5 Acupressure Points for Neck Pain
Do you suffer from neck pain? Muscle
tension and back strain may be the cause. The worn joints and broken
down cartilage can also be a factor. Neck pain usually centers on one
location in your neck, but it can also be dispersed. This kind of pain
can result in stiffness or spasms. So, what can we do to help ease the
pain? For centuries, people have resorted to reflexology and acupressure
to relieve neck pain. Acupressure focuses on points on your body that
can be massaged and stimulated to relieve health conditions, Treating
neck pain with reflexology is currently being evaluated for its
effectiveness, Nevertheless, evidence suggests it works for some people.
Below, you'll discover how pressure points might relieve your neck
pain.
The science behind pressure points and neck
pain
Acupuncture has been studied extensively for its treatment for neck
pain. Some evidence indicates that acupuncture does indeed work for neck
pain, though acupressure is not universally accepted as a neck pain
treatment. Researchers, however, do wonder if the needles in acupuncture
stimulate chemicals in your body that provide pain relief. However,
it's not to say that acupressure should be ruled out as a holistic neck
pain treatment. And it is believed that stimulating pressure points may
relieve neck pain and soothe aching muscles.
Pressure points for neck pain
Try acupressure for neck pain relief by following these steps:
1. Relax and breathe in deeply, being mindful to choose a comfortable
and quiet setting to practice acupressure treatment.
2. Use a firm, deep pressure to massage the points which you have
identified (see below) to soothe your neck pain. Bear in mind that it is
best to rotate your fingers in a circular or up-and-down motion for 3-4
minutes at each point. If you feel a sharp intense pain anywhere on the
body, stop right away.
3. Repeat the massage treatment throughout the day, if you feel that the
pressure points have been effective.
Take note of the following pressure points:
1. Jian Jing (GB21)
This point is located in the muscles of the shoulders, about halfway
between your neck and where your arms behind. This point has been
extensively studied in acupuncture for headaches and muscle tension. It
may also successfully treat the pain of a sore or stiff neck. Be aware
that stimulating this point may induce labor and should, therefore, be
avoided during pregnancy.
2. He Gu (L14)
This point is on the 'web' fold of the skin between your thumb and
forefinger. According to reflexologists, stimulating this point can
relieve pain in many different parts of the body, including the neck.
Once again, stimulating this point should be avoided during pregnancy.
3. Wind Pool (Feng Chi/GB20)
The Feng Chi point is behind your earlobe, toward the top of your neck
and the base of your skull. This point is used to treat everything from
fatigue to a headache. Stimulating this pressure point will also improve
a stiff neck caused by sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
4. Zhong Zu (TE3)
This point is located between the knuckles above your pinky and ring
fingers. This pressure point may stimulate different parts of your brain
when it's activated, promoting circulation and tension release. You can
stimulate this point to relieve neck pain that is caused by tension or
stress.
5. Heaven’s Pillar
This point is found on either side of your neck at the base of your
skull. It is about two inches away from the top of where your backbone
begins, right above your shoulders. Stimulating this point may help
release congestion and swollen lymph nodes that can cause a sore neck.
Acupressure and reflexology can complement other effective neck pain
relief home remedies. You can use a warm compress, stretch, and even
over-the-counter pain relief in addition to this. Normally, rest and
self-care are sufficient and most neck pain tends to resolve on its own
within a day or tow. However, recurring neck pain could indicate an
issue with your sleeping arrangements or the amount of stress in your
life. It could be a result of doing exercises incorrectly. If your neck
pain is a result of an injury or a car accident, get the care you need
from a physician and physical therapist.