Acupressure Points for Back Pain – Know How to Use Them for Best Results

Back pain is a widespread ailment people suffer from these days. Many factors lead to it, our sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and sometimes overworking. Acupressure, in addition to conventional physical therapy, can provide significant relief to back pain caused by stress, fatigue and spasms. Continue reading on the methods to treat pain in the shoulders and lower back and acupressure points for back pain during pregnancy.

How Does Acupressure Help Back Pain?

Acupressure is an ancient method to cure pains in the body and numerous diseases. The theory is that there are some pressure points on the body where the flow of our natural energies can be controlled to heal the body from infections. An elaborate system of mapping allows practitioners of acupressure to find and use these points to manipulate the energy flow. Back pain arising out of injury, stiffness, tension and other factors can be treated when the pressure to related points on the body is applied in a controlled manner. The process boosts blood circulation and relaxes tensed muscles to give relief over a while.

Acupressure Points to Relieve Lower Back Pain

Here are acupressure points for lower back and hip to treat lower back pain

1. Acupressure Point CV 6

The CV 6 stomach point which is also called the Sea of Energy point is commonly used to treat lower back aches. Applying pressure to this point provides long term relief from lower back pain by strengthening the muscles in the lower section of the body between the waist and hip.

Location Of The Point 

To locate the point, hold three of your fingers- the index, middle and ring finger together. Place the three fingers just under the navel. The firm region you feel with your ring finger is where the CV 6 lies.

What You Need to Do 

• Apply firm pressure on the point with the three fingers held together
• Maintain a steady pressure on the point for about 1 minute
• Repeat the exercise 2 or 3 times within a 10-minute interval
• Those with gastric trouble or weak stomach can use the base of their palm to apply gentler pressure

2. Acupressure Point B23

The pressure B23 is also known as the Kidney Shu and is among the vital points for treating lower back pain. Stimulating this point lowers the muscle tension and gives a lasting relief from lower back pain. It is best done with the help of an assistant or a therapist.

Location Of The Point 

The point lies in the intermediate region between the rib cage and hipbone. To locate it find the point where the inner bladder line intersects the middle of the waist.

What You Need to Do

• As you lie down on your abdomen, the therapist presses down on the B 23 point for about a minute
• Take deep breaths and exhale deeply as the therapist increases the pressure on the point
• Stop the pressure once you’ve reached your threshold of pain
• Apply steady pressure for about a minute and repeat

3. Acupressure Point B47

The point B47 lies adjacent to B23 and is yet another significant point to treat lower back pain. It is also labelled as B52 in some meridian charts. Stimulating this point with pressure relieves tension in the lower back muscles and eases the pain. Similar to B23, a therapist is needed to work this point.

Location Of The Point 

The point can be found on the outer bladder line in the middle of the waist and is located on the right edge of the erector muscle group.

What You Need to Do

• Lying on your abdomen, the therapist applies steady pressure on B47 for about a minute
• Take deep breaths and exhale slowly as the pressure is applied to the point

4. Acupressure Point GV4

GV4 or the Governing Vessel 4 is another vital acupressure point to treat lower back pain. Also known as the Life Gate, the pressure at this point is the most effective in easing lumbar back pain. It is also used to treat weakness in the knees, sexual problems in men, stress and chronic fatigue.

Location Of The Point

GV4 can be found at the waistline, at the same level as B23 between the vertebrae.

What You Need to Do

• Similar to all the acupressure points on the lower back, you will need a therapist to work this point
• Lying on your abdomen, take deep breaths and exhale slowly as pressure is applied on the point
• Apply steady pressure for about a minute and release

5. Acupressure Point B60

Bladder 60 or B60 is an acupressure point on the leg. Stimulating it can reduce stiffness and lower back pain. It also treats neck pain, headaches and dizziness. Pregnant women should avoid this point as it can induce labour.

Location Of The Point

B60 can be found in the space between the outer ankle bone and Achilles tendon. The location of the pressure point is also called the Kunlun Mountains.

What You Need to Do 

• Locate B60 which lies midway between the Achilles tendon and mid ankle bone
• Using the thumb directly on the point grip the ankle and apply pressure for 30 seconds and release
• Alternate between the legs and repeat it 3 to 4 times in each session

6. Acupressure Point LV 3

The LV 3 is also known as Tai Chone or Great Rushing point is used to treat lower back pain, stress, limb pain and more.

Location Of The Point 

LV 3 can be found in the place where the bones of the big toe and the next toe meet, about 3 inches from the tip of the big toe.

