You’d be surprised how much relief you can bring to your aching back without having to seek professional help. In a new study from the University of Michigan, researchers found out that self-administered acupressure can alleviate chronic pain in the back. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, “pressure is applied with a finger, thumb, or device to specific points on the body.”
Acupressure works in two ways. The first is that it massages and stretches out the muscles, increasing blood flow and healing oxygen to the problem area. Secondly, it helps improve the flow between the different energy channels, also known as meridians, to help relax the nervous system.
If you’re suffering from back pain and don’t feel particularly crazy about someone sticking multiple needles into your body, as is common in acupuncture, perhaps it’s time you try some self-administered acupressure.