Treat a Pain in the Neck with Acupressure
Measure 1 to 2 inches out from the base of the neck starting at the highest point of the shoulder. Locate the spot in this area that feels tightest. The traditional Chinese name for this is the "Shoulder Well," GB 21, located on the Gallbladder Meridian. Press firmly here and hold the pressure for 1 to 2 minutes.
Base of the Skull Points
The "Heavenly Pillar," B 10 pressure point lies on the Bladder Meridian, with one point on each side of the neck at the base of the skull. Locate the exact point 1/2 inch below the base of the skull and on the two strong muscles supporting the skull, a 1/2 inch out from the spine. Put pressure on one or the other of these points depending on which side you feel neck pain the strongest and hold for 1 to 2 minutes.
The "Gates of Consciousness," GB 20 point on the Gallbladder Meridian is below the skull base where you feel hollows. These points are about 2 to 3 inches apart and on each side of the skull. Press firmly and hold these points for 2 to 3 minutes.
The "Window of Heaven," TW 16 acupressure point, on the Triple Warmer Meridian lies on each side of the head at the base of the skull and about 1 to 2 inches behind the earlobe. This point is particularly good for relieving stiff necks. Use acupressure here for 1 to 2 minutes.
Eye Points
"Drilling Bamboo," B 2 on the Bladder Meridian helps with neck pain as well as headaches, hay fever, eye weariness and other types of pain. Using your thumb and index finger, press the inner eye sockets just at the bridge of the nose. Squeeze these fingers together while pushing upward firmly for one minute.
Back of the Head Points
At the back of the head right in the center is a large hollow towards the base of the skull. This is the "Wind Mansion," GV 16 on the Governing Vessel Meridian. Press here with the index and middle fingers for 2 minutes.
Combination Points
Use the above "Wind Mansion" and "Drilling Bamboo" points at the same time. Press with the left thumb on GV 16 and the right thumb and index finger on B 2. Breathe deeply at the same time and hold the combination for one minute.
References and Resources
Acupressure Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments; Michael Gach; 1990.
Stanford University School of Medicine: PointFinder: The Online Acupressure Guide
AcupressureOnline: Neck
National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture for Pain
Published by Robert Karr
U.S. Army in Korea and Japan, laboratory technician, railroad reservation agent, mutual fund salesman in Italy, freelance book indexer, and worked for the U.S. Dept. of State in Rome. Freelance writer since... View profile
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