Acupressure for lower back pain

Acupressure massage or therapy is useful for reducing pain and improving body function and level of disability in low back pain. Acupressure massage for lower back pain is a safe solution as it has been found effective in reducing low back pain in terms of disability, pain scores and functional status.
Acupressure massage is the same technique of applying fingertips pressure at specific points on the body used in acupuncture. The doctors at the 'National Taiwan University' found an 89 percent reduction in physical disability compared with physical therapy and the benefits of the treatment were sustained for six months.

There are two acupressure points which can help you get relief from lower back pain.
These acupoints are GB30 and B48:

Acupressure point B48:



The B 48 is called the “Womb and Vitals”
Location: One to two finger widths outside the large bony area at the base of the spine (sacrum) and midway between the top of the hipbone (iliac crest) and the base of the buttocks.

These points (at both side of the body) are also excellent for postpartum recovery.
Benefits:  Relieves lower-backache, sciatica, pelvic tension, hip pain and tension, bladder weakness, urinary problems, hemorrhoids, lower backaches, and pain that goes down the leg.
For Sciatica: These acupressure points are the most effective spots on the body for relieving sciatica and hip pain. To relieve this pain, get a one-pound sack of beans and lay on your side so the sack of beans presses into these points. Adjust the position of your legs so it hurts good.

Acupressure point GB 30:  It is also called Jumping Circle.
Location: In the lower back (between the second and third vertebrae) two to four finger widths away from the spine at waist level.
Benefits: Relieves back aches, sciatica and fatigue. It also helps get relief from frustration, irritation, hip pain, and rheumatism relaxing the tendons and restoring joint mobility.
These points are above B48 and very effective at relieving the exhaustion of back pain. Use this point whenever you are feeling frustrated or irritable. This point is also beneficial for rheumatism.

How to massage for effective relief?

You may get help from a family member but if you are alone then use soft tennis balls to get acupressure massage. Place balls against the wall. Use of socks for this massage is recommended as it helps keeping the ball in position. Put ball between wall and back muscles. (stay off spine). Squat pressing ball into the wall and move up and down, left and right. If your sore press lightly and than move to other side. Rotate each side until soreness goes away.  .

These points can be very tender, so light touch may be needed.
Apply firm and steady pressure on this point for at least 60 seconds on both sides as often as necessary.

Remember: Drink water at the end of your exercise session or any time you begin to feel thirsty.

According to a report published at 'Science Daily':

Researchers in Taiwan found that acupressure conferred an 89% reduction in disability compared with physical therapy, after adjusting for pre-treatment disability. This improvement lasted for six months.
Benefit was also greater in the acupressure group for variables such as "leg pain," "pain interferes with normal work," and "days off from work/school."
This study shows that acupressure is more effective in alleviating low back pain than physical therapy in terms of pain scores, functional status, and disability, say the authors. The effect was not only seen in the short term, but lasted for six months.

Download pdf of 'Self help acupressure guide for back pain'

References:
- www.acupressure.com

- www.dailymotion.com/video/xmtzgg_acupressure-points-for-lower-back-pain_lifestyle