Acupressure has been used in China for many thousands of years. It utilizes the same basic principles as acupuncture, in order to treat disease and to promote wellness and relaxation.

Acupressure is sometimes referred to as pressure acupuncture, or it can be regarded simply as acupuncture without needles.

What is the medicinal Theory behind the use of Acupressure?

Acupressure is one of several Asian bodywork therapies (ABT). Its roots are found in ancient, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Other types of ABT include Tuina and qigong. One popular form of Japanese acupressure is Shiatsu.

Traditional medical theory in China describes acupressure points, also known as acupoints, which lie along channels or meridians in the body. They are the same acupoints as the points used in acupuncture.

Practitioners of this healing method believe that energy flows through these meridians or channels. The energy is known as the life force of qi. In this article, we will reveal nine of the best pressure points for relief of pain.

1. The Neck

Neck tension or pain is quite common. Working at a desk or computer can cause it. This type of pain makes it harder to complete your work, but luckily, there is a pressure point in the neck that will ease the pain.

The pressure point of the neck can be located at the base of your skull in the back, when you create a “v” with the middle and index fingers. Squeeze upward, with your thumb on top, for a couple minutes. This will help in relieving neck pain.

2. The Forehead

The forehead is one of the pressure points that helps in pain relief. Massaging the acupressure point located directly between your eyes works wonderfully, to get rid of pressure and pain caused by eye strain.

Yin Tang is the name of this pressure point, and to utilize it, find the dip of your eye where your eyebrow is at the same level on the face as the point where your forehead connects to your nasal bone.

Stroke the pressure point area with your thumb or index finger for a couple minutes, when you feel like a headache is building. You can nearly eliminate that pain in this way.

3. The Back

Back pain is something that many people have to deal with every day. Upper back pain can be as debilitating as lower back pain, but pain in the lower back is more common.

On the ankle, you will find a pressure point that helps in the elimination of pain felt in the back. This pressure point will greatly ease your back pain.

4. Vomiting and Nausea

Vomiting and nausea may be caused by post-chemotherapy, post-surgery, motion sickness or pregnancy. The pressure point to counteract these maladies is found between the two larger tendons inside the wrist. You’ll feel it, about three widths of a finger below your palm.

Press this point with your middle and index fingers for a few minutes. Repeat as needed. Working with this acupressure point also relieves carpal tunnel syndrome discomfort, chest pain and upset stomach.

5. The Lower Leg

There are several useful pressure points on the lower leg. They include one above the calf muscle and one behind the knee. Another is located in the lower part of your calf muscle, right behind the shin bone.

6. Palm of the Hand

The palm contains numerous pressure points. You can manipulate them easily with your thumb or finger. Many types of pain can be relieved using these acupressure points.

7. Muscle Cramps

Pressure points in the body can help to relieve cramps. Place your thumb between your big and second toe on the top of your foot, and apply pressure there for one or two minutes.

8. Stomach Pain

Above the arch on the side of your foot, you can rub this point with your thumb, to help in alleviating stomach pain. This pressure point may also help aid in proper digestion.

9. Sacral Points

These points are found between the tailbone and lower back. They are useful in the relief of hip pain, lower back pain and menstrual cramps. Pressing these points with your fingers is the proper way to use their healing ability.

Understanding your Pressure Points

These are only a few of the helpful pain reliving pressure points you can use to feel better, or to help someone else feel better. With time, you will be able to properly manipulate them to achieve maximum relief.

You can also visit someone who is an expert in the field, and who knows how to use the pressure points. This is fast becoming recognized as a useful alternative to traditional healing methods, which don’t work on everyone.