Acupressure for Relieving Gout Foot Pain

Points, Exercises, Diet & Foods to Avoid

Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in and around a joint. Acupressure points along with diet and stretching exercises can relieve gout over several months of practice.

Lv 3, the most potent Acupressure point for gout pain is located on the top of the foot, in between the bones that attach to the large and second toes. This point balances the energy level within the Liver Meridian, and is good for both preventing gout, plantar fasciitis and relieving pain in the big toe.

Acupressure Point Lv 3

To Relieve a Gout Attack

Hold the base of the big toenail on both sides of the large toe. This simulates Sp 1 and Lv 1, the first Acupressure points on the Spleen and Liver Meridians. For an instructional Acupressure hands-on demonstration, watch the helpful two minute video above which presents these gout pain relief Acupressure points.

Gout Attack Acupressure Points

More Gout Acupressure Points

If the gout is on the right large toe, place your right index finger in between your right big toe and second toe, at the base of the big toe (Lv 2). Use your thumb on the outside of the base of the toe, at the top of the arch of your foot, which is in back of the large bulge of the base of the large toe. Gradually apply firm pressure on these points for one or two minutes.

Exercise & Diet for Preventing Gout

I suggest stretching gently several times a day. Eat more vegetables, especially fresh green vegetables, both raw and lightly cooked. Enjoy whole grains, fruit, and lean proteins, such as poultry or lentils. Try moderate amounts of seafood that are not on the “Foods to Avoid” list below. Drink water instead of sugary beverages.

Foods to Avoid

Dietary restrictions are essential to relieving gout. Mild cases of gout can be controlled by diet alone, following these guidelines. Cut back on all rich foods, sauces, butter, cream, fried foods, and desserts. Limit your intake of all meats, especially red meat, glandular meats such as liver, and meat extracts, for example, bouillon and gravies. Stay away from gelatin.

Cut back on high-fat dairy products. Avoid shellfish, sardines, herring, and anchovies. Avoid drinking alcohol, black tea, and soft drinks, and limit juices. Try to not eat foods with salt, spices, yeast, sugar, or refined flour. Avoid overeating in general, especially foods high in fat.

Gout Pain Areas

The onset of gout is usually sudden and unexpected excruciating pain in the big toe. However, it can also strike the joints in the thumbs, fingers, knees, or elbows. Gout attacks occur when excess uric acid forms crystals, causing joint inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Gout commonly occurs in middle-aged men and is uncommon in women and children. Men who are overweight or have high blood pressure are more prone to gout and diet can certainly contribute to these body conditions.

The Self-Acupressure routines found throughout this site can be a good complement to conventional medical treatment. Be sure to check the Pain Relief category in the Self Acupressure A to Z section, as it has a lot of healing info.

The Acupressure Pain Relief book is available both as a printed book and as a downloadable eBook. This is a self-care guide for easing pain and discomfort in all major areas of the body. It provides safe and natural self-healing methods and is fully illustrated. Many photos clearly show you how to do the Routines and Exercises, and you’ll also find a number of illustrations and charts.

In this book, you’ll learn practical suggestions for relieving headaches and migraines, backaches, and pain in the hand, knee, and more. It also addresses other types of pain, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Printed Book • eBook

To see three sample pages from the Acupressure Pain Relief book, check out the Article on Pain Relief.