Regardless of the type of pain you’re experiencing, you’ll want to know about these 4 acupressure points for pain that will lessen your discomfort quickly!
In Chinese Medicine, we know that pain is the result of blocked Qi (vital energy) or blood in the body. When the Qi & Blood is flowing freely in the body channels, there is no pain. Therefore, the goal with pain conditions is to increase circulation of Qi & Blood in order to resolve the blockage or stagnation.
There are 4 points that do the job best, called the “4 Gates”. It’s really just 2 points; 1 on the hand and 1 on the foot that are used bilaterally (both sides of the body), totaling 4 points. Together they create an analgesic effect that is easy to try when experiencing pain.
As I write this, I happen to be nursing myself back to health after pulling my medial gastrocnemius (calf) muscle in a tennis clinic yesterday. I could barely walk or drive yesterday, so I set up a station on my bed where I could do acupuncture on myself and also work.
Even as an acupuncturist though, I usually don’t have time to give myself a treatment. Today I can walk more, so I’m off doing errands and getting to work, not immobile in bed. I’ve been using acupressure instead, which can be just as effective as acupuncture. This is something you can do too without formal training! And the 4 Gates are sufficient when you don’t know which local points to use for your condition.
“4 Gates” Acupressure Points for Pain
Hold each point with firm pressure for 1-2 minutes. Be sure to do both sides of the body, so you’re actually doing all 4 points. Adding pain relieving essential oils like Deep Blue Soothing Blend or Rescuer Blend to the points can augment treatment effectiveness.
Note: With acupuncture, both points are contraindicated for pregnancy because of their strong mobilization of Qi & blood.
Large Intestine 4 – “Hegu”
Locate this point on the back of the hand, between the thumb and pointer finger bones, in the middle of the bulge created when the fingers are close together.
This point is indicated for numerous conditions. With regard to pain, it is often used for headaches, painful menstruation, stomach/intestine pain, toothache, difficult labor, abdominal pain, and any other body ache.
Liver 3 – “Taichong”
Locate this point on the top of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and 2nd toe as you slide your finger up from the webbing of the toes.
Similar to Large Intestine 4, this point is indicated for numerous conditions. Alone, it’s a great point for headaches because it moves energy down from the head. Together with Large Intestine 4, they treat any pain conditions.
Please let me know in the comments if you found these points helpful!
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