According to a study published in the medical magazine Pain Medicine, acupressure was able to reduce lower back pain by around 36%. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves pressing specific pressure points in the body to release muscle tension improve circulation.
Acupressure is known not only for providing relaxing back massages but also offers relief from many types of pain, especially in the back. In this article, we compiled a list of pressure points that helps relieve most types of back pain and give you a nice massage at the same time.
1. The First Point – Between Thumb and Index Finger
The first pressure point is located in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. This pressure point may be extra sensitive for some people and that’s perfectly normal. However, a little caution is still recommended.
To apply firm pressure to this point, place your thumb into the webbing of your other hand and then push up into that webbing with your thumb. Apply as much pressure as you need to and hold for about 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.
2. The Second Point – Inside the Wrist
This point is located on the inside of your wrist, right where your palm and inner wrist meet. Like most pressure points, this one can be found by running your hand around your wrist until you find a tender spot.
Apply pressure to this point placing the fingers your other hand into that tender spot and curling them in toward that palm, while applying firm pressure with the inside of your wrist. Hold for about 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.
3. The Third Point – Back of the Neck
The third pressure point is located on the back of your neck, right between your first and second vertebrae. You should be able to feel a little bump there—that’s the third point. If you are unable to find it the first time, don’t worry. It may take some time before you find it.
To apply pressure to this point, you can use your fingers or the heel of your hand. You want to apply firm pressure and hold for about one minute.
4. The Fourth Point – Lower Back
This point is located right in the middle of your lower back, between your second and third vertebrae. Those who experience chronic back pain are often familiar with this point due to how sensitive it is.
To apply pressure to this point, place your hand or fingers directly in the centre of your back and move them around until you feel a tender spot. Once you’ve found it, curl your fingers toward that palm to apply firm steady pressure for about one minute.
5. The Fifth Point – Inner Elbow
The fifth point is located on your inner elbow, directly across from the thumb side. Just like most pressure points, this one can be found by running your fingers along the inside of your arm until you find a tender spot.
To apply pressure to this point, place the fingers on one of your other hands into that tender spot and curl them in toward your palm, applying firm pressure with the inside of your elbow. Hold for about 30 seconds before repeating on the other side.
6. The Sixth Point – Base of the Skull
The sixth point is located at the base of your skull, in between where your neck and skull meet. While there are several ways to find this spot, one method is to run your finger along the bony part of your neck until you feel a small bump.
To apply pressure on this point, place two fingers into that small bump and curl them in, applying firm steady pressure for about one minute before repeating on the other side.
Are Massage Chairs a Good Alternative?
Massage chairs are a great alternative for helping you get rid of your back pain. A massage chair allows you to sit in a comfortable upright position while your back is gently stretched and relaxed. The massage chair does all the work for you, allowing you to sit at your desk without any worry about back pain or muscle stiffness.
Many of the best body massagers in the market are designed based on some of the principles of acupressure. They target pressure points in the next, chest, lower back, and legs to help relieve stress or pain.
Bottom Line
The pressure points we’ve outlined should give you a good start to relieving back pain. To find them, just follow the instructions provided in this article or consider seeking a professional for further suggestions.
Investing in a good massage chair is also a great way to take advantage of the benefits of acupressure without the hassle of doing it yourself or if you don’t have the time to visit a professional.
OSIM is a globally trusted company that offers effective massage chairs in the UK. If you have any questions regarding the products we offer, please contact us today. Our team would be happy to discuss how our massage chairs can help relieve back pain.
