Learn About the Use of Acupressure for Pain Relief
The Center for Lifelong Learning presents a three-session course on an acupressure technique meant to improve overall health and relieve pain. It begins on Friday, October 3 in CH I at 2 p.m. and continues October 10 and 17. Following her well-received May presentation on the basics of acupressure, Leisure World resident Yun Brown, a licensed acupuncturist, will explain and demonstrate the technique, called the 3-1-2 Acupressure and Meridian Exercise, in detail during these sessions:
Oct. 2, 2026: Learn the basics of acupressure and the 3-1-2 Acupressure and Meridian Exercise
Oct. 9, 2026: Learn how acupressure may be used to reduce knee pain
Oct. 16, 2026: Learn how acupressure may be used to reduce knee and low back pain
Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves applying physical pressure to specific body points, or acupoints, to stimulate the flow of energy (known in Chinese as Qi) and encourage healing. It is used to relieve pain, stress, anxiety, nausea, and fatigue. Like acupuncture but without needles, it can be self-administered using fingers, knuckles, or tools.
About the 3-1-2 Meridian Exercise
The 3-1-2 Meridian Exercise was developed by Professor Zhu Zongxiang based on the principles of the meridian system. The meridian system is defined as the collection of invisible channels through which energy, or qi, flows through the body. Dr Zhu established the Beijing Yanhuang Meridian Center to teach how the meridian based exercise can promote health and longevity. It has three components:
- 3 – refers to massaging three acupoints on the hand, wrist and knee
- 1 – refers to abdominal breathing, simplified from the kind of breathing exercises done in Tai Chi
- 2 – refers to the physical exercise of both legs
About the Instructor
Yun Brown, L. Ac. brings three decades of clinical experience to her practice. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist holding The National Certification for Acupuncture from the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM). Her mission is to make traditional healing accessible, safe, and effective for every senior.
Research on Acupressure
Acupressure is considered a Complementary and Alternative Medicine. WebMD states that it is likely safe when used appropriately and there are no known safety concerns. PubMed summarizes studies that link its pain-relieving effects to endorphin release, muscle relaxation, and nervous system modulation, though traditional concepts like energy channels (qi) lack direct anatomical proof.
Brown cites a clinical trial published in the JAMA Open Journal involving a group of older adults with knee pain who practiced regular self-treatment with acupressure over a 12-week period. The researchers found a significant reduction in pain scores following the period of treatment.
Residents are asked to register and pay the $20 fee on the CLL website, (cllmd.com). For more information about registration, see the Classes and Seminars section of this edition of Leisure World News.
