The Top 6 Acupressure Points for Knee Pain
Knee pain is one of the most common forms of pain in the world. In the US alone, around 20% of the population suffer from knee pain. While this ranges from minor to chronic, it affects all ages and genders.
One of the easiest and most effective treatments for knee pain is acupressure. Importantly, it means you don’t have to take any medication and is possible to administer on yourself.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 6 acupressure points for knee pain. We’ll discuss how to locate and activate them, and the benefits they offer.
Point 1: The Calf’s Nose
You’ll find this pressure point just below the kneecap on the outside. When stood up, you’ll notice indentations on the inside and outside of your kneecap. The Calf’s Nose is the outer indentation.
To trigger this pressure point, massage it firmly with two fingers. You should press into the indentation firmly, rotating in small, circular motions. Do this for up to 5 minutes at a time on both legs.
Doing so will help to relieve general knee pain along with stiffness and rheumatism of the feet. In addition, it helps to stimulate blood flow in the lower leg.
Point 2: Commanding Activity
To find the Commanding Activity pressure point, locate the crease in the back of your knee when it’s bent. You’ll find the pressure point in the outer edges of the crease on each knee. It’s easiest to find the point while your leg is bent.
Massage this pressure point firmly with either your thumb or index finger for around 6 or 7 minutes. You can do this when your leg is straight or bent, but you might find it easier to apply the right pressure with a straight leg.
The Commanding Activity point is good for both stiffness and general knee pain. Massaging it regularly will help to combat stiffness, particularly in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time.
Point 3: Nourishing Valley
Nourishing Valley is the inner side equivalent of the Commanding Activity point. You’ll find it on the inner edge of your knee crease, again on both knees. Use your fingers to find the hollow point between the tendons; this is the pressure point’s exact location.
Unlike Commanding Activity, you’ll want to use light pressure on this point. This is because it’s a much softer area so you don’t need to press as hard to activate it. Use two fingers to gently massage the point for around 6 minutes, and do this up to 3 times a day for best results.
The Nourishing Valley point will help with knee pain, but it’s also effective for abdominal pain and genital pain. This makes it one of the most effective acupressure points on the knee.
Point 4: Three Mile Point
The Three Mile Point is another popular acupressure point for knee pain. It’s also one of the easiest to find. All you need to do is lay your hand flat on the front of your leg, starting at the bottom of your kneecap. Roughly 4 finger widths down should be the location of your Three Mile Point.
Rather than massaging this point, you simply need to apply firm pressure with your fingers for up to 4 minutes at a time. You can do it on both legs at once or one at a time. Whatever is more comfortable for you.
The Three Mile Point helps to relieve knee pain but also works to strengthen other muscles. It also boosts energy levels, which is why it’s one of the most popular pressure points.
Point 5: Sunny Side of the Mountain
Sunny Side of the Mountain is particularly effective for persistent or severe knee pain. To find it, locate the bottom of your kneecap and the top of your shinbone. The Sunny Side of the Mountain is the point on the front of your leg where they appear to meet.
You’ll want to massage it firmly with two fingers for up to 5 minutes on each leg. Again, you could do both legs at once or one at a time. Alternatively, just apply pressure and keep your fingers still for around 6 or 7 minutes.
The Sunny Side of the Mountain is great for quick relief from severe knee pain or to ease strained muscles. Massaging it every day will give you long term relief from knee pain, so remember this one if this is a common problem for you.
Point 6: Shady Side of the Mountain
As the name implies, this pressure point is the opposite of point 5. To find it, locate the bottom of your kneecap on the inside of your leg. There should be a bulge around the top of your shinbone – that’s where you’ll find the Shady Side of the Mountain.
Rather than massaging this point, you’ll want to apply firm pressure with two fingers for 2 to 3 minutes. If you have severe pain or other leg problems, apply pressure for longer, ideally as long as you can.
The Shady Side of the Mountain works on knee pain, but it’s also effective for cramps, muscular tension, swelling and water retention. This makes it useful for a range of leg related issues, and when used alongside the Sunny Side of the Mountain, will offer effective pain relief.
Conclusion
Acupressure is a simple, effective, and time-tested method of relieving pain. If you haven’t tried it before, you’d be amazed at the difference it makes. After all, it’s been around for hundreds of years for good reason.
Perhaps the most important reason to try acupressure is that it means you can avoid taking OTC or prescription medication. There are few better feelings than simple and natural pain relief.
Here at Aculief, providing natural forms of pain relief is our reason for being. If you are interested in trying acupressure for relief from migraines and headaches, check out our range of simple, natural, and effective products here.