10 Hand Pressure Points That Will Help You Feel Better

You can repeat the cycle a few times throughout the day.

Your Ultimate Guide to Easing Back Pain Through Acupressure

Many individuals turn to alternative therapies that offer natural and non-invasive solutions when seeking relief from the persistent discomfort of back pain. Acupressure, an ancient healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained significant attention for its ability to alleviate back pain by targeting specific pressure points on the body. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the world of acupressure and unveil some highly effective acupressure points that can provide much-needed relief from back pain.

The Holistic Approach to Back Pain Management

Acupressure uses manual pressure to promote holistic healing by applying pressure to specific points on the body. These acupoints are believed to be connected to energy pathways, or “meridians,” which facilitate the flow of vital life force energy, known as “Qi” (pronounced Chee). By stimulating these acupoints, practitioners aim to restore balance and promote the body’s innate healing abilities.

How Acupressure Can Relieve Back Pain

Back pain often arises due to factors such as muscle tension, poor posture, or even stress. Acupressure targets the underlying imbalances contributing to pain, promoting relaxation, improving blood circulation, and releasing muscular tension. This holistic approach can lead to long-term relief and improved overall well-being.

What Conditions Does Acupressure Treat

Acupressure is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including-

• Headaches
• Morning sickness
• Acute and chronic psychological/emotional stress
• Nausea
• Addiction recovery
• Learning disorders
• Skin conditions
• Immune system deficiencies
• Musculoskeletal conditions and more.

Treating these conditions requires a skilled and certified massage therapist. In addition, it is essential to know that acupressure may not be the best solution for pregnant individuals and those with high blood pressure.

6 Most Effective Healing Acupressure Points for Back Pain

Stomach point

The CV 6 (Conception Vessel 6) is an effective acupressure point for lower back pain relief. This point is located right under the navel (belly button) and is known as the sea of energy.

To locate CV 6, hold your index, middle, and ring finger together and place it right below your navel. The region where the ring finger is placed is your stomach point. Applying firm pressure on the stomach point for 1 minute within intervals of 10 minutes helps strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles. For elders, pregnant individuals, and those with gastric issues, gentle pressure is applied using the palm’s base.

Lower back point

Pressure points along the spine, especially the lower back points (Sea of vitality), significantly reduce upper and lower back pain and fatigue. The points (B-23 and B-47) are located at the waist level, between the second and third lumbar vertebrae.

As you take a deep breath, even pressure is applied to both points of the back. During the exhale, pressure is slowly increased. When you reach your pain threshold, pressure is gradually reduced. Towards the end, steady pressure is applied for a minute, and the cycle is repeated. If you have a weak back, the professional will avoid using any pressure on the acupressure for back pain.

Hipbone Points

The hipbone points (B 48 and GB 30), also known as the Womb and Vitals, significantly resolve hip and pelvic issues contributing to back and leg pain. They are located between the top of the hip bones and the base of the buttocks. The right and left halves of B 48 and GB 30 are the outer sacrums at the bottom of the spine.

Once the hipbone points are located, the professional presses down and inward toward the center of the pelvis. It is gradually reduced after maintaining firm and steady pressure for 5 minutes.

Knee back points

The knee back points (B 53 and 54) are called Commanding Middle. Applying pressure to such points reduces stiffness in the back, knee pain, arthritis pain, and sciatica. These points lie in the middle of the back of the kneecap. You can locate the exact point by standing erect and applying firm pressure with your index finger in the hollow region behind the knee.

The professional applies steady pressure on these points for 30 seconds, taking regular breaks between sessions. Depending on the severity of the condition and your progress, the general duration of the procedure ranges from 10-15 minutes.

Hand points

There are multiple acupressure points on your palm and hand. Acupressure points for back pain in the hands are applying pressure to such points helps reduce pain and stiffness in the neck and back. The main acupressure point on your hand (LI 4) is located between the fleshy web of the thumb and the index finger. Another commonly used acupressure for back pain in your hands is TE 3. This is located at the back of the hand, between the ring finger and pinky.

The professional starts by applying even pressure for ten counts and releasing it for another five counts. This process is repeated at least three times for instant pain relief. On these points, practicing self-acupressure for lower back pain promotes the flow of endorphins and serotonin, which further help reduce pain and improve overall well-being.

Elbow point

The elbow point (LU 5) is also called the Cubit Marsh. It is located in the middle of your elbow crease. The acupressure point is precisely found by moving four finger spaces from the elbow bone. Applying pressure to this point reduces stiffness, pain, and spasms. It also relieves chronic lower back pain, tennis elbow, and tendonitis.

