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Lower back pain is a common affliction that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether caused by poor posture, heavy lifting, stress, or chronic conditions like sciatica, the discomfort can be debilitating. While many turn to medication, physical therapy, or even surgery, there's a lesser-known remedy rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that could offer relief: acupressure.
Specifically, two acupressure points near your hips can be instrumental in alleviating lower back pain. In this article, we’ll explore these points and how applying pressure to them can bring about significant relief.
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What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a therapeutic technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate natural healing processes. It is closely related to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, acupressure relies on the hands, fingers, or specialized tools. The underlying principle is that the body’s vital energy, known as "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), flows along pathways called meridians. Blockages or imbalances in this flow can lead to pain or illness. By pressing certain acupressure points, you can restore balance and promote healing.
The Acupressure Points Near Your Hips
Two key acupressure points near the hips are particularly effective in addressing lower back pain: the B48 (Bladder 48) and the GB30 (Gallbladder 30). Let's take a closer look at these points.
1. Bladder 48 (B48) - "Weiyang"
Location: The Bladder 48 point, also known as "Weiyang," is located on the buttocks. Specifically, it is found approximately four finger widths away from the spine, level with the fourth sacral foramen (the opening in the sacrum bone located at the base of the spine).
Effect on the Body: Applying pressure to B48 helps in relieving lower back pain, sciatica, and hip pain. It is particularly effective for conditions involving muscle stiffness or tension in the lower back and buttocks. This point is also used to address issues with the sacroiliac joint, a common source of lower back pain.
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