Acupressure Points for Relieving Arthritis.
Working on these points can help you get better quicker. You do
not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them
whenever you have a free hand can be effective.
Points (A) -- Crooked PondLocation: On the upper edge of the
elbow crease. Benefits: Relieves arthritic pain, especially in the
elbow and shoulder.
Points (B) -- Outer GateLocation: Two and one-half finger widths
above the wrist crease on the outer forearm midway between the two
bones of the arm. Benefits: Relieves rheumatism, tendonitis, wrist
pain, and shoulder pain.
Points (C) -- Joining the ValleyCaution: This point is forbidden
for pregnant women until labor because its stimulation can cause
premature contractions in the uterus. Location: In the webbing
between the thumb and index finger at the highest spot of the
muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought close together.
Benefits: Relieves pain and inflammation in the hand, wrist, elbow,
shoulder, and neck.
Points (D) -- Three Mile PointLocation: Four finger widths below
the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the leg. Benefits:
Strengthens the body, benefits the joints, and relieves the fatigue
that often results from the drain of dealing with arthritic
pain.
Points (E) -- Gates of ConsciousnessLocation: Below the base of
the skull, in the hollow between the two large, vertical neck
muscles, two to three inches apart depending on the size of the
head. Benefits: Relieves arthritis, as well as the following common
complaints that often accompany arthritic pain: headaches,
insomnia, stiff neck, neck pain, fatigue, and general
irritability.
AcupunctureThe acupuncture points used will depend on the type
of arthritis and where the symptoms are felt. Here are some
examples. (Note: Acupuncture should be performed by an experienced
and qualified therapist. Do not do this treatment yourself.)If the
arthritis is in the shoulder joints, points called the Large
Intestine 15 and Triple Heater 14 might be used. (You can find this
point by the little "dimples" that appear on the shoulder when you
raise your arms straight out from the side of your body. )If the
arthritis afflicts the elbows, Large Intestine 11 (by the bend in
the elbow) may be used. The Large Intestine 4, or "Joining of the
Valleys" point on the hand may also be used. (To find this point,
push your thumb against your forefinger. As you do, you'll notice a
small mound of flesh popping up at the base of your thumb. The
highest area on the mound is the point.)If the arthritis is in the
hip, Gall Bladder 30 (in the buttocks) may be used.If the problem
is in the knees, the "Eyes of the Knee" points are used. (If you
put your fingers on the bottom of your kneecaps and slide them off,
they'll fall into a little indentation right below the kneecap. The
acupuncturist will place the needle there and direct it under the
knee cap.)If the arthritis is in the foot, the acupuncture point
located on the spot where the toes meet the feet will be used.For
any arthritic problems with the face or head, Large Intestine 4
(the Joining of the Valleys point) is useful.In cases of arthritis
at the ankle, spine and jaw, local points beside the problem areas
are used.\Acupuncture PointsFor arthritis of jaw:ST 7, SI 19, TW
17, LI 4For arthritis of vertebrae:M-BW-35 (yiayi) corresponding to
area of pain, UB 51, UB 40, GV 26For arthritis of shoulder:LI 15,
TW 14, M-VE-48 (yianneiling), SI 11, TW 3, GB 34For arthritis of
elbow:LI 11, TW 10, LI 4For arthritis of wrist and metacarpal
fingers:TW 5, 11 10, 11 5, TW 4For arthritis of lumbosacral:GV 3,
M-BW-25 (Shigizhuixia), UB 30, UB 26, UB 40, UB 60For arthritis of
sacroiliac:UB 27, UB 28, local sore pointsFor arthritis of hip:GB
29, GB 30, GB 34, GB 39For arthritis of knee:M-LE-27 (heding),
M-LE-15 (xixia), ST 35, ST 34, ST 36, GB 34, SP 9For arthritis of
ankle:ST 41, GB 40, GB 41, K 3, UB 60, GB 35, K 8For arthritis of
metatarsophalangeal:M-LE-41 (shangbafeng), SP 4, UB 65, GB 38, SP
5Ear points: Sympathetic NeurogatePoints of tenderness
corresponding to region of pain in body.Frequency of
Treatment:Daily treatment is required if you are suffering from
acute arthritis.For chronic problems, treatment may be given every
other day.Acupressure
Stiff, achy joints can be relieved with daily acupressure
treatments. Acupressure improves blood circulation for rheumatic
