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.
Pressure Points for Knee Pain on Back of Knee
Middle of the Crook (Weizhong 委中) BL40 Acupoint
Middle of the Crook alleviates knee pain. It holds a pivotal place in acupuncture for its proficiency in tackling a myriad of issues, particularly offering alleviation for knee pain and catering to those with knee arthritis. Notably associated with reducing pain from a twisted waist and leg cramps, it serves as a versatile point, especially for individuals who encounter muscle and bone stiffness due to inadequate regular exercise. Its ability to sculpt the leg and buttock shapes and enhance blood circulation lends it applicability for varied demographics.
Where is the BL40 Acupressure Point?
Middle of the Crook is located directly in the center, behind the knee, between the two tendons.
How to find the BL40 Acupuncture Point?
- Choose a comfortable sitting position with legs stretched or lie prone.
- Direct your attention to the area behind the knee.
- Identify a point that is situated between the two tendons at the horizontal line behind the knee.
- A sensation of soreness upon pressure indicates the correct spot.
Yin Mound Spring (Yinlingquan 陰陵泉) SP9 Acupoint:
Yin Mound Spring acupressure point provides relief from knee pain. It proves to be a crucial point in acupuncture, notably for providing relief from knee pain, but also extending its benefits to a host of issues like urinary and reproductive system diseases, abdominal bloating, and gynecological diseases. Its efficacy in addressing menopausal disorders and digestive issues rounds off its broad spectrum of applicability, providing holistic support for varied health challenges.
Where is the SP9 Acupressure Point?
Yinlingquan is situated in a recessed area on the inner side of the calf, at the top of the crease between the thigh and calf.
How to find the SP9 Acupuncture Point?
- Start by bending your knee.
- Gently run your fingers up the inner side of the calf until you feel a thicker bone near the kneecap.
- Locate the Yinlingquan point just before reaching this thicker bone in the recessed area.
- Press gently, noting that the presence of intense pain indicates accurate placement.
Pressure Points for Knee Pain on the Front of the Knee
Calf Nose (Dubi 犢鼻) ST35 Acupoint
Calf Nose point plays a significant role in managing knee pain and detecting potential knee issues early. Recognized as a checkpoint for early detection of knee-related problems, a tender sensation at this point signals potential knee joint swelling or presence of a disease, offering a preliminary measure in managing knee health.
Where is the ST35 Acupuncture Point?
The Calf Nose point is located in the depression just below the kneecap on its outer edge.
How to find the ST35 Acupressure Point?
- Adopt a sitting position, ensuring your knee is bent at a 135-degree angle.
- Focus on the depression located below and to the outer side of the kneecap.
- Applying pressure may evoke soreness, indicative of the Calf Nose point.
Sea of Blood (Xuehai 血海) SP10 Acupoint:
Sea of Blood acupoint enhances blood circulation, mitigating knee discomfort and addressing a range of health concerns. It provides relief from a plethora of health concerns, which encompass but are not limited to, menstrual irregularities, lower abdominal pain, symptoms affiliated with menopause, and shoulder pain. Furthermore, it's particularly beneficial in mitigating knee discomfort caused by sports injuries or natural aging. Its ability to regulate qi and blood, clear heat, and benefit dampness, additionally conveys its utility for women navigating through menopausal symptoms like sweating, neurosis, and high blood pressure.
Where is the SP10 Acupressure Point?
Sea of Blood is found above the depression on the inner side of the knee, approximately two inches upwards from the inner edge of the kneecap.
How to find the SP10 Acupuncture Point?
- Begin from the inner edge of the kneecap.
- Progress two inches upwards (approximately the width of three fingers).
- The acupoint is located above the depression forming when the leg is straightened and exerted.
Reflexology Points for Knee Pain on the Leg
Leg Three Miles (Zusanli 足三里) ST36 Acupoint
Leg Three Mile, a powerful acupressure point, addresses various ailments, notably those related to the foot, knee, and waist. It is celebrated for its extensive effectiveness, particularly in managing digestive tract diseases, various ailments related to the foot, knee, and waist, as well as respiratory diseases.
Where is the ST36 Acupressure Point?
Leg Three Mile is located approximately three inches below the knee depression, aligning with the external side of the knee.
How to find the ST36 Acupressure Point?
- Be seated with your knee bent at a right angle, placing your palm on the kneecap.
- Extend your middle finger slightly towards the external side of the knee.
- Where the depression on the external side of the knee meets the tip of your middle finger is approximately the Leg Three Mile point.
- Gentle pressure, although possibly inducing slight discomfort, will confirm the location.
How to Use Acupressure Points for Knee Pain?
Acupressure may relieve knee pain through focused point application. Acupressure points such as Sea of Blood, Leg Three Mile, Yin Mound Spring, Middle of the Crook, Calf Nose can be used to address knee pain. To alleviate knee pain begins with carving out a tranquil space where you can channel calm and focus.
Here are some practical tips to get the most out of these acupressure techniques:
Create a serene environment: Choose a quiet space where distractions are minimal. This calm setting will enhance your focus and heighten the healing effects of acupressure.
Deep breathing: Initiate your session by inhaling and exhaling deeply. This not only calms your mind but also prepares your body for the acupressure session, making it more receptive to the process.
Clean hands: Hygiene is essential. Ensure that your hands are clean before you start. This will prevent any potential infections, especially when dealing with sensitive areas.
Consistency is key: Regular application of these acupressure techniques is more beneficial than sporadic sessions. Aim to integrate these into your daily or weekly routine for a sustained impact
Acupressure responses can vary, and if you don't experience the desired relief, consulting with a licensed acupuncturist or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner for personalized advice may be beneficial.
Simplify Your Acupressure Sessions with Moxa
The Moxa Acupressure App offers personalized sessions to enhance your acupressure practice to address knee pain and your overall well-being. 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.
