By Introduction
Acupressure is a centuries-old Chinese medicine technique used to reduce pain, boost health, and balance the body’s energy. It’s done by pressing certain points on the body with your fingers, thumb, or a device. Stimulating the nervous system and improving energy flow can help reduce physical pain and discomfort, like lower back pain.
Lower back pain affects people of all ages. Acupressure is an effective remedy for this. To make it work, you need to know the right pressure and positioning techniques, plus the acupoints that will target your symptoms. This guide explains how to use acupressure to treat lower back pain, as an alternative therapy option to ease its related symptoms:
Acupressure Points for Back Discomfort
Acupressure is a traditional art of pushing special points on the body to reduce pain, increase blood flow and aid healing. If you have back issues, applying pressure to certain areas of the body may help. This article will explain the best acupressure spots to target backaches and how to activate them.
Bladder 23
Bladder 23, or the “Upper Sea of Energy,” is an acupressure point located on the spine near the shoulder blades. It helps relieve back pain by calming the nervous system and decreasing inflammation in the back muscles.
To use it, find the highest point of the trapezius muscle behind the ear, near the neck. Look down towards the spine to spot a small depression or lump. Apply firm pressure with two fingers or a tool like an Acuball Point Stimulator or Acupressure Stick for two minutes while focusing on deep breathing. You should feel instant relief.
For maximum benefits, repeat stimulation two or three times daily or when you experience discomfort, such as sitting for a long time or working out too hard at the gym.
Gallbladder 21
Gallbladder 21 (GB21) is an acupressure point. It’s two finger-widths and two thumb-widths from the corner of the spine, in line with the second thoracic vertebrae.
Traditionally, it’s used to treat pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and fullness after eating. Other uses include
- treating colds and allergies,
- improving vision,
- reducing headaches and
- restoring energy.
If your back hurts, activating GB21 can help. Put steady pressure with a thumb or index finger on both sides. Keep going until you feel tenderness. Then, take deep breaths until you feel relief. Do this a few times. Then, reduce or release the pressure.
Large Intestine 4
Large Intestine 4, otherwise known as “He Gu“, is a classic acupuncture point on the back of your hand between the thumb and index finger. It helps to relieve pain and tension. When pressed, it acts as a powerful circuit breaker, aiding energy flow to reduce stiffness, aches, and pains. It also reduces stress, fatigue, and fear.
This pressure point is known for relieving low back discomfort. It’s located four fingers’ width from the wrist crease. Massage it for 5-10 minutes daily, or use knuckle or press with a few fingers for more intensity.
Apart from low back pain, this pressure point can also heal
- urinary problems
- herniated discs
- dysmenorrhea
- and more
Studies have shown that targeting Large Intestine 4 can reduce nerve inflammation and help with muscular-skeletal issues in the lower back. Before attempting this yourself, get approval from your doctor if you have any serious conditions.
Kidney 3
Kidney 3 (K3) is an acupressure point located in the sole of the foot. It can help to reduce lower back tension, sciatica discomfort, and weak or stiff lower back muscles. Stimulation of this point increases the flow of both blood and qi (energy) to the lower back. This improves balance in the body and can ease pain.
To find K3, put two fingers on either side of your ankle bone. Move up a few centimeters until you feel a small rounded bump between your fingers. That’s K3!
Stimulate K3 by putting steady pressure with your thumb on the bump for one minute, twice daily. You can also use a tennis ball to massage K3. Stand on it for 30 seconds once or twice each day. Stretch out any areas before applying pressure to avoid straining other parts of your body.
Liver 3
The Liver 3 (LV3; Tai Chong) point is located between the bumps at the base of your big toe. It is a great point to target lower back pain and stiffness. Stimulate it with your index finger for 1-2 minutes until you feel a dull or achy sensation. This can help relieve back pain and other discomforts like muscle tightness and headaches.
Other helpful acupressure points are:
- Bladder 50 (BL50; Wu Shu), located between the 4th and 5th toes on both feet.
