Acupressure for Arthritis Pain

Although several points are listed 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.