One of the first questions I get when I tell people I’m an acupuncturist is: “What condition do you treat the most?”
Honestly, I don’t have to think about it much—my answer is always low back pain. There isn’t a day that goes by without someone walking into my clinic seeking relief for back pain.
Is acupuncture effective? Absolutely! But like any treatment modality, it’s not the right solution for every condition or every person.
Even though acupuncture is highly effective, acupressure can be a great tool to find relief between sessions or when you can’t make it to the clinic right away.
What is Acupressure & How Does It Help?
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, you apply gentle but firm pressure with your fingers to stimulate specific acupuncture points for pain relief.
How to Apply Acupressure for Best Results:
- After locating the acupressure point, press around gently until you find the most tender area.
- Don’t worry about hitting the exact spot—applying pressure near the point can still provide relief.
- Massage each acupressure point for about 1-2 minutes on both sides of the body once or twice daily.
- Hard or deep pressure is not needed or recommended—gentle stimulation is enough!
⚠️ Important: Do not use acupressure during pregnancy, as some of the points are contraindicated. Talk with your acupuncturist first.
5 Acupressure Points to Relieve Back Pain
1. Li-4 (Large intestine-4)
Location: On the hand, between the thumb and index finger.
Benefits: It helps reduce inflammation, release muscle tension, and promote relaxation, which can all help with back pain.
2. BL-23 (Bladder 23)
Location: On the lower back, on both sides of your spine, level with your waist.
Benefits: Strengthens the lower back, relieves chronic pain, and supports kidney energy (important for lower back health in Chinese Medicine).
3. BL-40 (Bladder 40)
Location: On the back of the knee, directly behind the kneecap.
Benefits: Releases tension in the lower back, sciatic nerve, and hamstrings, improving mobility.
4. BL-60 (Bladder 60)
Location: In the depression between the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon, directly behind the ankle.
Benefits: This point can help reduce pain anywhere in the body, especially effective for the back, lower back, and sacrum.
5. Ki-3 (Kidney 3)
Location: On the inner side of the ankle, in the depression between the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon. It is directly opposite BL-60.
Tip: You can stimulate both the inner (KI-3) and outer (BL-60) ankle points by applying pressure simultaneously.
Benefits: Strengthens the lower back and knees. Tonifies the kidney meridian, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is considered the foundation of lower back health.
Bonus Tips for Lasting Relief
✔ Apply heat to the lower back after acupressure for deeper relaxation.
✔ Gently stretch your hips and hamstrings to support better spinal alignment.
✔ Stay active—gentle movements lubricate the joints and help prevent stiffness.
✔ Hydrate—dehydrated muscles can contribute to pain and tension.
The information provided about acupressure points is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Acupressure can be a helpful self-care tool, but it is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have persistent pain, a medical condition, or any concerns about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider before trying any new techniques.
Need More Support? Acupuncture Can Help!
If your back pain is persistent, acupuncture can be a powerful, natural way to relieve discomfort and restore mobility. Book a session today and start feeling better!
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