conditions. To soothe discomfort in the neck and lessen the general
irritability that arthritis pain can cause, use your thumbs to
press both GB 20 points. These points are situated below the base
of the skull, two inches out from the middle of your neck. Press
for one minute. Work on these points regularly, several times each
day, in combination with other therapies. The GB 20 point is a good
overall pain-relieving point and is one of the several
anti-inflammatory points. (other points are given
below.)Acupressure PointsFor elbow and wrist pain:LU 5, PC 3, HT 7,
PC 7, LU 9, TW 10, LI 11, LI 5, TW 4For ankle pain:SP 5, KI 3, ST
41, UB 60Rheumatoid ArthritisAcupressureNote: Although we list
several points that are beneficial, you do not have to use all
these points; use l or 2 at your convenience.1. (Li 4, Adjoining
Valley) Li 4 helps relieve pain and inflammation in the hand,
wrist, elbow. shoulder. and neck.Caution: Pregnant women should not
press this point. as it can stimulate uterine contractions.2. (Lv
2, Moving Between) This point is located in the web margin between
the big toe and second toe. Use medium pressure with your index
fingers, pressing on both feet at the same time if that is
comfortable, otherwise one at a time.
3. (Gb 41, Falling Tears) This point is on the top of the foot,
in the channel between the little toe and the 4th toe, slightly
less than halfway between the ankle bone and the web margin between
the toes ( closer to the toes). The pain and discomfort of
rheumatoid arthritis, and the emotional response to that pain, can
constrict the circulation of chi. This point is effective in
restoring the flow. Press with your index or middle finger, using
firm pressure. Start with light pressure, build up, hold, and
gradually release.4. (Gb 34, Yang Hill Spring) At the lower border
of the kneecap, slide your finger off the shinbone toward the
outside (little toe side). Two bones come together here. Press in
the soft tissue area between them, using your index or index and
middle fingers together. This is a major point in Acupuncture and
Acupressure for nourishing the tendons and joints. It also has a
strong effect on promoting the smooth flow of chi throughout the
body. Obstruction to the smooth flow of chi causes pain and
discomfort.The following points on the palm of your hand are
excellent for joint pain in general, and are also specific for
rheumatoid arthritis.On your palm, locate the area about one thumb
width above the wrist crease and about one finger width on either
side of the midline of the palm. Find the points in this area that
are the most tender. Press with the thumb or the knuckles of the
opposite hand. Use strong pressure. If the pain is worse on the
left side of your body, use the points on the right hand for
relief, and vice versa.Osteoarthritis
AcupressureNote: Although we list several points that are
beneficial, you do not have to use all these points; use l or 2 at
your convenience.
1. (Li 4, Adjoining Valley) This is one of the most important
points in Acupuncture and Acupressure. It is useful in relieving
pain and circulating the chi.Caution: Pregnant women should not
press this point.2. (St 36, Three Mile Foot).3. (Kd 3, Supreme
Stream) Disorders of the bone and cartilage are related to the
Kidney energy in traditional Chinese medicine. That's why, for
osteoarthritis (which is a degenerative condition), it is
beneficial to strengthen the Kidney energy. Kd 3 is considered the
source point of the Kidney meridian.4. (B 23, Associated point of
Kidney) This point in combination with Kd 3 greatly strengthens
Kidney chi.Traditional Oriental Medicine (Traditional Chinese
Medicine)Oriental medicine uses a multidimensional approach in
treating arthritis. The steps involve:1. Determine the "type" of
arthritis. Oriental doctors use terms such as Xing Bi and Tong Bi
to classify different types of arthritis.2. Treat with herbs and
spices, diet, acupuncture, "ear acupuncture" and other therapies,
as necessary depending on the type of arthritis and the
symptoms.Types of Arthritis from Oriental Medicine PerspectiveXing
Bi. With this "migratory" arthritis, the pain moves around the
body. It's caused by wind, dampness and cold invading and
obstructing the chi (energy) and blood circulation. The patient is
often thin, dislikes wind and has a white coating to the
tongue.
