Base Of The Neck And Acupressure

Acupressure is a relatively painless, holistic healing modality that involves pressing or tapping acupuncture points on specific body areas. Pressing points on the base of the neck and skull is an effective way to potentially relieve muscle tension, pain and immobility. Acupressure technique varies with each patient, but an experienced practitioner may use a few different methods to stimulate points. Talk to your doctor before trying acupressure, and see a qualified acupressure practitioner for optimal results.

Points and Meridians

In Chinese medicine theory, the body is made of energy called qi (pronounced "chee") that circulates throughout the body along lines known as meridians. Qi pools in various places along the meridians. It is these pools of energy that are considered acupuncture points, and are stimulated to promote balance in the body. The points can affect the organs, tissues or bones in the immediate vicinity -- called local stimulation -- or they can affect an area farther away and seemingly unrelated. They are also believed to affect mood, emotion and various illnesses.

Meridians on the Neck

Several meridians have points along the back of your neck, including the bladder, gallbladder and governing vessel. The bladder channel -- one of the longest in the body -- runs parallel to the spine, beginning at the eyes and traveling over the head, down the body. The gallbladder channel encompasses several body parts, including the head and neck. The governing vessel, or Du channel, forms a straight line along the center of your spine, from your tailbone to the top of your head.

Points for Pain

Massaging your neck and pressing specific points from the back of your skull to your shoulders may help relieve pain and muscle stiffness. Bladder points 10 and 11 can help with headaches and tight muscles in the neck and spine. Bladder 10 is located under the base of the skull, approximately 1 inch, on each side, from the center spine. Draw a straight line down from point 10 to find bladder 11, which sits to the outside of the first thoracic vertebra. Du 16 is found between bladder 10, and is also an effective point for neck pain and stiffness. Another pain-relieving point in the vicinity is gallbladder 20, which you can find slightly above and to the outside of bladder 10.

Acupressure Techniques

Your practitioner may choose a few different techniques during an acupressure session, depending on your symptoms. The most common way to stimulate points is to press into them with your thumb or finger. Aurora Health Care recommends rubbing the points in a circular motion using moderate pressure. Press into the point for up to three minutes or until you feel the muscle relax or become less stiff. The feeling of each stimulation can vary, from tension or stiffness to sore and achy.