What You Need to Do

• Apply gentle pressure on the area using your thumb for about 30 seconds and release
• Alternate between both the legs and repeat the process 3 or 4 times in each session
• Applying pressure on this point every day for a week will treat back pains

7. Acupressure Point B54

The acupressure point Bladder 54 or B54 is also labelled B40 in some meridian charts. Stimulating this pressure point on both legs helps to release stiffness and lower back pain caused by ailments such as herniated discs and sciatica, control muscle spasms and leg pain.

Location Of The Point 

Called the Middle Crook, the point can be found at the back of the knee, on the middle of the crease.

What You Need to Do 

• With the thumb on the pressure point, apply steady pressure on it for about 30 seconds
• Repeat the exercise for 10- to 15 minutes

Acupressure Points to Soothe Upper Back Pain

Here are the acupressure points for upper back and neck

1. Acupressure point GB 21

This point is also called Jian Jing; most commonly used to relieve neck pain, stiffness, shoulder tension and headaches. GB 21 is where most of the tension is experienced by people who have a back or shoulder pain. This point must be used with extreme precaution as it can induce labour. Therefore it is best avoided during pregnancy.

Location Of The Point 

GB 21 lies on the top of the shoulders and the point is at a distance of two fingers at the base of your neck.

What You Need to Do

• Using the opposite hand rub the upper shoulder to find the tightest spot where the tension lies
• Curve the index and middle finger and hook them over the GB 21 point
• To apply pressure, let the hook supports the weight of the arm
• Massage and hold the pressure for 4-5 seconds

2. Acupressure point GB 10

The GB 10 acupressure point relieves tension and aches in the neck and head along with stimulating the hormonal functions of the body.

Location Of The Point 

The pressure point is located at a distance of one thumb below the skull and one thumb distance from the spine.

What You Need to Do

• Using the thumb on the same side arm apply firm and prolonged pressure on the point
• Pressure should be applied several times during the day and night for 2 to 3 minutes to get the desired result

3. Acupressure point TE3

This point located behind the knuckles can be used to ease back pains, neck tension, temporal headaches and shoulder tension.

Location Of The Point

The point is located between the groove formed by the tendons connecting to the 4^th and 5^th finger, right behind the knuckles. The region is also called the central islet.

What You Need to Do 

• Locate the TE3 behind the 4^th and 5^th knuckle and place the thumb of the other hand over it
• With the tip of the thumb apply a strong pressure into the groove
• Hold the pressure for 4 to 5 seconds at a time
• Do it several times a day to ease upper body tensions

4. Acupressure point LI 4

The LI 4 is a hand point for acupressure that can relieve upper back pain, neck stiffness, facial tension, headaches and toothaches. Regular application of pressure to this point reduces stiffness and stress accumulated throughout the day.

Location Of The Point 

The point lies between the web of the thumb and the index finger. To locate it, bring the two fingers together such that the thumb is entirely in contact with the index finger. You will notice a bump in the muscle and the highest point in this bump is where the LI 4 point is located.

What You Need to Do 

• Using the other hand, grasp the pressure point with the thumb and index finger
• Apply pressure for 5 to 10 seconds and relax, alternatively massage the area for 4 to 5 second
• Repeat 2 or 3 times to relieve tension and pain

5. Acupressure point K 27

The K 27 is a vital acupressure point to help release tension in the chest, throat and upper back. Activating this point enables you to breathe deeply and in a relaxed manner which is essential to release endorphins.

Location Of The Point 

The point is located one fingertip below the collar bone on both sides.

What You Need to Do 

• Using opposite hands press on the points with firm pressure for a few seconds
• You can also rub the region while applying pressure to release tension
• Hold for 2 minutes and take slow and deep breaths
• Repeat the process 3 to 5 times every day

6. Acupressure point GV 14

The position GV 14 is located on the upper back and can relieve pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. It is highly useful for those suffering from cervical spondylosis.

Location Of The Point 

The point is located at the shoulder level on the midline of the upper back.

What You Need to Do 

• While in the sitting position, the therapist applies pressure on the point for about a minute
• Your threshold of pain and comfort will limit the pressure

7. Acupressure point SI 15

The SI 15 point helps ease back pain and neck pain related to cervical spondylosis caused by wear and tear of the bone and cartilage. It can also ease stress and tension pains.

Location Of The Point

The point is located in the middle should region 2 finger width away from the spine.

What You Need to Do

• Since the point is unreachable by you, a therapist will have to work on it
• While you are in a seated position, the therapist applies pressure with thumb or knuckles on the point
• The pressure depends on your comfort level and is applied for 1 to 2 minutes

Acupressure can be done at home by yourself when you know where to use the proper pressure. Some of the points, however, have to be done by a trained practitioner. If you are unsure about trying acupressure on your own, consult a certified practitioner.

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