Tong Bi. In this "painful" type of arthritis, severe pain stays
in place at one or more joints. It's caused by excessive cold,
which slows the circulation of chi and blood. It's made worse by
cold and lack of movement, but feels better with heat. There is
typically no inflammation or redness at the afflicted joint.
Zuo Bi. This is a "fixed" type of arthritis characterized by
dampness and internal stagnation, in which the afflicted parts of
the body become heavy and numb. The tongue typically has a greasy
white coating, and the pain is worse on rainy and cloudy days.
Re Bi. Caused by the conversion of pre-existing problems into
heat, this "hot" arthritis produces swelling, tenderness and sharp
pain in one or more joints. The patient's tongue is typically
covered with a dry yellow coating, and the pulse is "slippery" and
fast.
TreatmentAfter determining the "type" of arthritis, the Oriental
medicine practitioner tries to relieve the symptoms and to
strengthen the body. A combination of herbs and spices, diet,
acupuncture, "ear acupuncture" and other therapies, are used, as
necessary.Herbs and SpicesA variety of herbs and spices are used.
The actual herb used and the quantity and frequency will depend
upon the condition of the person being treated. Dried ginger is a
popular herb in oriental medicine. It is a hot substance that warms
the intestines while toning the stomach, lungs and spleen.Very
often combinations of herbs are used. Some of the herbal formulas
that are useful to treat arthritis include:Chen Pu Hu Chien Wan
Feng Shih Hsiao Tung Wan
Guan Jie Yan Wan
Herbal Formula for those with a robust constitution (strong,
loud voice, and thick tongue coating):4 parts chaparral leaf2 parts
devil's claw root2 parts sassafras root bark2 parts dried
gingerroot1 part black cohosh root1 part burdock root1 part prickly
ash barkHerbal Formula For Individuals who are weaker and more
deficient (frail, pale, little or no tongue coating, introverted
personality):4 parts suma root4 parts motherwort4 pans prickly ash
bark4 parts oshaaigusticum root2 parts angelica root11/2 parts
Siberian ginseng11/2 parts cinnamon barkDietThe following foods are
useful for arthritis:Black soybean - increases blood circulation.
Useful for rheumatoid arthritis.
Cherry - useful to treat rheumatism.
Grape - Increases energy while strengthening the lungs, spleen
and kidneys.
Papaya - Useful for rheumatoid arthritis
Royal jelly - Useful for rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis Relief with Acupressure This is the web page that will
focus on arthritis. This page will include background, research,
articles, how to start using the points, blogs, facebook, twitter
connections and all other networking information. This page will be
open only to people who are part of the acupressure study program
and are allowing us to assist them to get the best personal results
possible and to track their progress. The link to the points for
relief of arthritis are found below. In general you should include
the points for arthritis along with the specific points for the
part of the body or type of arthritis that you are working with.The
Washington Acupuncture Center treated over 10,000 with acupuncture
with 80% having very significant improvement. Below are their
comments when considering this condition. MUSCULOSKELETAL
DISORDERSAcupuncture will not change bony abnormalities or restore
completely atrophied tissues, but it is useful for relieving pain,
stiffness, and swelling of muscles and joint
structures.ARTHRITISThe term arthritis means inflammation of the
joints, and usually involves pain, stiffness, and limitation of
function. Rheumatism is another name for it. Although arthritis
occurs in a number of different forms, there are essentially two
major types: (1) inflammatory, which may be exudative,
proliferative, or a combination of both; and (2) degenerative,
which may result from injury, malnutrition, and limited capacity of
the articular cartilaginous surface to repair itself. The first
group includes the types of arthritis associated with infective
agents, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and
connective arthitissue disorders. The second group comprises
degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis and
hypertrophic arthritis.
