How Acupressure Points Work to Relieve Pain

Pressing LI 4, Between the Thumb and Index Finger, One of the Great Pain Relief Trigger Points

Muscular pain and tension tend to concentrate around Acupressure points. The Qi, or Chi, the body’s life energy, can also become blocked there. By holding the points, the muscle tension can be released. In addition, the circulation of the blood can be increased and the Qi (Chi) energy can be balanced. These all contribute to the muscular pain being reduced.

Another positive result is that a person’s focus on muscular pain can be dispersed by relaxation. This calmness comes from touching and stimulating the corresponding Acupressure points.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have severe or prolonged pain, you should seek medical assistance. Acupressure is not a substitution for any needed medical care. You can still help yourself by holding the Acupressure points, which are a good complement to most medical treatments. It provides another avenue for promoting healing — one you can do for yourself any time you need it.

Qi Flow

The Acupressure Points are places on the skin that have a high electrical conductivity. They are especially sensitive to the Qi flow, and impulses in the body, and readily conduct those impulses.

The Basis of Qi Flow

Traditionally, Asian cultures conceived of the Acupressure points as junctures of special pathways, known as the meridians. They carry the human life force energy that the Chinese call Chi or Qi and the Japanese call Ki.

To prove the existense of Qi flow, Western scientists have also mapped out and proven the existence of this system of body points. They use sensitive high-tech electrical devices, known as microvolt meters.

Theories of Acupressure Pain Relief

The Eastern view is that pain results from blockages in the Qi. Acupressure points release these blockages and allow for the Qi to flow freely through the meridians.

The Western view offers two ideas about how Acupressure works physically to relieve pain: through the Endorphins and the Pain Gateways. They both contribute to the mechanism of Acupressure pain relief.

The Endorphins

Prolonged pressure on the Acupressure points — two to three minutes — triggers the release of endorphins. These are the natural pain and stress relievers, the body’s own chemicals that relieve pain.

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are produced by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Acupressure stimulates the pituitary gland to release the endorphins.

As a result, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing.

Endorphins don’t entirely block the sensation of pain, but they do alter a person’s perception of the sensation, similar to the effect of narcotics. This might explain why Acupressure therapy often brings about a “natural high” after self-treatment or a session with an Acupressure practitioner.

The Pain Gateway

This theory describes the transmission of pain impulses being modulated by a “gating” mechanism in the pain-signaling system. An open gate results in pain; a partially open gate, less intense pain; and a closed gate, no pain.

Because Acupressure inhibits the pain signals sent to the brain through a mild, fairly painless stimulation, it has been described as closing the “gates” of the pain-signaling system. This prevents painful sensations from reaching the brain.

This “gating” is affected in part by the activity of sensory nerves. Stimulation of these large cutaneous fibers tends to close the gate. Thus, the pain impulses are inhibited from passing through the spinal cord to the brain. Acupressure’s mild stimulation causes the gates to close, so painful sensations can’t pass through.

Pain perception is also closely related to the amount of bodily stress, tension, and emotional anxiety that is present. Acupressure increases circulation, which decreases lactic acid, carbon dioxide, histamines, bradykinins (mediators for pain reception), and a variety of toxins. Enhanced blood flow brings oxygen and other nutrients to the affected areas.

Chronic Pain

Most people experience some relief fairly quickly once they learn to use Acupressure points. However, people with a history of chronic pain usually have waves of progress as well as setbacks. So do not expect an immediate resolution of chronic pain.

From Michael Gach's clinical experience, he's found that people with chronic pain must consistently practice the methods of Acupressure pain relief. These techniques are holding points, specific stretching exercises, and deep breathing. It does take work to relieve pain naturally, without drugs.

To learn these methods for reducing chronic pain, check out the fully-illustrated book, Acupressure Pain Relief (with 400 illustrations). It’s available both as a printed book and an eBook. You’ll also find a number of techniques to use Acupressure to relieve pain in many areas of the body.

Besides relieving pain, Acupressure points can help rebalance the body by dissolving tensions and stresses that keep it from functioning smoothly and that inhibit the immune system. Acupressure enables the body to adapt to environmental changes, to resist illness, and to promote overall health and well-being.