Acupressure for Sciatica Pain
Acupressure can be a helpful treatment for chronic back pain and for sciatica--which is pain in the sciatic nerve. Acupressure is noninvasive, and almost anyone can perform the treatments with just a small amount of training.
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Buddy Up
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Naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists often train people to do acupressure treatments on loved ones, or even themselves. That way, you know you're doing it right. Some of the acupressure treatments for sciatica require pressure that you can't perform yourself, so find a buddy to help you with your treatment.
Partner Treatment
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Here's a treatment recommended by Michael Reed Gach, founder of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California:
Have a partner find the depression at the side of the buttocks. Find the middle of that depression and press hard on both sides with a loose fist. Count to 15 and release.
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Massage Tools
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You can also put two tennis balls in a sock and use it as a massage tool. Lie down with the balls resting on either side of the lower spine. Also experiment with sitting down with the tennis ball between your femur and sacrum. This will relieve muscle pressure and ease your symptoms.
More Relief
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Some sciatica sufferers find relief by doing the knee-to-chest exercise after stimulating pressure points. Simply lie down and place your knees to your chest for a comfortable amount of time. This releases the buttock muscle. An alternative is to lie on the floor and place your legs on a chair.
Warning
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Before you begin any new treatment, it's important to seek the advice of a professional who knows your body and your particular circumstances. Some acupressure points can do harm to people with chronic conditions, or women who are pregnant. If your doctor finds that you do indeed have sciatica, he'll likely recommend physical therapy on top of any home treatment. Be sure to get the advice of your doctor before you start.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Valerie Everett, Flickr.com; Yogi, Flickr.com
