There are a number of pressure points along the body that help relieve pain naturally. Pressure points that are applied to the body release endorphins to the brain and act like a natural morphine. Acupressure also relieves pain by preventing pain impulses from the spinal cord to the brain.
Neck Pain
Acupressure can help relieve neck pain. The pressure point for neck pain is located on the back of the hand in the depression of bones below the knuckles of the pointer and middle finger. Run a finger in between the knuckles of the pointer and middle finger until you are right below the knuckles. There is soft tissue, or a depression, located below the knuckles. Press into the depression lightly, and slowly continue applying more pressure until you feel a dull ache that spreads from the pressure point. Hold this pressure point until you feel muscles relax and your neck pain disappears. If pain is felt on the left side of the neck, use the left-hand pressure point and vice versa for the right side of the neck.
Headaches
Pressure points for relieving headaches are located between the thumb and fingers or on the back of the head on a depression located at the base of the skull. If using the pressure point on your hand, apply pressure lightly between the thumb and first finger. Hold the pressure for about 10 seconds, and release. Apply pressure again using firmer pressure but not so much that it hurts. Continue applying pressure and releasing until your headache eases up. If using the pressure point at the back of the head, follow your fingers along the base of the skull and up until you feel the indenture at the base of the skull. Push lightly into the indention with your finger and then press upward. Massage the depression, pressing a little firmer. Keep massaging and adding pressure until your headache is gone.
Low Back Pain
Pain in the lower back can occur by sitting or standing for to long or by over doing it with exercising. The pressure point to relieve lower back pain is located on the back between the second and third lumbar so you will need a partner or tennis ball to help apply pressure. Have a partner apply pressure between the second and third lumbar while massaging the area in a circular motion. Continue to have your partner apply pressure and massage until the pain subsides. If alone, use a tennis ball. Stand with your back against the wall, and place a tennis ball along the second and third lumbar. Lean back into the wall with the ball against your back. Press your back into the tennis ball, and move from side to side until the pain is gone.
Tags: pressure point, tennis ball, apply pressure, base skull, below knuckles