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Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D. © Copyright
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Acupressure Point for Pain Relief
LI 4 to Relieve Arthritis & Reduce Inflammation
This article focuses on LI 4, one of the most famous Acupressure points because its known to relieve headaches. First we will present how to find the point, how to press it and what it's good for. Then we'll cover how pressing LI 4 relieves pain and when it's contraindicated.
After you have a solid point orientation, you'll get resources for other points to use with LI 4. At the end of this article, we will present how to use a golf ball to effectively press this anti-inflammatory point.
After you have a solid point orientation, you'll get resources for other points to use with LI 4. At the end of this article, we will present how to use a golf ball to effectively press this anti-inflammatory point.
Point Location
The Acupressure pain point LI4 in the webbing between your thumb and index finger, is a general pain relieving point that's referred to as the Hoku Point.
When you bring your thumb and index finger close together, LI 4 is located at the highest spot of the bulging muscle.
When you bring your thumb and index finger close together, LI 4 is located at the highest spot of the bulging muscle.
Point Benefits
LI 4 is good for relieving sinus congestion and with constipation. But, did you know that this point also reduces inflammation in all parts of the body particularly in the hands, wrists, elbows, neck and shoulders? It also has been used to relieve migraine headaches, toothaches, constipation and neuralgia.
NOTE: The video above gives more details about how inflammation causes pain in the body. It also demonstrates how to best use this famous therapeutic trigger point.
NOTE: The video above gives more details about how inflammation causes pain in the body. It also demonstrates how to best use this famous therapeutic trigger point.
Not Used During Pregnancy
Because this anti-inflammatory point opens the meridian pathways that descend, it should not be stimulated during pregnancy. However, it's a great point to use for pain relief during an actual birth which can be useful to know.
Finger Application
As you press into the muscle of the web between the thumb and index finger, angle the pressure toward the bone that connects with the index finger. Discover the benefits of LI 4 by pressing this Acupressure point firmly enough to “hurt good.” Hold for two minutes on each side while you breathe deeply.
Directions Using a Golf Ball
Place a golf ball between your thumb and index finger on the outside of the hand being worked on. Hold the ball in place with the palm of your other hand.
Gently roll the ball in the webbing between your thumb and index finer for one minute. Position the ball in the "V" where the thumb intersects with the index finger. Hold the ball steady for one minute using moderate pressure.
Move the ball a half inch toward the index fingertip from the "V" juncture and press directly on the LI 4 point.
Repeat this two or three times for two minutes while breathing deeply through your nose for best results.
Move the ball a half inch toward the index fingertip from the "V" juncture and press directly on the LI 4 point.
Repeat this two or three times for two minutes while breathing deeply through your nose for best results.
Acupressure Point Resources for Arthritis & Inflammation
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. To see an example, where you can can learn how to use a Self-Acupressure Therapy routine to relieve your foot and leg pain, explore Pain Relief Acupressure Foot Points: Lv 3 & GB 41.
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.
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.
To see three sample pages from the Acupressure Pain Relief book, check out the Article on Pain Relief.