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by increased blood
uric acid and is basically a metabolic disorder. In cases of
persistent gouty arthritis, acupuncture can be given along with any
prescribed medication to relieve the unpleasant symptoms. Most
types of arthritis tend to be relentlessly progressive, with
increasing joint destruction, pain, and limitation of motion. Until
the disease becomes severe, many people relieve their symptoms with
non-prescription drugs containing aspirin (acetylsalysilic acid).
Unfortunately, this tends to cause stomach ulcers and a generalized
bleeding tendency. Phenylbutazone and indomethacin may also give
temporary relief, but their use is associated with a large number
of toxic, and sometimes fatal, side effects. For arthritis that
does not respond to the above drugs, some physicians prescribe such
toxic substances as gold salts, antimalarial agents,
corticosteroids, and immu-nosuppressive therapy with cytoxan and
imuran. The harm these chemicals do to a patients general health
outweighs their temporary advantages.
Megavitamin therapy with high doses of Vitamin C and
Pantothenate is helpful in reducing arthritis symptoms and the
bleeding induced by many antiarthritis drugs. These vitamins help
restore the function of adrenal glands suppressed by cortisone and
its derivatives.They should be instituted promptly and continued
after acupuncture. Corticoid drugs must be reduced very slowly to
avoid serious with-drawal symptoms, but most other antiarthritis
drugs can be discontinued as soon as pain is relieved by
acupuncture.
The Washington Acupuncture Center has treated over 10,000
patients for various forms of arthritis and more than 80 % of them
have had significant improvement. Most patients have their pain,
swelling, and stiffness significantly relieved by the time they
have had six to ten acupuncture treatments. Some of them have
remained free from these symptoms for more than five years after
their first course oftreatments. Others have had a recurrence of
pain after a year or sixmonths, but the pain was relieved again
after another course of treatment. Some people with severe
rheumatoid arthritis have been able to stay almost symptom-free by
having maintenance treatments once a week or less often. They have
been able to discontinue the corticoids, phenylbutazone, gold
salts, and other dangerous drugs they have been taking and have a
normal life. Acupuncture will not change bony deformities, of
course, but it is remarkable how well a person can function in
spite of these if he is free from pain and stiffness.CONNECTIVE
TISSUE DISORDERS RELATED TO ARTHRITISSome serious connective tissue
disorders include arthritis symptoms and are, therefore, thought to
be related to arthritis. Like arthritis,they have an obscure
etiology which may be similar to that of arthritis.Those which may
be helped by acupuncture include lupus erythematosus, polymyositis,
Sjgrens syndrome, and Reiters syndrome.
Lupus erythematosus may be cutaneous or systemic, the latter
being much more serious. It may afflict young people, especially
women, and progress from the skin to connective tissues throughout
the body. The typical skin lesions are circumscribed macules and
plaques with erythema, follicular plugging, scales, telangiectasis
and atrophy. Sunlight exacerbates the skin lesions. The main
medications given to treat lupus are cortisone derivatives and
antimalaria drugs.These medications bring only temporary relief of
symptoms and may cause other problems. Selection of acupuncture
points to treat lupus depends on the symptomology.
Polymyositis is simultaneous inflammation of many muscles. It is
a painful and disabling condition which may respond to
acupuncturefor relief of pain in the afflicted areas.
Reiters syndrome is urethritis, conjunctivitis, and
polyarthritis. Because of the similarity of its symptoms to
gonorrheal arthritis, a course of antibiotics should be given
before acupuncture. The arthritic manifestations of Reiters
syndrome should be treated with acupuncture points similar to those
for treating other types of arthritis.
Sjogrens syndrome is a symptom complex that includes
polyarthritis, enlargement of the parotid gland, and drying of the
conjunctiva, mucous membranes of the mouth, nasopharynx, and
bronchial tree. No medications have been found helpful for
treatment of this disorder.