Using your left thumb, locate the acupressure point on your right elbow. Apply firm pressure for about 30 seconds and repeat the process 3-4 times.

How to Apply Acupressure for Back Pain Relief

To maximize the benefits of acupressure, follow these steps:

• Prepare: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax. Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
• Locate the Acupoint: Use the above descriptions to locate the acupoints you wish to stimulate accurately.
• Apply Pressure: Use your fingertips or thumbs to apply gentle and steady pressure to the acupoint. You should feel a slight sensation but no pain.
• Circular Motion: Begin massaging the acupoint in a circular motion. Try gently rocking your finger or thumb back and forth.
• Breathe and Relax: Take slow, deep breaths as you continue to apply pressure. Focus on releasing tension with each exhale.
• Duration: Aim to apply pressure for about 1 to 2 minutes on each acupoint. You can repeat the process as needed throughout the day.

Remember, acupressure is a gradual process, and consistent practice can yield the best results. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are pregnant, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before attempting acupressure.

Embrace Wellness Through Acupressure and Reclaim Your Life with Physiotattva

Incorporate acupressure into your back pain management routine for holistic well-being. Alongside acupressure, maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise, posture, and stress reduction techniques. Nurture your body, address root causes, and experience lasting relief and improved quality of life.

Using acupressure, Physiotattva aims to relieve symptoms of spine-related issues and improve the quality of your life through acupressure for back pain. Our team of experts provides services through outpatient consultations and home visits.

Don’t let back pain dictate your life. With multiple physiotherapy centers spanning two cities, our professional support is within your reach.

Get started now on your journey to holistic well-being. With acupressure as your ally and our specialized services at your fingertips, say goodbye to back pain and embrace a life filled with comfort, vitality, and joy. The path to relief starts with a simple step – take action and change your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acupressure help with lower back pain?

Acupressure on various points, including the lower back, hip bone, and the back of the knee, effectively reduces lower back pain. Acupressure points for back pain in the hands will help to relieve pain.

Which is the acupressure point for back pain?

The acupressure points for back pain include the hip bone points (B48 and GB 30), knee back points (B 53 and 54), stomach points (CV 6), lower back points (B 23 and B 47), etc.

How soon can I expect relief from back pain through acupressure?

The duration of relief may vary from person to person, but consistent practice of acupressure can lead to gradual improvement over time.

10 Hand Pressure Points That Will Help You Feel Better

Pressure points on the hand offer easy access to a number of energy meridians and are used in traditional Chinese medicine for healing purposes.

This article will cover hand pressure points that will help you feel better in different areas of your body. These hand pressure points are proven to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. They also help you sleep better, reduce headaches, and increase energy levels.

We’ll take a look at each point, where they’re located, and how to apply these hand pressure points to your daily routine to start feeling better through acupressure and hand reflexology.

10 Hand Pressure Points

These are the top pressure points on the hand that will offer relief from pain, stress, anxiety, and more.

Hand acupressure points are easily accessible, using the other hand and fingers to apply pressure, stimulate the points, and massage for relief.

For all the pressure points below, follow these steps to apply pressure and self-massage:

1. Depending on positioning and what offers best leverage, place your thumb or 1-2 fingers on the pressure point. Common fingers to stimulate points are the index and middle fingers.
2. Apply firm pressure on the pressure point and hold it for 5 seconds. Take slow, deep breaths while applying pressure and massaging.
3. Slowly and gently massage the pressure point using a circular motion for 2 minutes.
4. Repeat the pressure and circular massage on your other hand.
5. Repeat the cycle 5 times on each hand.

You can repeat the cycle a few times throughout the day.

1. Heart 7 (HT 7) – Shenmen or Spirit Gate

The Shenmen pressure point is found on the inner wrist crease by following it down from the pinkie finger.

Applying pressure to this point will help with anxiety, stress, insomnia, irritability, and chest palpitations.

2. Pericardium 6 (PC 6 or P 6) – Neiguan or Inner Frontier Gate

The Inner Gate pressure point is on the inner side of your forearm and wrist. It’s 3 finger widths from the wrist crease.

Stimulation of this point helps offer anxiety, nausea, motion sickness, and insomnia relief.

3. Triple Warmer 5 (TH 5 or TE 5) – Waiguan or Outer Frontier Gate

The Outer Gate acupressure point is found on the outer side of the forearm (back of the wrist). It’s located 2 finger widths from the wrist crease.

Stimulating this point will help with headaches and migraines, and neck pain and stiffness. It will also offer relief from pain in the hands, elbow, forearm, and wrists.

