Acupressure is a complementary and alternative medicine that may be able to provide some measure of relief for back pain. A shiatsu or acupressure practitioner can apply pressure to various points along the body to help release pain, as well as educate you regarding self-care techniques.
Back pain is a leading ailment in America.
What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure uses finger pressure along energy lines in the body.
Acupressure, sometimes referred to as shiatsu, is a system of alternative medicine similar to acupuncture that has origins dating back to 100 B.C. in China. Acupressure uses gentle stretching techniques along with finger pressure on specific points along the body. These points are thought to lie on lines, known as meridians, along which energy circulates through the body. There are 14 meridians and 361 pressure points located along them.
Back Pain In America
According to the Mayo Clinic, "four out of five people in the United States will experience low back pain at some point in their life." The causes of back pain are numerous, including poor posture, weak abdominal muscles, accidents or stress. Sometimes arthritis or more serious conditions can play a role in creating back pain. Many self-care techniques, such as acupressure and improved body mechanics, can alleviate much of the pain.
Pressure Points for Back Pain
The following points can help relieve back pain. With the client lying prone on a mat on the floor or on a massage table, use your fingers to apply pressure by slowly leaning into the points. Maintain an even pressure for one to two minutes, then slowly release. Finish with gentle rubbing or stretching around the area.
Note that the proper meridian names and point numbers are given for reference with any acupressure chart.
With the client lying on her stomach, place your palms along each side of the spine. Working your way down the back, apply pressure using the heel of your hand. Never apply direct pressure to the spine, this could cause serious injury. Next, apply pressure to the following points:
Bladder 48 -- located one to two finger widths outside the sacrum (upside down triangular shape at the bottom of the spine) and midway between the top of the hipbone and the base of the buttock. This point relieves sciatica, hip pain and low back pain.
Bladder 23 and Bladder 47 -- located in the low back, two and four finger lengths, respectively, away from the spine at the waist. This helps relieve low back pain, sciatica and fatigue from pain.
Acupressure Plus
In conjunction with acupressure, the practitioner may decide to use other methods to relieve back pain. Heat is sometimes applied to the affected area for temporary relief. Gentle stretching of the muscles is also used while performing acupressure.
Cautions
The Mayo Clinic recommends that you seek medical attention immediately if your back pain "is constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down." Also, seek medical help if the pain "extends below the knee," "spreads down one or both leg" or "causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs." Back pain may be an indication of a more serious problem if it is accompanied by "new bowel or bladder problems," fever, abdominal throbbing, or "unexplained weight loss." Back pain could also be an indicator of another medical condition if it "follows a fall, a blow to your back or other injury."
Acupressure self-care techniques should not be performed on pregnant women. See a licensed practitioner to avoid pregnancy complications.
This article is not intended to replace medical treatment. Allows consult a medical professional for questions or problems.
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