Pressure points massage and therapy--more commonly known as acupressure--provides a form of alternative medicine that helps to relieve pain, improve circulation and restore energy, or Qi, to all parts of the body. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, without the needles. There are nearly 400 pressure points found on the human body, to which when pressure is applied offers pain relief and stimulation for healing and circulation processes, says the Institute for Integrative Health Studies. Pressure points found on the back offer a variety of health and wellness benefits.
Sea of Vitality: B-23 and B-47
The Sea of Vitality is a pressure point found on the lower back between the second and third vertebrae of the lumbar spine, just above the hips. Place two or three fingers along a line parallel to the waistline bone on either side of the spine to find the correct points. The first point, B-23, is approximately one inch on either side of the spine; the other, B-47, is an inch or so farther away on the same line. Gentle pressure applied to these points for several minutes is believed to help reduce pain in the lower back region, alleviate fatigue and strengthen the immune system through increased flow of Qi or energy, says Acupressure.com.
Vital Region: B-43
Located on the back between the shoulder blades and the spine, two pressure points are believed to help promote calm and emotional balance. These points are located by counting down four spinous processes, or vertebral bump, from the base of the neck and then approximately three inches to the right or left of the spine to the upper edge of the shoulder blade closest to the spine. See the diagram linked in the reference to Holistic Online. You can feel the edge of the shoulder blade, or scapula, with your fingers to find its edge.
Kidney Shu: B-23
Pressing on two additional points found in the lower back region may help relieve erratic emotions, depression and fatigue, according to Holistic Online. Find the curve of the lower back and place your fingers one to two inches outward from the spine on both sides of the back to find point B-23, known as the Kidney Shu. Another two inches from this point, the individual may find point B-52, known as the Will Chamber. Apply pressure to each point for about three minutes for effective relief.
