Suffering From Headaches, Back Pain, and Eye Fatigue? Try These Acupoints

Applying acupressure can alleviate pain and irritation caused by hours spent in front of a computer and other everyday activities.

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Eye fatigue and dryness, headaches, stiff shoulders and neck, back pain, and diarrhea are all possible symptoms of stress in the workplace and everyday life. Such stress can be mentally and physically draining.

Such stress-related symptoms can be alleviated with acupressure, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique.

Acupressure and acupuncture are integral components of alternative medicine, widely practiced worldwide. An increasing body of research has shown that stimulating acupoints can have specific curative effects.

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According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. For thousands of years, TCM has utilized techniques such as acupressure and acupuncture to stimulate these acupoints for treatment of the various ailments associated with them.

The following are several acupressure techniques to alleviate common work-related health issues.

5 Acupoints for Relieving Eye Fatigue

Looking at computers and smartphones for extended periods can lead to eye fatigue and dryness. Massaging five acupoints around the eyes can help relieve these symptoms.

Five essential acupoints around the eyes. The Epoch Times

These five acupoints are:

• Cuanzhu: Located in the depression at the inner edge of the eyebrow.
• Yuyao: Located in the depression of the eye socket bone, at the midpoint of the eyebrow.
• Tongziliao: Located in the depression of the eye socket bone, at the outer corner of the eye.
• Chengqi: Located in the depression of the eye socket bone, directly below the eye.
• Jingming: Located in the depression of the eye socket bone, at the inner corner of the eye, above the nasal bone.

Method: Use the knuckles of both index fingers to massage the Cuanzhu, Yuyao, Tongziliao, Chengqi, and Jingming acupoints in sequence. Massage each acupoint for five to 10 seconds, completing one full cycle. Perform this routine five times in the morning, noon, mid-afternoon, and before bed, or whenever your eyes feel tired—for a minimum of 20 cycles per day.

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This massage can promote blood circulation around the eyes, thus reducing eye pressure. It not only relieves eye fatigue but also helps improve presbyopia, myopia, and cataracts, leaving your eyes feeling refreshed.

A meta-analysis published in 2021 indicated that acupuncture is more effective in improving dry eye symptoms compared to using artificial tears. It suggested that receiving acupuncture two to three times per week for 21 to 30 days “may be optimal for treating typical dry eye syndrome.”

It is important to note that acupuncture around the eyes requires strict adherence to safety guidelines and should only be performed by a licensed acupuncturist.

Stop Headaches in 3 Seconds

A systematic review of nine randomized trials involving 1,484 patients concluded that acupuncture is “mildly more effective and much safer than medication” for preventing migraines.

Massaging the Qiuxu acupoint has been found to be effective in relieving headaches. Some patients have reported that massaging the Qiuxu acupoint provides quick relief when headaches persist despite taking painkillers.

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The location of Qiuxu acupoint. The Epoch Times

This acupoint is:

• Qiuxu: Located in the depression on the front and lower side of the outer ankle tip.

Massaging the Qiuxu acupoint on the foot opposite the side of the headache for three to four seconds can relieve pain. For example, when experiencing a headache on the right side, massage the Qiuxu acupoint on the left foot, and vice versa.

Massaging the Qiuxu acupoint can also promote restful sleep. Some of my patients reported that after massaging the Qiuxu acupoint, not only was their splitting headache relieved, but they also experienced peaceful sleep.

1 Simple Technique to Alleviate Neck and Shoulder Pain

Spending extended hours in front of a computer can lead to stiffness and soreness in the neck and shoulders.

A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Occupational Health in January showed that receiving trigger point acupuncture four times a month can reduce the intensity of neck and shoulder pain by 20 percent.

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Stiffness in the neck and shoulders can increase pressure in the head leading to headaches and dry eyes. Massaging the Chize acupoint can help quickly relieve these symptoms.

The location of Chize acupoint. The Epoch Times

• Chize acupoint: Located on the transverse crease of the elbow, in the depression, one finger’s width inward from the outer side.

Method: While massaging the Chize acupoint on one side, gently shrug the shoulder on the same side. This will result in immediate relaxation of the shoulder. Regularly massaging the Chize acupoint can also help alleviate dry eyes.

Additionally, if you wake up with a stiff neck and experience pain when turning your head, massaging the Chize acupoint can offer significant relief.

Alleviate Diarrhea With This Acupoint

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the Tianshu acupoint is related to the digestive system. For those who habitually experience diarrhea and frequent bloating due to tension and anxiety, massaging the Tianshu acupoint with clenched fists for 20 minutes while lying flat on the bed before sleep can be beneficial. This routine helps promote gastrointestinal health, relieving diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion.

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The location of Tianshu acupoint. The Epoch Times

• Tianshu acupoint: Located two inches (approximately the width of three fingers) to the left and right of the navel.

A meta-analysis involving 1,568 participants showed that acupuncture at the Tianshu acupoint was more effective for treating functional constipation than the laxative lactulose. Additionally, the study found acupuncture at the Tianshu acupoint to be safer than conventional treatments.

Quick Relief for Sudden Back Pain

For individuals experiencing sudden back pain or strain from lifting heavy objects, pressing Yaotongdian acupoints on the back of the hand can effectively relieve acute lower back and leg pain.

The location of Yaotongdian acupoint. The Epoch Times

• Yaotongdian acupoint: Located on the back of the hand, between the bones of the index and middle fingers, and between the bones of the ring and little fingers.

Method: Use your index and middle fingers to press the two Yaotongdian acupoints while twisting your back and waist. Massaging these acupoints two to three times a day for one to two minutes each time can effectively relieve back pain.

The acupressure techniques outlined above can help alleviate common work-related and other symptoms. However, if the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek timely treatment from a health care professional.