Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine used to heal a variety of ailments. By applying pressure to points on the feet, acupressure practitioners aim to relieve symptoms throughout the body. Foot pain can be treated using acupressure by focusing on acupressure points on the foot. Anyone suffering from foot pain should see a doctor before starting acupressure treatments.
Locations
Acupressure practitioners apply pressure to a few key points on the feet to relieve foot pain. One point is just above the intersection of the big toe and the second toe on the top of the foot. Applying pressure to this point increases blood flow to the feet and reduces pain, according to Freddy Alva and Billy Tuong, acupressure specialists at Sanh Hoa Long Herbal Pharmacy in New York City.
Acupressure can ease foot cramps, too. Michael Reed Gach, a doctor at the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California, recommends applying pressure to the foot arch one thumb's width away from the ball of the foot. Pressure should continue on this point for one minute to reduce cramping.
Pressure
To lessen foot pain, acupressure practitioners apply firm, even pressure using their fingers on pressure points of the foot. Gach states that the pressure might cause tenderness or soreness, but it shouldn't be hard enough to cause pain.
Some people use acupressure at home to treat their own foot pain. Experts at Stanford University suggest applying deep, probing pressure using a fingertip, knuckle or the eraser end of a pencil. At first, the application of such deep pressure can cause a shock, but with time the pressure will dissipate and feel more tingly. According to Stanford University acupressure experts, a person should apply pressure to a point on one foot for 15 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the same point on the other foot to relieve foot pain.
Benefits
Using acupressure to treat foot pain is a quick and easy procedure that reduces the need for prescription drugs. Besides just treating foot pain, acupressure increases overall wellness, according to Gach. Because acupressure can be practiced at home, using acupressure points to treat foot pain can eliminate repeated medical visits, which can require large amounts of money and time.
Considerations
Treating foot pain with acupressure is a good complement to traditional medical attention. Stanford University's acupressure website suggests that anyone suffering from foot pain should see a doctor before beginning an acupressure routine. Acupressure can be combined with other treatments to relieve foot pain and works best when it is not the sole method of treatment used.
Warnings
Acupressure experts at Stanford University warn that acupressure should not be used in medical emergencies. Anyone experiencing severe foot pain should seek a doctor's attention immediately. Acupressure should not be used by pregnant women or anyone with a heart condition. It's best not to apply acupressure for foot pain before or right after exercising, eating or bathing.
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