4. Small Intestine 3 (SI 3) – Houxi or Back Stream

The SI 3 pressure point is on the side of both hands just below the pinkie finger and just above the hand’s first large crease.

This point offers relief from headaches, earaches, neck pain, and upper back.

5. Lung Meridian (LU)

The Lung Meridian contains multiple pressure points from the thumb tip down to just below the wrist crease.

Pressure and massage on these points along the lung meridian will help relieve cold symptoms, including sore throat, sneezing, and chills.

6. Wrist Point 1

This pressure point is located on the wrist crease, in the same line as our pinkie finger.

Stimulation of the Wrist Point 1 will help control emotions, anxiety, and help promote happiness.

7. Base of Thumb Point

The Base of Thumb point is also found on your wrist crease. Follow your thumb down to the wrist and you will find the pressure point.

Pressure and massage on this point will help with breathing and respiratory issues.

8. Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) – Hegu or Joining/Hand Valley Point

The LI 4 pressure point is located on the back of the hand, in the groove between your thumb and index finger.

Gently massaging this point will help relieve anxiety and stress, headaches, toothaches, constipation, and neck pain and stiffness. This is a popular point to apply pressure for a better night’s sleep.

9. Ten Dispersions

As the name suggests, there are 10 of these pressure points. Each point is on the fingertips of each hand.

Stimulating these points with pressure will help offer relief from common flu symptoms, including a sore throat or high fever. There are some reflexology practitioners who also say that these points can help with epilepsy and a coma.

10. Four Seams

The four seams are found on the inside of non-thumb fingers – the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie finger.

Applying pressure to these points will help with gastrointestinal and digestive issues.

Hand Pressure Points Final Thoughts

Acupressure and acupuncture on hand pressure points have been around for thousands of years. They’re not new, but they’ve certainly become more popular over the years for the relief that they provide.

Acupressure is safe and effective when used correctly, and many people swear by it. There’s little to no risk unless you are pregnant or have another medical condition. Be sure to see a doctor if you have any concerns before trying acupressure.

Hand Pressure Points FAQs

What techniques are used in hand reflexology?

Hand reflexology techniques include pressure by pinching and kneading, rotations, sliding, and hooking with your thumbs and fingers. Hand reflexology uses pressure points on the hands to stimulate energy flow throughout the body. These points correspond to different parts of the body to improve circulation, relieve stress, and promote healing.

What does it mean if a reflexology point hurts?

If you feel pain when you press a reflexology point, it usually means that the pressure is too strong. You should try pressing the point again, but this time, apply less pressure. As the tension knots loosen, the pain should dissipate over the following sessions. If the pain persists though, then you should consult your doctor.

How do you do hand reflexology at home?

Performing hand reflexology at home on yourself can be done without additional tools. Start by relaxing one of your hands and using your other hand to apply pressure and massage different hand pressure points. Stimulating these points will help relieve stress, reduce pain, and improve circulation to feel better overall.

There are also some tools that will help you more easily perform hand reflexology or make the massaging more effective. If you have weaker fingers and are not able to apply sufficient pressure, these Kanjo products can help:

• Kanjo Pain Relief Gua Sha Myofascial Tool
• Kanjo Vibrating Acupressure Foot Pain Relief Ball
• Kanjo Acupressure Foot Pain Relief Ball Set
• Kanjo Acupressure Foot Pain Relief Multi-Roller
• Kanjo Acupressure Foot Pain Relief Roller

Many of these are named to reflect foot pain relief, but they can also be used on the hands. The techniques used for foot reflexology are the same as hand reflexology.

Combining reflexology and acupressure with an oil or ointment will also help when massaging the various pressure points.

• Kanjo Natural Pain Relief Oil
• Kanjo Natural Pain Relief Gel
• Kanjo Natural Homeopathic Pain Relief Arnica Cream

Which is better hand or foot reflexology?

Both hand and foot reflexology are effective, but there have been studies with patients saying that foot reflexology is more effective in reducing pain. Both of these are ways to improve circulation, reduce muscle spasms, increase relaxation, and decrease anxiety. The pressure points on the foot will access more areas of the body than those on the hand.

How do you release tension in your hands?

You can relieve stress by massaging your forearms, palms, and fingers with a warm washcloth. Warming your hands will help relax them and encourage circulation. That will help relieve tension in your hands.

Tension in your hands often comes from repetition and overuse. Try to avoid repetitive movements like typing and gripping objects non-stop. Always make sure to rest your hands and take breaks to help prevent strain and injury.

• Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/hand-pressure-points
• Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324699
• Prevention: https://www.prevention.com/health/a32336642/hand-pressure-points/
• Well and Good: https://www.wellandgood.com/hand-pressure-points/