Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that aims to balance, restore, and preserve the natural flow of energy within the body. Acupoints are located on specific meridians or channels throughout the body. There are over a thousand acupoints located in the body, all of which are connected by 20 pathways. Over the years, specific acupointshave been proven to have specific effects on the body. Acupuncture treatment uses a combination of several points to address a variety of health concerns such as headaches, neck pain, allergy symptoms, low back pain, neuropathy, infertility, and digestive issues.
Acupressure is the term used when applying pressure to these acupoints with an object other than an acupuncture needle—most commonly, your index or middle finger. You may also use the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. Pressure should be gentle, yet steady. Each point should be pressed for 1-3 minutes. A dull ache can be expected during acupressure, performed to tolerance. If symptoms do not respond to acupressure, call our office for further evaluation and treatment.
Here are a few acupoints you can try at home:
Nausea – PC 6 (Pericardium 6)
Located on the inner wrists of each forearm, three finger widths or about two inches down from wrist crease, in-between the two tendons that run from the wrist to elbow
Headaches – LI 4 (Large Intestine 4)
Located in the web of the index finger and thumb on each hand. On the highest point when the finger and thumb are pressed together.
(Avoid during pregnancy – there are several other acupressure and acupuncture points that can be used during pregnancy)
Stress – Yin Tang
Located at the midpoint of the space between eyebrows.
Helps to calm the spirit, reduce anxiety, combat stress, and relieve headaches
Immunity – KD 27 (Kidney 27)
Located about once inch from midline of the collar bone, in the depression of thebone’s lower border.
Helps to boost immune system, relieve coughing, asthma, and chest tightness
Sinus relief – LI 20 (Large Intestine 20)
Located on each side of the nose in the depression where the nostril meets the cheek.
Helps with sinus congestion, runny nose, allergies, and loss of smell
Feb 21, 2017 at 1:08 AM
Will this help with back pain?
Feb 21, 2017 at 3:42 PM
Thank you for your question! Acupuncture can certainly help with a range of conditions, including back pain. We would recommend a consultation to determine your specific needs and treatment recommendations. Best of health!