Relieve Arthritis Pain with Your Fingertips
Dr. Simon Mai
Pain is a leading affliction in the North America, which nearly one in every three people suffering from chronic pain (Spence 1990). It has been estimated that pain costs $70 billion a year in medical costs and lost working days
Living with arthritis or chronic pain? Our registered acupuncturists have helped patients manage chronic pain in Port Coquitlam and Burnaby since 1997. Book an assessment →
Pain relief by the Chinese way
Why people get pain? The classical Chinese explanation is that, in our body, energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues, blood flow and nervous pulses also follow meridians to run through the body to various parts, structures and organs. In the healthy body, energy suppose to move through these meridins smoothly. Any obstruction or blockages of the meridians would eventually lead to pain on the blockage area.
Stimulating some points over the meridians can influence that meridian: the stimulation unblocks the obstruction at the channels, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. After the blockage removed, the pain will be relieved. That is the reason why acupuncture and acupressure treatments can help our painful conditions.
In this article, I would like to introduce some acupressure points to our readers. Using your finger to press or rub these points, sometimes can magically relieve your arthritis pain. The advantage of using this method is that: (1). this method is convenient to be used, for example, you can relieve your pain with your fingers at home, at bus station, or in a gym etc; (2). unlike the pain killers, this method definately has no side-effects.
The Fourteen Arthritis relief points
There are 14 most important acupuncture points (Fig. 1) for the prevention and relief of arthritic pain. (click HERE or the picture for details). By stimulating these points with finger pressure, you can improve your overall condition and manage your arthritis
Benefits can be got by stimulating these points:
Point 1 This anti-inflammatory point has been used to relieve pain caused by arthritis in all parts of the body, particularly in the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders. It also is used to relieve neck pain, headaches, toothaches, constipation and neuralgia.
Point 2 Relieves arthritis in the hand, coughing, swollen throat, upset stomach and alcohol abuse.
Point 3 Firm pressure on this point is also helpful for tightness or pain in the shoulders, wrists and hands. This point has been traditionally used to balance and strength the whole body.
Point 4 This point relieves arthritis anywhere in the upper portion of the body, especially in hands, wrist, and elbow joints. When you feel tired or depressed, try pressing this forearm point. The point will often be sore, especially when you are feeling low or when your colon is congested. If there is arthritis in your upper part of the body, try stimulating this point on arms for one minute each when you get up in the morning.
Point 5 Relieves joint inflammation in elbow and shoulder joints. It also relieves fever, high blood pressure, colds, flu, skin problems, and depression, as well as general aches and pains.
Point 6 Relieves arthritis, bursitis, and rheumatism, as well as releasing shoulder and upper back pain. Also this point is traditionally used for spontaneous aches and pains, insomnia, anxiety, arm pains or numbness, and cold hands.
Point 7 This point is very often used for shoulder and neck stiffness and pain, including rheumatism. This point used by acupuncturist to relieve upper back pain and arm pains.
Point 8 Key point for releasing stiffness, rigidity, and arthritic pain in the neck and back. Also strongly benefits the nervous system and is especially useful in times of stress and trauma.
Point 9 This is a point used by acupuncturist for various health problems. For arthritis, this point can relieve stiff and painful neck. And back. For general conditions, it helps Hypertension, insomnia, headaches, eye-strain, irritability, nervousness, mental pressures, memory, dizziness, head cold, and neuromotor coordination problems.
Point 10 Relieves lower backaches, fatigue, reproductive problems, impotency, vaginal discharge, and kidney and urinary problems.
Point 11 Counteracts arthritic pain in all parts of the body, especially pain in the knee joint. Firm pressure on this point immediately fortifies the body with renewed energy. It helps to tone the major muscle groups, enabling one to have greater endurance. It is also among the most famous acupressure points known throughout China for alleviating sore, tired muscles, and general fatigue.Pressure on this point strengthens the whole body, tones the muscles, and aids digestion; it also relieves stomach disorders and abdominal pain.
Point 12 Relieves hip and shoulder tension, roving pains, headaches, perspiration, rheumatism, excessive water retention, and sciatica.
Point 13 Relieves sciatica, knee pains and improves the range of movement of the knees. It is also a key point for relieving stiffness and pain in the lower back.
Point 14 This point has similar effects as Point #13 on the lower back pain relief but it also helps problems at heels and ankles, headache, stiff neck and some eyes problems.
If you have any questions about practicing these acupressure techniques, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Simon Mai at 604-464-6523.