Acupressure for Neck Pain Relief

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, illness and pain are seen as the result of interrupted flow of qi (energy). As with acupuncture, the aim of acupressure is to restore and balance the flow of qi through the body. Acupressure/acupuncture points are places where the flow of qi can be influenced to regulate body functions in addition to relieving pain.

To perform acupressure, use direct pressure to the appropriate point with your finger or thumb. Press the point lightly and progress to more pressure slowly until you feel a dull ache around or spreading out from the point. (Of course, if you’re working with a delicate area, such as the face, use light pressure.) Press and hold the point until you feel relief, or up to a minute.

Acupressure For Neck Pain Relief

1. A primary point to relieve neck pain and stiffness is GB20, two indentations on either side of the back of your neck, about two inches out from the spine (depending on the size of your head), just below the base of the skull.

   Placing the thumbs on these points, press up under the skull for at least a minute. It makes it easier if you do this lying down, or sitting on a sofa with your arms and head resting against the back of the sofa, tipping your head back into your thumbs. This point is great for relieving headaches, too.

2. Another excellent place to use acupressure for neck pain relief are the GB21 points, located on the highest point of the shoulder, one to two inches out from the base of the neck.

   To work these points, I find it easiest to cross my arms and use the curled fingers of each hand to press into the tight area at the top of my shoulders. Hold for minute. You can use a lot of pressure here.

3. You can work two more acupressure for neck pain points at the same time. GV16 is located in the center of the back of the head, in the hollow underneath the base of the skull. B2 is found in the slight indentation where the ridge of the eyebrow meets the bridge of the nose.

   To simultaneously work these points, place one thumb in GV16, in the hollow under the center of your skull, and use the thumb and index finger of the other hand to grasp the B2 points, on either side of the top of your nose, gently squeezing and pressing upward. Hold for one minute for neck pain relief.

These points are taken from Acupressure's Potent Points, by Michael Reed Gach. It's an excellent resource book with very clear directions about how to locate the points.

Beyond Acupressure for Neck Pain
Of course, the best way to relieve neck pain is to prevent it. Try to get plenty of good exercise, maintain an optimal posture, breathe correctly, and manage stress.


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