Acupressure is an ancient Chinese method of applying pressure to various points on the body, called trigger points, which may help relieve pain, improve blood circulation and aid the flow of qi (also known as chi), or energy, through the body. Acupressure is basically like acupuncture without needles. Acupressure utilizes the same trigger points and meridian lines as acupuncture, but is also often combined with massage and therapeutic touching. You can use acupressure to help reduce or relieve pain caused by arthritis, headaches and joint injuries.
Neck Pain
To relieve pain on the right side of the neck, locate a pressure point found on the left hand. For pain or stiffness on the left side of the neck, find the pressure point on the right hand. The pressure point is located just beneath the V formed by the index and middle finger and below the knuckle ridge, about halfway between the knuckles and the wrist joint. Pressing against this point with your thumb, with your other fingers cupping the palm, blocks nerve pain signals and helps restore qi flow, as well as promotes the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, according to NeckSolutions.com.
Toothache
Relieve the pressure or pain of a toothache by finding the Quan Liao acupressure point. Find the point just below the center of the cheekbone, and place two fingers gently on that area. Slowly massage the point in an up-and-down motion, and then, pulling the skin slightly downward, press the pads of the fingers in an upward motion into the base of the cheekbone. Hold for several seconds.
Headache
You can relieve a headache in about five minutes by using this acupressure method. This method utilizes five different pressure points to help relieve the pain of tension or stress headaches and migraine. Start by placing your thumbs softly on your temples. Massage in a clockwise motion for about 20 seconds. Next, place the pads of your index fingers on your forehead at the inside or nose edge of the eyebrows, and massage in a firm, circular motion for another 20 seconds. Then draw an imaginary line from the outside edge of the eyebrows up toward the crown of the forehead, and place your thumbs or index fingers on those two points, massaging again in a firm, circular motion for another 20 seconds.
Find the imaginary spot between the two points you just massaged, in the center of the crown of the forehead, and massage that spot as well in small, circular motions.
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