- Gallbladder 20 (GB20; Feng Chi), is located under and outside of each earlobe. Stimulating these points can help with neck tension, breathing difficulty, headaches/migraines, fatigue due to bad sleeping positions, and more.
Spleen 6
SP6 is an important acupressure point for back discomfort. It is three finger-widths above the inner anklebone, nestling between two tendons. Massage this point with moderate pressure to improve blood circulation and ease muscle pain and stiffness.
- Relieve lower back pain, hip discomfort, sciatica nerve pain, leg weakness, and numbness.
- Stimulate the spleen energetically, improve digestion, replenish energy, reduce stress and exhaustion, and sharpen mental focus.
- It can also help pregnant and nursing women alleviate leg cramps.
- Revitalize your energy systems like the central nervous system and assist body functions.
How to Use Acupressure for Back Discomfort
Acupressure – an old Chinese healing method. It uses pressure on body points to aid healing. It’s a drug-free way to get rid of back pain. This article shows acupressure points to tackle your back discomfort. Try them!
Identifying the Points
Before doing acupressure, it is vital to find the correct points. Most back-pain points are along the meridians. These are energy pathways in the body, which can get blocked and cause pain. The points are near the spine in the neck and upper-back. They may be different for each person. Only use pressure on the right points, as told by a qualified practitioner.
To find specific points, look up diagrams or speak to an acupressure expert who knows anatomy.
Applying Pressure
Acupressure is an old Chinese healing technique. It helps circulation and encourages natural healing. You can use it for back pain and other issues. If done properly, it can give you a feeling of relaxation. It also reduces tension and pain.
For best results when using acupressure to help with back pain, take your time and target certain pressure points. Gently press with your fingers or – if you have one – an acupressure tool. Hold each point for several seconds before releasing. Focus on the most tender areas and relax.
Here are three tips:
- Apply enough pressure so you feel tenderness, not pain. If you feel any discomfort, reduce the pressure.
- Keep your hands in place. Don’t move them around.
- Maintain your position for 20-30 seconds.
Doing acupressure for a few minutes a day can give you long-term relief and make you feel better.
Releasing Pressure
Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves putting pressure on certain spots on the body to free blocked energy and relieve pain. It can be used to reduce tension, align the spine, and improve circulation for back pain. By learning how to target the right points, you can get quick relief.
There are three ways to do acupressure. Before starting, make sure you’re in a comfortable position and nothing is blocking the area. Use your fingers or knuckles to apply pressure.
- Direct pressure. Use firm, consistent pressure with your fingertips or knuckles for 1-2 minutes on each point along the spine. Focus on releasing any blockages or negative energy.
- Massage. Do small circular motions around each point for 1-2 minutes. Then use direct pressure.
- Counterpressure. Use one hand to press inward while the other presses outward. Do this on either side of the vertebrae for 1-2 minutes, as if you were giving a Swedish massage to someone else. Breathe deeply if you feel overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Acupressure points provide a natural, effective solution for back and hip pain. When used alongside other exercises like yoga or Pilates, these points can reduce tension and help relieve pain quickly. Acupressure is an ancient healing art that is useful for both short-term and long-term issues. Before trying acupressure, always consult your doctor or health care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is acupressure therapy?
Acupressure is a healing technique in which pressure is applied to certain acupuncture points of the body.
2. How does acupressure help with back discomfort?
Acupressure therapy helps to relieve pain by reducing muscular tension and inflammation in the body, which in turn helps to soothe the nervous system and prevent further discomfort.
3. Where are the acupressure points located?
There are several points on the body that are used to target back discomfort, including the large intestine 4 point, bladder 23 point, hormone imbalance point, and bladder 40 point.
4. How long does it take acupressure therapy to work?
Acupressure therapy can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks to relieve back pain depending on the severity of the condition.
5. Is acupressure therapy safe?
Acupressure is generally considered a safe therapy when practiced by a qualified professional.
6. Can acupressure be used in conjunction with other therapies?
Yes, acupressure therapy can be used as a complementary therapy alongside other conventional and alternative therapies for back discomfort management.
