Nowadays, old age has become synonymous with osteoarthritis. It is one of the conditions that has a detrimental effect on your joints. This is a debilitating condition and sometimes you feel the pain almost all over your body. Yes, it hurts, but there are holistic approaches to treat the condition. Once such holistic practice is acupressure for arthritis. Before starting with osteoarthritis treatment, let’s find out a little more about this condition.
What is Osteoarthritis? It is simply inflammation caused in the joints. The osteoarthritis symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness. Don’t worry, there is a silver lining to this ominous dark cloud as well, in the form of acupressure. Did you know that 80% of diseases today are caused by negative emotions in your body? So, instead of harboring negative thoughts in the body, try to change things around and utilize a tried and tested treatment that will heal you intrinsically.
Acupressure is the ray of hope for people suffering from arthritis and living with it each painful moment of the day. Acupressure can be done anywhere, anytime and it does not require a mammoth effort on your part. It is a useful osteoarthritis treatment option and can complement your conventional treatments for osteoarthritis pretty well. Acupressure, in fact, can provide relief from pain.
Starting Acupressure Treatment for Inflammatory Osteoarthritis
Find out how you can use the acupressure points to treat inflammatory osteoarthritis and provide welcome relief.
Step 1.First, locate the exact points on your body. The naming system of acupressure is pretty similar to acupuncture.
Step 2.Relax and apply pressure onto each point for about a minute and then release the pressure, moving on to the next point.
Step 3.To make this treatment even more effective, keep applying the pressure on the points at least twice a day or as many times as you require.
The process isn’t difficult by any standards, so make it part of your daily scheme of things. You may find it surprising that you have pain in a different body part whereas you have to activate the point in another body part. The particular points are linked to different organs of your body. Just by pressing these particular points you will boost the production of endorphins, which mitigate pain. In fact, endorphins are also known as natural painkillers. The only difference between this ‘natural painkiller’ and over-the-counter pain-killers is that the former does not have any side-effects.
Why do you suffer from Arthritis? Find out the chief causes of pain:
- Aging
- Stress-related emotional problems, tension, and anxiety
- Obesity
How does Acupressure Helps Get Relief from Arthritis?
When you activate a certain acupressure point, it will release trapped energy, and this energy helps eliminate pain and heal the joints. We have already acquainted ourselves about the natural neurochemical processes that take place in our body. Yes, we are talking about endorphins, and Acupressure helps release and circulate the endorphins throughout the body.
When you relieve your body of pain, you also let go of the entrapped stress and tension in the body, which make our lives miserable. When you are more relaxed, you breathe better and basically spread energy throughout the body.
Indeed, acupressure therapyis more or less like a bane to pain and inflammation. If you have inflammation in your body, activate the points and hold them for longer periods of time to get relief.
Best Pressure Points to Relieve Pain for Arthritis
Now that you know the benefits of acupressure and how it can help provide relief to pain and inflammation, it is time we made good use of this treatment protocol. Activate the below-mentioned pressure points for arthritis.
1. Liver 2 Acupressure point:
Find this point between the big toe and the second toe. Lightly stimulate this point for the better part of a minute. Gradually increase the time and you’ll soon feel a difference.
2. ST 36 (also known as the Leg Three Li Acupressure Point):
To find this point reach for the inside part of your knee. This is where the tibia and femur meet to form a joint. You have found the spot, no not ST36, but ST35. Place your fingers pointing horizontally. Move 3 fingers down towards the foot and then move away one finger wide more towards the lateral side of the tibia. This point not only treats inflammation but also treats bloating, low immunity, general weakness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and basically all symptoms of poor digestion too.
3. Gall Bladder 41 Acupuncture or Acupressure Point:
Find this pain-relieving point right between the 4th and 5th toes, placed halfway between the web of the toes and your ankle bone.