General Acupressure Points to Stay Fit
With the research based on the available literature, we could
fairly establish that by checking and activating the following
eight points daily, one can stay healthy.
These eight points are:
1. LI-4 Situated in the web of the thumb and index finger. (Fig.
19.)You can get this point at the centre of the mount which forms
when you press your thumb close to index finger.
2. TW-5 Situated at four fingers from the wrist crease.( Fig.
19)3.P-6 Situated at three fingers from the wrist joint at the
centre. (Fig. 20)
4. St-36 Situated at four fingers from the knee joint at the
centre. (Fig. 21)5. Liv-3 Situated just at the end of the cavity
between the thumb andthe second toe approximately one and half inch
from the web. (Fig. 22)
6. K-3 Situated just one finger from the protruding ankle bone
towards the heel. (Fig. 23)
7. Sp-6 Situated three fingers from the protruding ankle bone
towards the calf muscles.( Fig. 23)8. GV-20 Situated at the
crossing point of the line drawn from the centre of the ears and
the mid-line of the skull. (Fig. 23a)
Asthma / Bronchitis
Asthma
Severe difficulty in breathing due to allergies, emotional
stress and a number of other factors
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
Solar PlexusLU-1,5,7
PituitaryK-3
LungSp-6
AdrenalSt-40
IntestineGV-14
Bronchitis
The inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes
Caused by bacterial or viral infection
Lowered body resistance
Complication from frequent cold
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
Solar PlexusLU-1,5,9 & Li-4
Lung ReflexusP-9 & K-2
Adrenal GlandSt-40 & TW-3
Lymphatic SystemCV-17,22 & GV-14
B-13,14 & Li-4
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
Solar PlexusLU-1,5,9 & Li-4
Lung ReflexusP-9 & K-2
Adrenal GlandSt-40 & TW-3
Lymphatic SystemCV-17,22 & GV-14
B-13,14 & Li-4
UP
Headache
Causes for HeadAche
Food Allergies and poor diet
Tension in neck and shoulder muscles
Vision problems
Emotional Stress
Excessive noise and light
Toxic reactions of drugs and alcohol
Causes for Migraine
Not well known
Disturbances in blood circulation in the brain
Stress and exhaustion
Glandular imbalances Allergies and High Blood Pressure
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
Solar PlexusB-2
BrainH-5,7
SinusTW-3,4,5,23
EarGB-14,20
EyeLi-4
Large IntestineSt-41,45
Arms and ShouldersSun-X
SpineLiv-3
UP
Back-ache/Neck-Pain/Shoulder-pain
Causes for Back-ache Poor Posture
Pinched Nerves
Muscle Strain
Stress
Injury Causes for Neck-Pain Often from stress and tension
Holding the head in improper position for a long time
Reflex Points Solar Plexus
Arms and shoulder
Spine Reflexes
Rotation of ankle,Knee,leg
Thumb Rotation
Toe Rotation
7th Cervical
Rotation of wrist,elbow,arm Acupressure points
B-10,GB-21,Si-12,TW-14,GV-14
Back-pain in Lower and Middle region
Causes Poor posture
Stress and Tension
Improper lifting
Standing or sitting for a long periods of time
Due to prostate problem for men
During menstrual time and pregnency for women
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
Solar PlexusB-13,B-41
KidneyB-21,B-47
SpineB-23,B-51
Hip,Thigh and LegGB-30,GV 1 and 2
Sciatic Nerve
UP
Causes for Common Cold Infection due to wide variety of
viruses
Symptoms
Nasal Congestion
Sneezing
Running nose and tears in eyes
Muscular pain
Coughing
Occasional Fever
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane along the line of
sinusesCauses Allergies
Exposure to pollutants
Exposure to extreme temperature Upper respiratory tract
infection
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
PituitaryK-7
SinusH-7
EarLi-4,20
LungsSt-2,45
AdrenalB-2
LymphaticGV-24
UP
Acidity, Indigestion and Flatulence
Symptoms Burning sensation in the chest after taking food
