Neck pain is a common problem that affects millions of Americans every year. It's not just annoying, it can also cause serious health problems such as headaches, migraines, and even paralysis.
There are many different types of neck pain, and most of them can be treated with simple home remedies. This article will cover how to relieve neck pain using acupressure.
Acupressure is a great way to treat minor injuries and chronic conditions without drugs or surgery. It's safe, effective, and inexpensive. And it works fast!
If you suffer from neck pain, then you owe it to yourself to try acupressure. It can help you get rid of your pain quickly and safely.
How Acupressure Works for Neck Pain
Acupressure is a healing technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that uses the body’s own energy system to heal itself through the release of Qi, or life force energy. The practice has been used for thousands of years to promote wellness and prevent disease.
The pressure points on the surface of the body are called acupuncture points. These points correspond to specific organs and areas in the body. When they're stimulated by applying firm, steady pressure, they stimulate the Qi flowing through those parts of the body.
For neck pain, there are pressure points located at the base of your skull, along both sides of your shoulder, both hands, and at the back of your head.
When you apply pressure to these points, they send messages to the brain telling it to relax. As a result, muscles become more flexible and blood flow increases. In turn, this helps reduce muscle tension, which reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
In addition, the stimulation of these points causes the body to produce endorphins, natural painkillers that make us feel better.
Pressure Points for Neck Pain
There are several acupressure points on different parts of the body that can be used to relieve neck pain.
To stimulate the pressure points, firmly apply pressure to the points for 5 seconds and 5 cycles. You can do this multiple times throughout the day.
If at any point, the pain worsens, stop stimulating the points. Continuing could cause more damage.
Here are the main acupressure points for neck pain relief:
1. Large intestine 4 (LI 4)
The LI 4 pressure points are located on the crease between your thumb and forefinger on both hands. When you bring your thumb and index finger together, there'll be a bump between them. This bump is where the pressure point is located.
Firm pressure at this point helps relieve neck pain and headaches.
2. Triple Energizer 3 (TE 3)
The TE 3 acupressure points, also known as Zhong Zhu, are located in the web between the ring finger and pinky on both hands.
Stimulating this point can help relieve shoulder and neck pain, headaches, and upper back pain.
3. Luo Zhen
The Luo Zhen acupuncture points are located between the second and third fingers on the back of both hands.
Pressure on this point can help relieve sore necks and pain in the arm and shoulder.
4. Gallbladder 20 (GB 20)
The GB 20 acupuncture points, also known as the Feng Chi (Wind Pool), are found at the base of the skull towards the top of the neck and behind both earlobes.
Acupressure at this point helps with neck pain and stiffness, headaches, vertigo, and insomnia.
5. Gallbladder 21 (GB 21)
The GB 21 pressure points, also called the Jian Jing, are found on either shoulder, halfway between your neck and the end of the shoulder where your arms begin.
Stimulating this pressure point helps relieve neck pain and rigidity, shoulder, back, and arm pain.
6. Urinary Bladder 10 (UB 10)
The UB 10 points, Tian Zhu or Heaven's Pillar, are found at the base of the skull on both sides of the neck.
Firm pressure stimulates these points for relief from headaches, dizziness, neck stiffness, and shoulder and back pain.
How to Perform Acupressure on Your Neck
The best ways to apply pressure to the acupressure points are by using your thumbs, fingertips, or elbows.
It can be hard to perform acupressure on yourself though, so it's better to find someone else to apply pressure as they'll have better leverage.
There are also professional practitioners of TCM. Finding a certified acupressure practitioner who knows how to use acupressure properly will ensure that you get the most out of the treatment.
Acupressure Tools for the Neck
There are various tools to activate pressure points to relieve neck tension and pain.
The Kanjo Memory Foam Acupressure Neck Pillow targets acupressure points on the neck and shoulders to provide pain relief.
The Kanjo Vibrating Acupressure Pillow targets acupressure points, while also vibrating to stimulate blood flow and relax muscles.
The Kanjo Acupressure Neck Pain Relief Cushion is made from a firm, flexible EVA foam that offers neck and shoulder pain relief from its knobs.
Acupressure for Neck Pain Final Thoughts
Acupressure has been shown to be an effective way to reduce neck pain and discomfort associated with many conditions.
There are multiple methods to perform acupressure on your own, but finding a qualified practitioner may be more beneficial than trying to do it yourself initially. Using acupressure tools like those in the Kanjo shop can provide simple at-home solutions.
Acupressure for Neck Pain FAQs
What is the fastest way to relieve neck pain?
The fastest way to relieve neck pain is through acupressure therapy. It can provide the most immediate pain relief that works on the underlying causes of muscle tensions. Exercises and stretches are great for relieving tension and improving range of motion, while also helping to address the cause of the problem. Pain medications can take some time to start working, but are also able to offer short-term relief.
How do you release a trigger point in your neck?
You can release a trigger point in the neck by applying firm pressure and massaging the area. You should only need to press down firmly enough to feel a slight pinching sensation. This should be done in small increments until the pressure feels just right. If you experience any sharp pains, stop immediately. If it's a hard-to-reach area that's hard to apply pressure on, you can use a golf ball or foam roller.
What does it feel like when you release a trigger point?
Once a trigger point is released, there will usually be a feeling of relaxation in the affected area. The body will often become less tense after releasing a trigger point. It's important to note that this doesn't mean that the pain is gone forever. Rather, it means that the source of the pain has been addressed for the time being.
What is the Difference Between Upper Back, Shoulder, and Neck Pain?
The upper back, shoulder, and neck are different areas that when painful can be confusing as to where the pain is coming from. Shoulder and neck pain will feel more localized in specific areas, while upper back pain will cover a broader area.
Upper back pain occurs between the shoulder blades, while shoulder pain will occur on the top, front, or outside parts of the shoulder. Neck pain will be at the base of your skull or the area that stretches down to where the neck meets the shoulder.
Sources:
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/pressure-points-for-neck
- Spine Universe: https://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/alternative/acupuncture/acupressure-back-neck-upper-back-pain
- Kaiser Permanente: https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/article/acupressure-for-neck-pain-1682100
- Flow Point Acupuncture: https://www.flowpointacu.com/blog/2018/8/21/acupuncture-points-for-neck-pain
- Doctor NDTV: https://doctor.ndtv.com/living-healthy/acupressure-for-neck-pain-pressure-points-which-can-help-in-relieving-neck-pain-1931580
- Acufinder: https://www.acufinder.com
- eLotus: https://www.mastertungacupuncture.org/