Acupressure for sciatica is a complementary healthcare practice which is very similar in theory to acupuncture. However, being that the sometimes frightening needles are not used, this approach to care is ideal for patients with needle-phobia. Acupressure is defined as concentrated force applied to a specific area of the anatomy in the hopes of eliciting a positive healing or pain relieving response. For sciatica sufferers, treatment may focus on the lower back, buttocks, legs and/or feet and often targets the suspected source location of the symptoms, as well as the multiple affected innervated regions.
This essay will provide some details on using all-natural acupressure to treat sciatic nerve expressions.
Acupressure for Sciatica Treatment
Acupressure is a therapy option offered by most acupuncturists, as well as some massage therapists, chiropractors and even a few physical therapists. Acupressure is directed at special points on the anatomy, sometimes called pressure points or trigger points. Most of these points lie along pathways called meridians.
According to traditional oriental medicine, meridians are theorized to carry life energy, called qi or chi, to all the parts of the body. Sometimes, areas of the body, or the entire anatomy, may suffer a depletion, buildup or stagnation of qi energy, creating the ideal circumstances for disease or injury to occur.
Acupressure practitioners generally activate these points in order to add qi energy or release it, balancing the life energy throughout the body and creating the right circumstances for overall health and wellbeing.
Sciatic Nerve Acupressure Effectiveness
Acupressure can be very effective at dealing with muscular issues and minor soft tissue injuries. It is not generally recommended as a solution for pain enacted by a structural spinal condition, such as a herniated disc, unless being used exclusively as a pain management modality.
Acupressure might be helpful for relieving piriformis pain in some patients, since this condition is muscular in nature. Acupressure is not typically a cure for any form of sciatica, but it might make coping with the pain far easier for some patients, as they seek a more permanent solution for their symptoms.
If you have any doubts about using acupressure for your particular type of sciatica symptoms, consult with your doctor first. In fact, this is a good idea, regardless of the actual source of your pain.
Acupressure for Sciatica Advocacy
I am an advocate of using holistic remedies whenever possible for treating any type of chronic pain. However, even as a believer in these modalities, I still recognize their limitations. I have studied acupressure in great detail, in both the healing and self defense applications. Martial arts training borrows heavily from Asian medical practices, especially at high levels of proficiency. I have also undergone countess acupressure treatments during the first ten years that I was suffering from horrific back and leg pain.
Acupressure is a terrific option for acute muscular complaints, but does not demonstrate such fantastic results for chronic spinal concerns. However, if you receive even temporary relief from acupressure, then at least you will have the chance to cease using any risky prescription drugs you might have been given. To this end, acupressure gets my recommendation anytime over popping pain management pills. Just do not expect too much in terms of a lasting cure and you will not be disappointed.
