Acupressure and Neck Pain

If you sit all day at a desk, then you have probably already experienced some sort of back or neck pain as a result. In today’s world, neck pain is pretty common and is something most people will suffer from at some point. Not all neck pain is serious and as such doesn’t necessarily need medical intervention but it is still painful. Acupressure is an alternative treatment that can help to ease your neck pain by applying pressure to your acupoints, this helps you to relax and releases neck pain. While acupressure alone can definitely make a huge difference in your neck pain, combine it with a good quality memory foam pillow, Elite Rest has a great memory foam pillow,  and you are all but guaranteed to be free from neck pain.

In this article we are going to discuss what acupressure is and how it can help you with your neck pain.

What is acupressure?

Acupressure has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used as a form of treatment in China for many thousands of years. Acupressure promotes relaxation, wellness and is used to treat a range of diseases.

Acupressure is thought to help to restore balance to your body. In Chinese medicine, you will find special acupressure points all along the channels of your body. Energy (or ch’i) is believed to flow through these invisible channels and the practice of acupressure clears any blockages and restores balance. It is also believed that the 12 main channels connect to specific organs, creating an organised system of communication throughout your body.

Acupressure practitioners will use their hands, particularly their palms and fingertips, together with their elbows and feet to apply pressure to the acupoints along the body’s meridian. Through the application of pressure health and balance is believed to be restored to the body’s channels and the opposite energy forces (yin and yang) are regulated and this allows blockages to be released and balance is restored.

Acupressure is a great alternative when it comes to finding relief from aches and pains in your back and neck.

Acupressure Points for Neck Pain

You can visit an acupressure practitioner or you can do it yourself by following the steps we set out below.

Before you start applying pressure, keep the following in mind.

1. Before you start, get comfortable, take a few deep breaths and close your eyes.
2. Press each point firmly and then make circular or up and down movements for at least 3 minutes at a time.
3. Repeat this process as much as you like, you can’t really over do this.

Acupressure Points:

Each acupressure point targets specific points in your body. We have just highlighted the points that could help to ease your back or neck pain.

• Spleen 6: This point is located on the inside of your leg just above your ankle. When you apply pressure to this point, it will help with pelvic pain, fatigue and sleeping problems.
• Large intestine 10: The front side of your elbow is where you will find this point and it helps to relieve shoulder pain and neck tightness.
• Large intestine 6: You will find this point where the thumb and the index finger join and when pressure is applied to this point it will help with neck pain and headaches.
• Pericardium 6: This point also helps with headaches and is located 3-fingers-width from the inside of the wrist.
• Stomach 36: Measure four-finger widths down from your knee-cap and you will find this point. It helps to reduce stress and fatigue.
• Gallbladder 21: You will find this point halfway between the top of the neck and shoulder and it can help to ease neck and shoulder stiffness as well as headaches.
• Triple energizer 3: Applying pressure to this point will help with upper back pain, headaches and pain in your shoulder. You will find the acupoints in the groove between your fourth finger and your pinky.

Acupressure Mats

If you do want to apply the acupressure points yourself, investing in a good acupressure mat will help. We have two mats for you to consider to help you ease any pain associated with neck pain.

Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set:

Spend just 20 minutes per day on this mat and you will feel immediate relief from both back and neck pain. You won’t need to spend money on therapists and treatments with this mat and pillow combination. When you lay down on this pillow it allows you to relax almost instantly and in doing so helps to reduce stress, aches, pains and tension. This set can also help to ease the pain associated with sciatica and relieve headaches. Sleeping on the pillow can also improve your circulation, help you sleep better and even improve your mood.

​Nayoya Acupressure Mat:

You can relieve your neck pain from the comfort of your own home with this acupressure mat. Take just 15 minutes out of your day to spend on this mat and you will feel the pain float away. Lying on the mat will improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the back and will improve your overall health. This mat is also really good for providing relief from headaches. You can achieve this by standing barefoot on the mat for up to 10 minutes. This will apply pressure to the reflexology points on your feet and in doing so will relieve the pain associated with headaches. This mat also helps you to relax and sleep better.

Waking up with neck pain will set the tone for the rest of your day and it probably won’t be a good one.  An easy way to ease neck pain is through the use of an acupressure mat. Spending a few minutes a day on the mat can help your body to relax and ultimately help ease your neck pain. Don’t forget to make sure you sleep on a good quality pillow to ensure your neck is supported while you sleep. The Elite Rest Contour Pillow is a great option.