Acupuncture Points Mentioned in this Article
The knee bears the weight of the human body. Whether walking, running, or jumping, the support and pressure relief of the knee tissue are required. Therefore, intense exercise, improper posture, or even natural aging can cause knee injuries resulting in soreness and swelling. It's recommended to frequently press the key acupressure point on the knee to promote blood circulation, which helps with pain issues.
The biggest physiological feature of the knee joint is the gathering of various ligaments and fibers. Traditional Chinese Medicine calls it "the mansion of tendons in the knee". So, a little carelessness can cause knee injury. If the Calf Nose pressure point is too full and pressing on it causes pain, it indicates that swelling has started in the knee joint, and the disease has occurred.
For knee soreness, pressing these 5 acupoints effectively relieves pain. There are points on the back of the knee and points on the front of the knee that can be targeted to alleviate knee pain. By applying pressure, blood circulation is stimulated and overall knee discomfort is reduced. In the following section, we will explore these acupressure points and learn how to locate and stimulate them. So, let's dive in and discover the pressure points for knee pains!
Acupressure Points on Back of Knee
Below are some of the pressure points on the back of the knee to reduce knee pain.
Weizhong (委中) Pressure Point for Back and Foot Pain:
One of the primary pressure points for knee pain relief is the Weizhong point. This acupoint is known for its effectiveness in treating lumbar and back pain, foot pain, leg cramps, varicose veins, sciatica, women's diseases, and more. It can also reduce swelling in the lower half of the body, sculpt the leg and buttock shapes, and promote blood circulation. Pressing the Weizhong point can notably relieve the pain from a twisted waist. People who lack regular exercise or have stiff muscles and bones can massage this point to increase flexibility. Additionally, it can provide relief for patients with knee arthritis.
To locate the Weizhong point, sit down with your legs straight or lie prone. The point is situated between the two tendons at the horizontal line behind the knee. It is directly behind the knee, in the center of the two muscles inside the knee pit. When pressed, it may feel sore, but it helps relieve knee pain and symptoms of lower limb paralysis.
Yinlingquan (陰陵泉) Pressure Point:
Another pressure point that is beneficial for knee pain relief is the Yinlingquan point. This point primarily treats diseases of the foot, waist, reproductive system, and urinary system. It can alleviate difficulty in urinating, abdominal bloating, knee pain, reduce swelling, and treat gynecological diseases, among others. The Yinlingquan point is also effective in addressing menopausal disorders, impotence, urinary tract infections, and various digestive issues.
To locate the Yinlingquan point, bend your knee and find the top of the crease between the thigh and calf, on the inner side of the calf. It is located in the recessed area on the inner side of the tibia's tip. You can feel a thicker bone near the kneecap when moving upwards along the calf. The Yinlingquan point is located before reaching this thicker bone. Pressing this point may cause intense pain, but it can help relieve soreness and weakness.
Acupressure Points on the Front of the Knee
Below are some of the pressure points on the front of the knee to reduce knee pain.
Calf Nose (犢鼻) Pressure Point for Knee Pain:
The Calf Nose acupuncture point is an important point for addressing knee pain and injuries. The knee joint is a complex structure that houses various ligaments and fibers, earning it the name "the mansion of tendons in the knee" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Any carelessness or injury can lead to knee problems. If the Calf Nose point is tender to the touch, it indicates swelling in the knee joint and the presence of a disease.
To locate the Calf Nose point, sit with your knee bent at a 135-degree angle. You will find this acupressure point in the depression below the kneecap on the outer edge. Applying pressure to this point may feel sore, but it can greatly help in relieving knee pain and symptoms of lower limb paralysis.
Xuehai (血海) Pressure Acupressure Point:
The Xuehai point is an acupoint known for promoting blood circulation. By stimulating this point, you can experience relief from menstrual irregularities, lower abdominal pain, dull pain, and symptoms associated with menopause. It also strengthens the thigh muscles, eliminates leg edema, and can address shoulder pain, headache, anemia, impotence, and more. The Xuehai point has the ability to regulate qi and blood, clear heat, benefit dampness, and dispel wind. For women experiencing menopausal symptoms such as sweating, neurosis, loss of appetite, high blood pressure, and insomnia, the Xuehai point can provide relief.
To locate the Xuehai point, start from the inner edge of the kneecap and move two inches upwards (the width of three fingers). You will find this pressure point above the depression that forms on the inner side of the knee when the leg is straightened and exerted. Stimulate this point to improve blood circulation and alleviate knee discomfort caused by sports injuries or natural aging.
Acupressure Points on the Leg for Knee Pain
Zusanli (足三里) Pressure Point for Knee Pain:
The Zusanli point is a powerful acupressure point that can benefit those with knee pain and various chronic diseases. This point is often referred to as the health point for longevity without illness due to its widespread effectiveness. It is known to have positive effects on digestive tract diseases, foot, knee, and waist ailments, as well as respiratory diseases. The Zusanli point can alleviate calf pain, stomach ailments, vomiting, lack of appetite, bloating, diarrhea, insomnia, high blood pressure, and more. It promotes blood circulation, delays aging, and even aids in treating depression and neurasthenia.
To locate the Zusanli point, measure approximately three inches below the depression of the knee on each side. Another method is to sit on a chair with your knee bent at a right angle, place your palm on the kneecap's position, and slightly move your middle finger towards the external side. The Zusanli point is approximately where the depression on the external side of the knee meets the tip of the middle finger. Apply gentle pressure to this point to experience its pain-relieving effects.
Practical Tips for Applying Acupressure
Before you embark on your acupressure journey, it is important to create a calm and comfortable environment for yourself. Find a quiet space where you can relax and center your mind. Take a few deep breaths to induce a sense of calmness before proceeding with the acupressure techniques.
Ensure that your hands are clean to prevent any infections, especially if you have any open wounds or cuts. Keep your hands sanitized and wash them thoroughly before initiating any acupressure session.
Remember, consistency is key. Like any holistic practice, regular and consistent application of acupressure techniques yields better and more sustainable results. Incorporate these techniques into your daily routine to experience the maximum benefits.
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind while applying acupressure for knee pain relief:
Start with gentle pressure: Begin by applying gentle pressure to the massage the pressure points. Gradually increase the pressure as you become more comfortable, but always listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Use your fingertips: Use your fingertips to apply pressure to the acupressure points. You can also use the thumb or knuckles if it feels more comfortable.
Circular motion: While applying pressure, make small circular motions on the acupuncture points. This helps to stimulate the flow of energy and promotes better blood circulation.
Duration of pressure: Hold the pressure on each reflexology point for about 1-2 minutes. You can repeat this process 2-3 times a day or as needed.
Relaxation and deep breathing: As you apply pressure, focus on relaxing your body and breathing deeply. This not only enhances the effectiveness of acupressure but also promotes overall relaxation and stress reduction.
Remember, acupressure is a complementary therapy and should not replace medical advice or treatment. If you have any underlying medical conditions or severe knee pain, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any self-care techniques.
Enhancing Your Journey: Acupressure with Moxa
To further enhance your acupressure practice, consider exploring the Moxa Acupressure App. This app offers a range of personalized sessions and rituals to restore balance in your body and improve overall well-being. Let technology support you in finding the right acupoints, pacing your sessions, and tracking your progress.
With the power of acupressure and a holistic approach, you can find relief from knee pain naturally. Embrace this ancient practice and empower yourself to live a life free from knee troubles.
