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Millions of people suffer from back pain all over the world. Back pain is quite a common problem these days, not just amongst elderly people but amongst young people also, primarily due to their busy lifestyle and long working hours. Most of the body’s weight is borne by our back and as a result, those with excess weight are more susceptible to back pain.
There can be various reasons for back pain like injury, poor posture, arthritis, muscle strain, lack of exercise or too much stress. Treatment options for back pain may vary depending on the severity of the problem, ranging from simple stretches to surgery. Exercise, massage therapy and heat therapy are some of the ways to deal with minor back pain. Acupressure is one such option that can help to manage back pain symptoms and bring relief.
What is Acupressure
Acupressure is a healing technique which identifies specific pressure points on the body and uses those key points to stimulate the body’s own healing capacity. Some key points on the hands, arms and feet are pressed to bring relief from pain. Here we will discuss how to get relief from back pain using acupressure.
Acupressure For Back Pain Relief
Hand Acupressure Point
Relax yourself and lie down or sit in a position that is comfortable to you. Keep your hands and feet free so that you can use the pressure points. Now place your right hand gently in the left hand. The first acupressure point which you will use to get relief from back pain is located just below the meeting point of the thumb and index finger bones on the web.
Put your left thumb in between the right thumb and index finger and apply pressure using the left thumb to the top of this point and also apply pressure for 10 seconds to the bottom of this point using your left index finger. Keep other fingers relaxed and slightly curved. If after applying firm pressure you experience slight ache or burning sensation, it means you are using the right pressure point.
Every time you will use this pressure point, it will be less painful. Apply firm pressure for 10 seconds and then release for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat the process 2-3 times. Release of endorphins will bring relief form back pain.Now repeat the same process by locating the pressure point on the left hand. Some people have reported great relief using this technique. Studies also reveal that for some people acupressure works more effectively than physical therapy.
Foot Acupressure Point
Sit comfortably and hold your foot in your hand. If you find difficulty in holding the feet, take help from someone else for pressing the key point on your feet. Locate the acupressure point exactly where your big toe and second big toe bone meet each other.Place your thumb in the fleshy area and your index finger at the opposite point underneath your foot and apply as much pressure as you can for 1 minute. Continue inhaling and exhaling. Release pressure slowly and rub the pressed area.
Sea of Energy Point
Located at a distance of 2-fingers width right below your belly button, the sea of energy point can help to relieve weakness of the lower back, tone the weak abdominal muscles as well as treat a wide variety of back problems.
Sea of Vitality Point
This acupressure point is located in your lower back at a distance of 3-4 finger widths from your spine at the waist level. This point is used in acupressure to bring relief from lower back pains, fatigue associated with such pains and sciatica.However, keep in mind that this point may be extremely tender if you are suffering from a weak back. If this is the case, apply light, stationery touch for a few minutes instead of deep pressure.
Commanding Middle Point
Located in the middle of the back side of your knee crease, this acupressure point is extremely helpful in treating sciatica, back pain, back stiffness, knee pain as well as arthritis of the hips, knees and back. However, keep in mind that acupressure should not be used to replace medical care for back pain. Rather it should be used as an additional treatment along with medical care.