4. Large Intestine 4 (Also known as the Joining Valley Acupressure point):
Find this point on the back of the hand and not on your palm. You’ll find this point between the first and second metacarpal bones of the hand and in the middle of your next metacarpal bone, closer to your thumb. This acupressure point is great for boosting immunity.
5. Kidney 3 Acupressure or Acupuncture Point:
Find your Achilles tendon, and you’ll find this point. The Achilles tendon is the stringy tendon, located on the back of your lower leg that moves up to your calf muscle. Find the medial malleolus bone too. This bone is right on the inside of your ankle. The point is on the median point of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon.
Start to activate these points whenever you feel the pain starting. When you get up in the morning, you will feel the arthritis pain at its peak. So, before you hop out of bed, start stimulating the points.
Besides incorporating acupressure into your daily lifestyle, you must take pains in bringing about the right lifestyle changes. A few of them are as follows:
1. Move more and increase physical activity
The pain may prove to be debilitating, but if you integrate physical activity in the form of exercises such as walking, biking, or swimming, you’ll help your cause. Ensure you include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, say five days. Maintain a proper balance between activity and rest to keep your joints in optimal health.
2. Maintain optimal weight
You can stall disease progression by keeping your BMI in the normal range. Actually, the heavier you are, the more likely you are to put more stress on the weight-bearing joints such knees and hips. For every 4-pound weight reduction, you reduce the load exerted on the knees.
3. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Try eating an anti-inflammatory diet by including more fruits and veggies, whole grains, plant-based proteins (such as beans and nuts), fatty fish, and include more fresh herbs and spices. Avoid anything that is highly processed, overly sweet or overly greasy. You can also try gluten-free and dairy-free diet as it helps reduce inflammation.
4. Help Assistive Devices
If walking more becomes a disadvantage to your joints, get help from an assistive device such as a walker, cane or crutches, to keep the stress off your joints and also improve balance.
Make these lifestyle changes and complement the changes by stimulating acupressure points for osteoarthritis and soon you will find a positive impact on your health.
Devi Gajendran
Devi Gajendran is a Post Graduate in Nutrition (University of Madras, Tamil Nadu) and has tons of experience in Fitness and Nutrition. She is the chief advisor and contributes to Modern Reflexology website and has her final say on all the segments under reflexology, acupressure points, acupuncture and so on. A holistic health advocator she believes that the combination of holistic practices can work wonders. When she is not sharing her valuable piece of knowledge about Reflexology she loves indulging in her hobby, dancing. She believes in driving away the blues with dancing. Her mantra is simple, stay calm and practice Reflexology.
FAQs
Can acupressure cure osteoarthritis? ›
These studies provide evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for pain and physical dysfunction associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis,1 affecting 80% of those aged 65 or older.
What is the best acupressure point? ›Great surge point
The great surge pressure point is on your foot, about two or three finger widths below the intersection of your big toe and second toe. The point lies in the hollow just above the bone.
Pain from other conditions may benefit, as well. To relieve headache, the LI 4 pressure point is sometimes tried. Arthritis. Some studies suggest that acupressure releases endorphins and promotes anti-inflammatory effects, helping with certain types of arthritis.
How can I help my osteoarthritis? ›- Medications (topical pain medicines and oral analgesics including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, NSAIDs).
- Exercise (land- and water-based).
- Intermittent hot and cold packs (local modalities).
- Physical, occupational, and exercise therapy.
- Weight loss (if overweight).
Spleen 9 (SP-9): Below the inner knee point
Helps to relieve: Knee pain, arthritis pain, and nausea/vomiting. How to find it: This point is on the inside of the lower leg, below the kneecap in the hollow. Directions: Using thumb or fingers, give firm and deep pressure. Repeat on the other leg.
With acupressure there can be a noticeable instant effect, however, it can also take 15 to 20 minutes until an alleviating effect occurs. With a little trial and error, and some practice, you will be start finding the correct acupressure point faster and more accurately.
