Acupressure Treatment for Sciatica
The nerves in the body are all connected, like a system of rivers that all meet at some point. Acupressure is the method of applying pressure to certain pressure points where stress often gathers, which will promote circulation to other nerve endings and reduce pain and discomfort in these areas. Acupressure is a safe remedy for sciatica, which is pain that runs down the sciatic nerve, located in your lower back and the back of your leg. If you learn the proper techniques, you can use acupressure to relieve sciatica safely and easy.
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Pressure Points
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The sciatic nerve is located under the spine, and runs through the buttocks down both legs. The best place to treat sciatica is to place pressure at the root of the pain, on the root of the nerve itself. To perform the acupressure yourself, place your thumbs in both depressions right above the buttocks and apply pressure. You will need to press hard, because the pressure points lie deep within the skin. Hold this pressure consistently and count to 15. You may feel jabs of pain down the nerve as you are doing this; try not to release the pressure as this happens. If you are having a partner do this, he can use the palms of his hands or elbows to apply a little more pressure. Lie on your stomach with your arms at your side, and have your partner apply pressure to the same points. Be sure you are in a quiet place where he can hear you well, so that you can tell him if he is pressing too hard or too gently.
Exercise
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Exercises that stretch the sciatic nerve and strengthen your back muscles are a great combination with acupressure techniques. The knee to chest exercise is one of the best exercises for this purpose. To do this exercise, lie on your back on the floor or another hard surface and bring your knees slowly up to your chest, wrapping your arms around them to hold for a few counts. If you are experiencing pain in a particular leg or side of your back, bring just that knee towards the chest to stretch it more thoroughly.
Timing
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Sciatica varies from person to person. Some people find that their pain is worse in the morning after a full night of sleep. Others find it to be worse in the evening, and notice is worsening as they become more tired. Some have problems after sitting in one spot for a long time, after a day at the office or a long car ride. You can do acupressure at any time to help your sciatic nerve pain. You can't do it too often, and there is no prescription for how many times you need to do it to feel less pain. You may find that a good time to apply pressure and stretch may be after a shower, when your muscles are already relaxed and loosened from the heat and steam.
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