You can locate acupressure points by using nearby anatomical landmarks, especially bony or muscular indicators.  Acupressure points located underneath muscles, ligaments or tendons feel like cords, bands or knots of tension.  Points located near a bone are found in the indentations of the bone or in the hollow created between bones.  There are 365 traditional acupressure points and each has a poetic name based on a Chinese character.  Point names can be used to create positive affirmations and amplify the benefits of the acupressure session.  For example, hold the Letting Go points on your upper, outer chest with your fingertips.  Breathe deeply.  Imagine yourself letting go of your frustration and tension.  As you hold and breathe into these points, place your attention on your fingertips.  Say to yourself, "I am letting go of my negative thoughts, anger, and resentment."  The amount of pressure you apply depends on your body's state of health and fitness.  The more developed your muscles are, the more pressure you should apply.  If you feel pain, gradually decrease the pressure until you find a balance between pain and pleasure.  The pressure should be firm enough to "hurt good."  If a point is sore or painful, hold it lightly for a few minutes, and the pain will diminish.  The middle finger, the longest and strongest, is best suited for emotional healing.  A major meridian travels through it.  Use your middle finger to apply pressure with your index and ring fingers on either side for support.  The thumb is strong and excellent for applying pressure on areas of large muscle mass.  Avoid using your thumb excessively on an area that is sensitive.  If you need more pressure but your hand hurts when you apply finger pressure, use your knuckles, fists or some other tool like a tennis or golf ball.   You can also obtain massage tools at health food stores.  Acupressure is most effective when the points are held steadily with direct finger pressure at a 90-degree angle from the surface of the skin.  The correct pressure is applied slowly, directed toward the center of the body to avoid pulling the skin.  To achieve a deeper, longer-lasting healing response, release the finger pressure gradually and end with about twenty seconds of light touch.  When you hold a point in a conscious way for at least three minutes while you breathe slowly and deeply, you may feel a pulsation at that point.  This pulsation is a good sign - it means your circulation has increased, and tension and pain may diminish.  If the pulsation is throbbing or very faint, hold the point until the rhythm becomes more balanced and smooth.  If you do not feel a pulsation, you may notice other signs of release, like temperature increase, yawning, eyes fluttering, or a release of muscle tightness.  Source:  Acupressure for Emotional Healing by Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D. and Beth Ann Henning, Dipl., A.B.T. 
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