What helps lower back pain from osteoarthritis? ›Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids (pills or injections) to reduce pain and swelling. Other medications targeting specific symptoms or triggers of inflammatory arthritis. Physical therapy to improve back muscle strength and range of motion in the spine.
Can acupressure cure knee pain? ›Many clinical studies support acupuncture's ability to relieve osteoarthritis pain, particularly in the knee. One study of 18,000 patients found acupuncture to be helpful for many pain conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.
What is the most painful pressure point? ›Painful Pressure Points for Fighting | Escape Chokes; Bigger Opponents
How do pressure points relieve pain? ›With acupressure, you put pressure on certain places on your body. These places are called acupoints (AK-yoo-poynts). Pressing these acupoints can help your muscles relax and improve your blood flow. It can also help with many common side effects of chemotherapy, such as pain and headaches.
What pressure points help you sleep? ›
An Mian point is placed behind your ear, 1 cm behind the middle of your ear. Placing pressure to this point for 10-20 seconds a few times can help promote better sleep. San Yin Jiao is also known as SP6. San Yin Jiao has been proven to improve sleep patterns for people with insomnia.
Why do my acupressure points hurt? ›Location on the body. Some points are just more sensitive than others! The fingers and toes have a higher concentration of nerve endings near the surface of the skin, so points on the extremities are naturally more sensitive than those closer to the center of the body.
What is the main pressure point in the leg? ›There are two major pressure points in the body. If the bleeding is from the leg, press with the heel of one hand on the femoral artery in the groin - where the leg bends at the hip.
Where is the P6 pressure point? ›Pressure or massage at the P6 acupressure point might help relieve motion sickness. The point is found three finger-widths away from the wrist, roughly in the middle of the forearm.
Where is the l14 acupressure point? ›Location: On the dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
What is the most effective treatment for osteoarthritis? ›Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
ACI has been shown to improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, including pain and mobility. It can also slow or stop osteoarthritis developing, delaying or preventing the need for joint replacement surgery. This makes it particularly useful for younger people with early-stage osteoarthritis.
What is the best exercise for osteoarthritis? ›Walking, biking, swimming, tai chi, yoga, and water aerobics are all good aerobic exercises for people with osteoarthritis. Water exercise is especially ideal because of water's soothing warmth and buoyancy. It's a gentle way to exercise joints and muscles -- plus it acts as resistance to help build muscle strength.
Where do you rub a foot for knee pain? ›How to Relieve Hip & Knee Pain | Reflexology - YouTube
Where are the pressure points on the knee? ›Where is the zu san li point? Zu san li is located below your kneecap, between the two bones of your lower leg. It's about 2 to 3 inches below the knee on the outer side of your leg. You can find it by putting your hand on the outer side of the leg over your knee with your fingers facing down.
How long does it take for acupuncture to work for knee pain? ›
Chronic Knee Pain
In the study, both needle and laser acupuncture resulted in modest improvements in pain at 12 weeks, but not at one year. 10 Acupuncture resulted in modest improvements in mobility and function at 12 weeks but not significantly at the one-year mark.
When it comes to applying acupressure to the face, Baran explains that it's important to use the right technique and find the right balance. “Generally we suggest a mix of pressing and massaging back and forth with one or two fingers, usually for up to at least 2 minutes per pressure point,” she says.
Can acupressure cure all diseases? ›As per new findings, the therapy mainly works against diseases related to nervous system and digestive system. A four-year research by a doctor with the Chinese Acupuncture Clinic Research Center in north China's Tianjin city has concluded that acupuncture can cure 461 diseases.
Where are all the pressure points? ›A person can find the four seams on the inside of each of the large joints in the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. Proponents of acupressure believe that these points can help treat digestive problems, especially in children.
What should you not do after acupressure? ›- Don't become a busy body. In short terms, experts recommend resting after acupuncture therapy near LAX. ...
- Don't take coffee and alcohol. ...
