Live Whole Health #164: Acupressure self-care for neck pain

Are you spending too much time sitting at the computer or watching TV? Is your neck complaining of stiffness and pain? Try this acupressure self-care routine to loosen up the muscles in your neck and bring relief. In just 10 minutes, you can get the benefits of acupressure. Simply follow along with Laurieanne Nabinger, registered nurse, in this acupressure self-care for neck pain video.

All you need are your hands

Acupressure is thousands of years old and continues to be used to provide comfort to painful joints and muscles. All you need are your hands (or someone else’s) to press on the areas demonstrated in this video a few times a day.

The video will guide you through several acupressure points located on the neck and upper shoulders as well as on the hands and ankles. If any of the areas are hard for you to reach, see if someone close to you can help reach them for you. Or you can skip the hard-to-reach points and simply use the rest of the points. Acupressure is flexible!

Once you learn the sequence and how to find the point locations, you can use this accompanying information sheet. Keep it handy by posting it on a bulletin board or set it on your coffee table. Acupressure is portable, and you will be able to do it anywhere once you learn the routine.

Do you need more?

While acupressure is an effective way for your own self-care, you may be managing chronic pain or other issues that acupuncture can also help with. Check out this Veteran’s story about how receiving acupuncture in VA has changed his entire life. Acupuncture is available at every VA or through community care for all Veterans where it is clinically indicated. Ask your VA provider whether it is appropriate for you. For more information on how self-care practices can improve your life and health, check out these self-care resources.