Roland Späht - 30.06.2023
Press these acupressure points on the back for back pain
Rback pain is a common problem that affects many people. An alternative method for relieving back pain is acupressure. Acupressure involves stimulating specific points on the body to relieve pain and improve overall well-being. Acupressure is based on the same theory as acupuncture, but does not use needles.
It originates from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Instead, fingers are used to apply gentle pressure to specific points on the back. These points are distributed along the body's meridians, or energy pathways, and regular application of acupressure to these points can help relieve back pain and improve overall well-being. However, it is important to note that acupressure is not an instant solution to back pain and requires regular use and patience.
Table of contents
- Study acupressure against chronic back pain
- Overview of acupressure points against back pain
- Conclusion
Study acupressure against chronic back pain
Susan Lynn Murphy, professor of physical medicine and rehabitilation, at the University of Michigan, published a study on the effectiveness of acupressure for chronic low back pain on June 25, 2019.
A total of 67 patients with persistent low back pain and chronic fatigue were divided into different groups. One group was instructed to use relaxing acupressure, another group received activating acupressure, while the third group was told to continue their doctor-prescribed treatment.
Generally, relaxing acupressure is used to treat sleep problems, while activating acupressure is more commonly used for fatigue and exhaustion. Participants performed acupressure for about 30 minutes per session over a six-week period.
The results were extremely surprising: acupressure is just as effective for back pain as conventional treatments. Compared to patients who received conventional treatment, patients in the acupressure group experienced significant improvement in their pain and fatigue. Patients who made up the relaxing acupressure group were also able to reduce their pain after six weeks.
No differences were found between the three groups in terms of quality of sleep or restrictions on exercise after six weeks. Murphy's study shows that a non-pharmacological method could be a potential alternative to typical medications for chronic back pain. Acupressure is also inexpensive and patients can do it on their own without having to expend a lot of effort.
Overview of acupressure points against back pain
Generally, for acupressure, the points for about 30 - 60 seconds. Start with a gentle pressure and increase it until you feel a "feel good" pain. You can also make light circular movements to stimulate the point. It is also recommended to perform acupressure two or three times during the day.
Acupressure points from the study
The He Gu (Di4)
He Gu is probably the best known acupressure point and is located at the base of the thumb joint in a depression. Press your thumb against your index finger. Place your other thumb on the highest point of the resulting bulge and press on this point.
Then spread the thumb again. Now you should have found the right spot. Helps with pain and inflammation.
Important! Pregnant women should not use this point under any circumstances. Often the point is used in obstetrics to induce labor and strengthen contractions.
Bai Hui (Du20)
The Hui burrow is located on the center of the skullcap: relieves pain and consolidates prolapse conditions.
Qi Hai (Ren6)
The Qi Hai is located two finger widths below the navel. Has a strengthening and firming effect. Caution during pregnancy
To San Li (Ma36)
The Zu San Li is located on the outside of the front part of the lower leg, about four finger widths below the knee. Has a strengthening effect and helps with pain, movement and sensation disorders of the legs.
San Yin Jiao (Mi6)
You will find the San Yin Jiao on the inside of the lower leg, four finger widths above the ankle. Helps with movement disorders of the legs
Tai Xi (Ni3)
The Tai Xi is on the inside of the foot, between the Achilles tendon and the ankle. It also helps with movement disorders of the legs.
Other helpful points
Here you will find more points that are recommended for the treatment of back pain. You can press them additionally or replace them with the points from the study. As it feels best for you.
Tai Chong (Le3)
You will find the Tai Chong in a depression at the base of the joint between the big and middle toe. Strengthens the psyche and helps with pain and movement disorders of the foot.
Shen Mai (Bl62)
You will find the Shen Mai in a hollow just below the ankle. It helps with pain in the lower back, the lumbar region and the heels.
Zhong Zhu (3E 3)
You can find the Zhong Zhu on the back of the hand in a hollow between the little finger and the ring finger. It helps with pain and movement disorders of the arms.
Conclusion
The study by Susan Lynn Murphy shows that acupressure for back pain is in no way inferior to conventional treatments. On the contrary, it also has advantages. It is inexpensive and can be done in the comfort of your own home. It is important that you do not independently change a drug treatment plan due to acupressure. Always do this in consultation with your attending physician.
About the author
Roland Späht is the founder of BACKLAxx® and a content strategist. He had already been struggling with back pain since childhood due to scoliosis. After studying engineering, he worked in project management for years and during this time he intensively dealt with the treatment of his worsening back pain.
His goal was to fight his way out of this downward spiral of pain without medication and permanent medical treatment. In this way he found ways and means for himself that permanently relieved his pain. He is firmly convinced that everyone can find an alternative way out of pain.
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