- Avoid ice and cold. ...
- This isn't the period for junk food. ...
- Don't engage in stressful activities.
Both treatments work similarly, but if you have a more acute condition, you may want a professional to help you. For routine complaints, though, you might want to consider first trying acupressure on yourself before considering acupuncture, since the former is the more affordable and easier form of treatment.
What are side effects of acupressure? ›Side Effects and Safety of Acupressure
Some people may feel sore or have bruises at acupressure points after a session. You may also feel lightheaded for a while. Pressure should be gentle over sensitive areas, such as the face.
Acupuncture's proven benefits
Many clinical studies support acupuncture's ability to relieve osteoarthritis pain, particularly in the knee. One study of 18,000 patients found acupuncture to be helpful for many pain conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.
In people with hip osteoarthritis, at close to 8 weeks:
‐ Acupuncture plus routine primary physician care may improve pain and function compared to routine primary physician care alone.
Chronic Knee Pain
In the study, both needle and laser acupuncture resulted in modest improvements in pain at 12 weeks, but not at one year. 10 Acupuncture resulted in modest improvements in mobility and function at 12 weeks but not significantly at the one-year mark.
Does acupuncture help osteoporosis? ›
Acupuncture can not only alleviate and improve clinical symptoms, such as pain, in patients with osteoporosis, but also can prevent osteoporosis by regulating the levels of endocrine hormones in the body, increasing bone density, and improving abnormal bone metabolism [11, 12].
What pressure point relieves knee pain? ›Spleen 9 (SP-9): Below the inner knee point
Helps to relieve: Knee pain, arthritis pain, and nausea/vomiting. How to find it: This point is on the inside of the lower leg, below the kneecap in the hollow. Directions: Using thumb or fingers, give firm and deep pressure. Repeat on the other leg.
Arthritis progression can be slowed or halted through a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle. Certain types of arthritis can be treated with methotrexate and other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that can slow disease progression.
How long does it take acupuncture to work? ›Acupuncture has a short term effect. The period of time you will feel its therapeutic benefits is around 3-4 days. If you are having it only and your problem isn't chronic, you can have it once a week.
What helps lower back pain from osteoarthritis? ›Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids (pills or injections) to reduce pain and swelling. Other medications targeting specific symptoms or triggers of inflammatory arthritis. Physical therapy to improve back muscle strength and range of motion in the spine.
How do you know if acupuncture is working? ›Acupuncture needles are much thinner than medical needles, and they are solid, not hollow. The needles may cause some muscle sensations, such as dull ache or tingling. Your practitioner will ask you to report when you feel a deep heaviness or numbness. Those sensations usually mean the treatment is working.
What is the pressure point for hip pain? ›Trigger Point Therapy - Self Treatment for Hip Pain - YouTube
How many sessions of acupuncture do you need for knee pain? ›Three sessions per week of acupuncture treatment may be superior to 1 session per week of acupuncture treatment for symptomatic outcomes in knee osteoarthritis.
What should you not do after acupuncture? ›So, what should clients avoid after acupuncture? Clients should avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, junk food, alcohol, cold temperatures, digital screens, and, where possible, stressful situations.
What happens after acupuncture? ›What to Expect After Treatment: In general, people tend to feel relaxed after an acupuncture treatment. And the days following might even mean better sleep, digestion, and an overall sense of well-being. But some patients report having a deeper, more intense effect in the days following a session.
Can Chinese medicine cure osteoporosis? ›
In traditional Chinese medicine, CO rhizomes are considered to have the effects of maintaining healthy energy and nourishing the liver and kidneys [34, 35], and are thus widely used to treat diseases and disorders of bone metabolism. In most Chinese herbal formulae, they are also used to treat osteoporosis [36].
Does acupuncture help bone healing? ›Acupuncture is a technique that employs very fine needles to stimulate specific body points and is an excellent treatment for bone fractures.