Acupressure for Pain Relief
Acupressure for Common Pains
Talk about tried and true: Acupressure has been part of Chinese medicine for more than 5,000 years and it's still used throughout the world. This health-enhancing therapy is often confused with acupuncture, a similar and equally ancient practice that employs needles instead of pressure to target the same areas. Check out these fun facts:
- Shiatsu massage, a common offering at many spas, is actually a Japanese form of acupressure.
- There are more than 400 acupressure points that can help treat more than 4,000 symptoms.
-The earliest known sign of acupressure dates back to 3000 B.C. Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,000-year-old European mummy found preserved in an Alpine glacier, had acupressure point tattoos on his body.
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
Click through our gallery below to find out how to use acupressure for your pain.
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Acupressure for Good Health
For Tension Headaches
Press Here: Between the thumb and index finger bones on the back of your hand. When the thumb and index fingers are extended, the point is closer to your thumb.
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For Sinus Headaches
Alternate pressing the two points shown for one minute each; repeat three times. "You should feel your sinuses draining during this move," says Bunte.
Press Here: (A) A half-inch (or one thumb width) above the center of your eyebrows.
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For Sinus Headaches
Press Here: (B) In the hollow at the end of each eyebrow near the nose. It will feel tender when pressed.
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For Coughs
Alternate between these two points for one minute each; repeat three times.
Press Here: The palm side of your hand, a quarter inch below your thumb (shown).
And Here: One thumb width below the end of your collarbone in the spaced depression located above the first rib.
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For Upper Body Aches
Press Here: The top of the shoulder midway between the shoulder joint and the base of the neck. Use your hand from the opposite side to apply pressure.
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For Tiredness
Press Here: On the calf, four finger widths below the indentation of the knee, approximately one finger width to the outside of the tibia (shinbone).
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For Tummy Troubles
Press Here: The underside of the forearm two finger widths above the first crease of the wrist.
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
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Recent Comments
Starrpwnsj00 08:37:48 PM Apr 24 2009
Look, just because it doesn't work for some of you doesn't mean that it doesn't work at all. It's highly possible that you're hitting the wrong spot. Or maybe your body isn't normal. Whatever the reason, if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. Didn't your parents ever tell you that? And if you have kids of your own, don't you tell them that? Hypocritcal, much?
KarriemN 08:04:28 PM Apr 20 2009
I am 38 years old and I have been using this technique since my chinese friend's mom told me to do so when I was 13 and it does work. Most people including MD's, are not familiar with a lot of techniques like this, as well as homeopathic medicine. I don't trust traditional medicine because it's intended to make billions for the doctors and pharmeceutical companies. I use homeopathic doctors personally.
PuppyLilly@wild4music.com 07:34:18 PM Apr 20 2009
OMG she almost touched her majina(idk if i spelled that much)
LBrown1006 07:14:53 PM Apr 20 2009
IF THIS ACTION HELPS YOUR HEADACHE, YOU DIDN'T HAVE A HEADACHE. THERE IS NO CONNECTION BETWEEN THAT PRESSURE AND HEADACHE. IT COULD BE CONSIDERED DIVERSION. DIVERSION IS POWERFUL. THE JAPANESE USE TO CONTROL BABIES WANTING SOMETHING EVERY MINUTE. DIVERSION HELPS PATIENTS DYING, BUT PRESSING ON THAT POINT WILL DO NOTHING.LUCY BROWN RN PT
Princesscrazi7 07:03:20 PM Apr 20 2009
I just had a headache and i saw this advertisement. So when i opened it up and tried it it did not work. Listen: This may work for some of you but really i think it is a waste of time and effort!
Djdcolumbo 06:16:44 PM Apr 20 2009
AOL didn't create this therapy in an attempt to make eveyone upset. This has been around for thousands of years. No one said you had to do these things. Please use your own judgement and keep in mind what works for one doesn't always work for others. No need to berate the article for pete sake. Don't sweat the small stuff...
rockbratgoddess 06:00:17 PM Apr 20 2009
I was told about the pressure point for headaches in my teens when I started having migraines. It's never worked for me. Nor has the pressure point for stomach problems. I prefer to rely on my prescription drugs.
lawalkbl8 05:52:13 PM Apr 20 2009
Keep Copying and pasting for this important Warnican actually stng! Do not apply pressure to the "Hoku" ( the point between index finger and thumb) pressure point for headaches if you are pregnant.This can actually start premature contractions! AOL should be responsible for what they post on here as remedies without knowledge of it's effects.
Agapews1 05:37:25 PM Apr 20 2009
When my wife's sister was in her teens she suffered from frequent headaches. When I was around she would often walk up to me and stick out her hands without a word, as we both knew she got relief from her headache through this simple technique.
cooliocolin122 05:11:02 PM Apr 20 2009
*spits on this article* shitty artical because this doesn't work.

