Foot ache can be due to foot trauma, repetitive movements done while standing or sitting, or even hip or knee misalignments. In addition to seeking traditional medical treatment, you can seek foot pain relief by using acupressure, a type of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in that it stimulates certain specific points on the body for the purpose of manipulating your body energy and relieving pain. In acupressure, however, finger pressure is used instead of needles. This treatment is capable of releasing endorphins which reduce pain. You can stimulate the acupressure points yourself, or you can ask a friend - preferable to maintain relaxation in case of severe pain. This article tells you how to act on acupressure points to get relief from sore feet.
Steps
Step 1. Diagnose the source of the pain
The foot is the seat of a series of meridians that are part of the acupressor map. Since there is not a single point related to foot ache, you need to know its origin to act on the correct point.
Step 2. If you have bruises on your feet, or if they are particularly delicate, try using acupressure points located elsewhere on your body
Step 3. With one finger, follow the calf muscle starting at the ankle and working upwards, until you find a hollow just below the fleshy part of the calf
This point in traditional medicine is called "Bladder 58".
Step 4. Move your finger diagonally down and out of the calf to locate the "Bladder 57" point
Step 5. With your thumb, apply deep pressure on the Bladder 57 point for one second, to check that you have found the right point and to verify that you feel a stimulation
When you are sure you have found the right spot, hold it down for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
Step 6. Check the Bladder 58 point in the same way, always holding it down for a second
If that's the right point, hold it down for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. These points are particularly useful in case of walking difficulties of the feet.
Step 7. Repeat the treatment on the other foot
Method 1 of 3: Acupressure Points Located on the Heel
Step 1. Move your thumb and forefinger along both sides of the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle
The point on the outside of the ankle is called "Bladder 60". The one on the inside, on the other hand, is "Rene 3".
Step 2. To check that this is the right spot, apply firm pressure for one second on both sides of the tendon, using your thumb and index finger
If it is the right spot, apply medium to strong pressure on it for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
Step 3. If your other foot also hurts, repeat the treatment on the other ankle
Stimulation of this group of acupressure points can be particularly beneficial in the case of problems with heel spurs.
Step 4. Locate the point on the inside edge of the heel where the light and reddish skin meet
Step 5. Hold for one second to check that you have found the right spot
Step 6. Apply firm and firm pressure for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes
Step 7. Locate the point on the back of the heel where the light and reddish skin meet, at the base of the Achilles tendon
Press a second for control, and finally vigorously massage the area between these three points.
Step 8. Move your thumb to the area between the center and base of the heel
With your thumb, using the strength of your arm, apply very forceful pressure. Warning: it can be a painful point in case of severe foot pain. Keep pressing hard for as long as possible.
Step 9. Repeat the treatment on the other foot, if both of you hurt
The latter treatment is especially useful in case of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
Method 2 of 3: Acupressure Points Located on the Fingertip Area
Step 1. Place your thumb just below the fleshy part of the big toe, in the middle
Step 2. Apply firm pressure to this point for between 10 seconds and 2 minutes
To further stimulate this point, make the fist with the other hand and squeeze the area with it about 30 times
Method 3 of 3: Acupressure Points Located on the Top of the Foot
Step 1. Locate the point on the top midfoot just before the ankle
It should be roughly on the meridian between the second and third toes. It is called "Stomach 42".
Step 2. Apply moderate pressure for 10 to 20 seconds
Step 3. Move your finger to where the second and third toes meet
This point is called "Stomach 44". Press for between 10 and 30 seconds.