Uncomfortable feeling in the stomach and in the intestine due to
excess gas
Causes
Improper Food
Improper timings
Consuming oily, spicy or sour food stuff
Eating acid-forming, gas-causing food
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
StomachB-22
LiverLi-2,3,4
Gall BladderK-3
IntestineSt-25,36,41,42,45
Sp-5,6
GB-34
UP
Constipation
Difficult or sluggish movement of bowels accompained by gas or
abdominal discomfort
Causes Improper Diet
Lack of fibrous diet
Stress
Absence of convenient toilet facilities
Dehydration
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
Solar PlexusSi-3,4
StomachCV-25
LiverK-3
Gall BladderTW-34
Liv-2,9
St-41,42,45
Li-4,11
Sp-3,5,15
UP
High Blood Pressure
Heart is forced to pump harder to perform proper circulatory
functions
Causes Hereditary predisposition
Obesity
Stress
Kidney disorders
Disturbances in the function of the glands (Pituitary, Thyroid
and Parathyroid)
Disease of Heart
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
Solar PlexusGV-20,H-5,7
PituitaryK-2,3 & P-6,7
Thyroid and ParathyroidLi-4 & St-2,10
Heart
Adrenal Gland
Kidney
Relaxation Desserts
Number One Feathering touch
Number Two Side to Side
Number Three Hook in ankles
Number Four Spinal Twist
Number Five Ankle Rotation
Number Six Lung Press
Number Seven Toe Rotation
Number Eight Spinal rub
Number Nine Shoulder rub
Shavasana (a must) 15 min. daily
UP
Diabetes
Inability to burn up sugars
Insufficient production of insulin
Symptoms Frequent urination
Loss of weight
Degeneration of small vessels (Eyes and Kidneys)
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
PancreasLiv-3
PituitaryK-3
ThyroidB-23
LiverSt-40
AdrenalSp-6
UP
Arthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints in the body
Causes
Aging
Obesity
Stress related tension
Reflex PointsAcupressure Points
Solar PlexusLi-4,10,11
Thyroid and ParathyroidTw-5,15
AdrenalSi-10
KidneyB-10,47
Arms and ShoulderGB-20,41
SpineSt-36
Hip,Thigh and LegLu-10
Acupressure Points of the Hand
CAUTION: DO NOT use LI-4 if you are pregnant Click on a black
dot on each hand diagram below in order to go to a detailed
description of its associated acupressure point.
Click on a black dot to go to more information about a
point...
ACUPRESSURE POINTS - HAND TH
TH Triple Heater (Warmer) Meridian
TH-1
(Note: TH-1, TH-2 and TH-3 are used for same conditions, TH-3
most often used)
Location: .1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail on the
ulnar side of the ring finger.
TCM acupressure: ear problems of any origin such as excess
tinnitus. Distal point for temporal headaches, shoulder pain or
upper back pain, pain or inflammation in the throat. Eye diseases
with GB 37 (lower leg).
TH-2
Location: (.5 cun) proximal to the margin of the web between the
ring and the little fingers, in a depression when fist is clenched
at the border of the red and white skin.
TCM acupressure: Similar to TH-1.
TH-3
Location: With fist clenched on dorsum of the hand between the
4th and 5th metacarpal bones in a depression proximal to the 4th
Metacarpalphalangeal joint.
TCM acupressure: Similar to TH-1 and TH-2. TH-3 is most often
used.
TH-4
Location: On transverse crease of dorsum of wrist in a
depression on the ulnar side of the extensor digitorum communis
tendon.
TCM acupressure: Used for wrist issues such as strains, sprains
or subluxations. Regulates water metabolism, used for wasting &
thirsting disorders, and alleviates dry mouth or thirst.
TH-5(or TW-5)
Location: 2 cun above TH 4 between the radius and the ulna on
the TH 4 - TH 10 line
TCM acupressure: Decrease finger, wrist, arm and headache
pain.
Used to relieve arm fatigue during fencing and stiffness of the
shoulder muscles during swimming17