As people age, stiffness settles into various joints; back pain becomes commonplace. Many products are on the market to help with pain and inflammation, but many people don’t want to fill their bodies with all the different chemicals that make up the medication. Acupressure, according to Acupressure.com, is “an ancient healing art using the fingers to gradually press key healing points, which stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities.”
The Melbourne College of Professional Therapists states that acupressure originated with the ancient Chinese. Much has been written regarding acupressure and its benefits. Among those listed by Acupressure.com are increasing circulation, increasing deep relaxation and relieving muscle stiffness.
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Which acupressure points may help you relieve stiffness?
The two points recommended by Michael Reed are GB34 and ST36.
How do these acupressure points work?
According to Modern Reflexology, GB34 “is situated on the side of the leg, right below the knee, slightly in front of the tip of the outer leg bone.” ST36 can be located four finger lengths below the knee cap and one finger width to the outside of the leg. Reed recommends briskly rubbing GB34 and ST36 every day to help relieve muscle stiffness.
Besides relieving stiffness, Modern Reflexology states that GB34 may help relieve nausea, vomiting, sciatic pain, hip pain and jaundice. Natural Herbal Remedies reports that ST36 is supposed to be critical in toning muscle, helping with digestion, relieving fatigue and alleviating menstrual cramps.
What else can you do to relieve stiffness?
Besides acupressure, the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, recommends getting plenty of deep sleep so your muscles have plenty of time to rejuvenate. Making sure that you are warm and don’t sleep in a draft is also beneficial. Taking a hot shower can help relax tight muscles and increase the flow of blood. All of these are simple things that may help reduce morning stiffness without the need of extra medication.
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