ Take your seat, relax and note the acu-
pressure point corresponding to the current
time at your destination. Gently apply pressure
9-11am 5-7pm 1-3am
for two minutes to this point on both sides of
the body while again visualizing yourself at
your destination.
■ Repeat every two hours, using the cor-
responding acupressure point, until arriving at On the inner
your destination and for four hours afterward if back of the leg
you are awake that long. just above the
■ Avoid the tendency to look back on the knee crease
time zone you came from. It is counter-pro- Inner side
ductive to say things like, “It’s really 2 a.m. my of the foot,
time.” Instead, upon arrival walk outside and above the joint
connecting Base of nail
allow your body clock to adjust and acclimate the big toe to bed on little toe
to local time. the foot side of big toe
■ Follow these steps again when returning
home or traveling to your next destination.
Enjoy being more mentally clear, energetic
and refreshed upon arrival and have a great trip. 11am-1pm 7-9pm 3-5am
Source: “Acupressure Eases Stress of On the palm of the hand where
Traveling” by Susan Popiel, RN, BSN, CST and the tip of the little finger rests
Cathy Miller, MM, LMT, ABT. when making a fist
Mary Golob is a licensed physical therapist
whose interest in acupressure developed early
in her career. She began taking professional
acupressure training seven years ago and is com-
pleting her Process Acupressure certification. Her
practice is located inside Porters Neck Yoga &
Spa at 8044 Market St. in Wilmington (see ad on At the center of the palm
page 8). To connect with her, email MaryGolob@ where the tip of the 3rd Slightly above the thumb
gmail.com or call 910-686-6440. finger rests when side of the wrist crease
making a fist
May 2011 7