Low back pain is common worldwide. Because many suffer from this type of pain, it is considered a challenge to international health systems.1
While this pain often goes away on its own, it can sometimes persist, resulting in mobility issues. It can also become a recurring problem as people age or gain weight.
When this happens, many choose to take painkillers. This solution provides relief, but only temporary. Although rare, this option might also result in addictive or fatal drug complications.2
Thankfully, there are safer alternatives. These include acupressure for low back pain.
How Can Acupressure Treat Low Back Pain?
Acupressure requires applying pressure on specific points in the body called acupressure points.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pain is caused by qi, a vital energy, and blood getting stagnant. Stimulating specific acupressure points encourages the flow of qi through channels called meridians. This helps ease low back pain by reducing inflammation, relaxing the muscles, and releasing pain-relieving chemicals.
Moreover, self-administered acupressure is found to reduce low back pain. A study reveals that it helped participants improve their disability scores, pain scores, and functional status.3
Most Effective Acupressure Points for Low Back Pain Relief
When performed correctly, acupressure can be an effective self-treatment for low back pain. These are the acupressure points best stimulated to get the pain relief that you need:
1. Large Intestine 4 (Hegu or Joining Valley)
Large Intestine 4 (LI4) is considered the main pain point in the body. Stimulating it can help relieve low back pain and other pain in the body. It can also strengthen immunity and manage symptoms in the head and the intestines.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- On the backside of your hand, find the space between your thumb and forefinger
- Apply pressure to the point with your index finger and another thumb
- Massage the point
- Repeat the steps until you feel your back pain fade away
2. Conception Vessel 6 (Qihai or Sea of Energy)
Conception Vessel 6 (CV6) nourishes the body by improving overall energy. It provides low back pain relief by strengthening the muscles between the waist and hip. Additionally, it boosts digestion and addresses menstruation issues.
CV6 is also a great acupressure point to boost fertility.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Locate the acupressure point by placing your index, middle, and ring fingers together below your navel
- Find the firm region and apply gentle pressure to it with your index or middle finger
- Massage the point in a circular motion
3. Urinary Bladder 23 (Shenshu or Kidney Shu)
Urinary Bladder 23 (UB 23), also called the Sea of Vitality or kidney tonification point, reduces muscle tension and strengthens the core and the lower back. Although it alleviates lower back pain, avoid using this point for pain relief if you are pregnant.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- On your lower back, measure two finger-widths from your spine between your rib cage and your hip bone
- Press the points on both sides with your index or middle fingers
- Massage in a gentle circular motion
4. Urinary Bladder 40 (Weizhong or Supporting Middle)
Also called Middle Crook, Urinary Bladder 40 (UB 40) reduces pain along the spine. This primarily benefits those who need pain relief from sciatica and herniated discs.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Find the middle of the crease behind your knee
- Apply firm pressure to the acupressure point
- Massage the point in a circular motion
- Repeat the steps on your other knee
5. Urinary Bladder 62 (Shenmai or Extending Vessel)
Urinary Bladder 62 (UB 62) is definitely one of the best acupressure points for low back pain. It releases lumbar tension, relieves spine stiffness, and increases the range of motion along the spine. It also manages anxiety caused by acute back pain.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Locate the base of your outer ankle bone
- Measure half the width of your thumb below the base of your bone
- Press and massage on the acupressure point
- Repeat the technique on your other ankle
You can also read our blog post about the best acupressure points for anxiety here.
6. Gallbladder 30 (Huantiao or Jumping Round)
Gallbladder 30 (GB 30) affects the movements of the lower limb. Stimulating this acupressure point releases tension on the low back and hips. It also eases pain in the lumbar spine.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure one-third from the highest point of your butt crease or look for the center of your jeans’ back pocket
- Press the acupressure point with your finger or place a ball directly in the point and sit down on the ball
- Repeat the steps on the other side
7. Kidney 3 (Taixi or Great Stream)
Kidney 3 (KID3) stimulates the kidneys, which support all of the other organs in the body. This acupressure point strengthens the body’s vitality, eases low back pain, and manages other symptoms.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- On your inner ankle, find the hollow between your ankle bone and your Achilles tendon
- Apply firm pressure to the point
- Massage in a circular motion
- Repeat the steps on your other foot
Read More: Health Benefits Of Using Acupressure Slippers
8. Lung 5 (Chize or Cubit Marsh)
Lung 5 (LU5) offers chronic low back pain relief by easing stiffness. It also manages cough symptoms by expelling phlegm from the lung and relaxing the sinews.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Slightly bend your elbow and measure four finger-widths from your elbow bone
- Apply constant pressure on the spot toward the outer side of the elbow crease with your thumb
- Repeat the process on your other elbow
Read More: Best Acupressure Points for Cough
9. Bladder 53 (Baohuang or Bladder Vitals)
Bladder 53 (BL53) promotes qi flow through the pelvis. It alleviates low back pain, sciatica, and hip pain.
Be careful when stimulating this point. It can be very tender and sensitive, especially if you are already experiencing pain.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure two finger-widths from the bony area at the bottom of your spine
- Press the acupressure points on both sides of your spine towards the center of your pelvis
- If you have trouble applying pressure with your fingers, grab a ball, place it to the point, and gently sit on it
10. Bladder 47 (Hunmen or Door of the Ethereal Soul)
Bladder 47 (BL 47), also called the Will’s Chamber, is a local point for back pain. It works by reducing muscle tension. In addition, it soothes breathing problems and chest congestion.
Steps to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure four finger-widths from your spine at waist level on both sides of your back
- Apply firm pressure to the points with your thumbs
- Repeat the steps as needed
Other Home Remedies for Low Back Pain
Low back pain is something you don’t have to put up with. Besides acupressure, here are some home remedies you can try for low back pain relief:
- Exercise to strengthen your core
- Practice good posture
- Quit smoking
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling or inflammation
- Use a heating pad to relax stiff or tight muscles
- Try yoga (best yoga poses for low back pain)
- Do daily stretches
- Apply a pain relief cream
- Build an ergonomic workstation to improve posture
- Get a massage
- Improve sleep
In Short
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best acupressure points for low back pain!
Acupressure should be worth considering in order to get short-term relief from discomfort. This is especially helpful when you can’t get treated right away. If you have severe back pain, consulting a doctor or a physical therapist is best.
Acupressure can treat a lot of different conditions, including hair loss! For more info, check out our 10 best acupressure points for hair growth.
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