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