Research suggests that most adults are likely to experience back pain in their lifetime, and that shoulder pain can happen to anyone, so if you are one of the many experiencing the discomfort of back pain and shoulder pain, whether it is mild or chronic.
There is no need to panic, you are not alone. Back pain and shoulder pain are common which are caused by different activities such as; Wrong sleeping position, lifting heavy loads, sitting on a spot for a long time, overworking, etc.
However, you don't have to continue living with the discomfort. There are two options available for you. A pharmacological relief such as pain killers or Therapeutic relief such as acupressure, acupuncture, physiotherapy, or therapeutic massage.
Well...while it is easy for you to buy a painkiller from over the counter. These pain killers may cause some side effects which you might not bargain for.
This is why it is recommended that you opt for therapeutic relief. In this article, you will be informed and taken step by step on how to use acupressure massage to effectively relieve back pain and shoulder pain conveniently.
But before then, you may or may not have heard of acupressure, so to be on the same page we will brush through the meaning of acupressure, its origin, benefits, and why you should opt for it.

What is Acupressure?
Acupressure, sometimes referred to as acupuncture without the needle aspect, is a method or style used for activating the body pressure points along the meridian path to relieve pain. It is a way of maneuvering the pressure points on the body in a particular way to reduce stress, pain, or discomfort. It can serve as a remedy and preventive measure. This has been backed up by many studies, massage therapists, and physicians.

Origin of Acupressure
Acupressure can be traced as far back as 2000 years ago, to ancient China. It was used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments and used as bodywork therapy for many decades and is still being used to date. The Chinese believe that there is a channel on the human body where life flows from. This is called "qui" or "chi" meaning energy. It is said that there are times when this "qui" energy in the human body may be stuck and specific manipulation of the human body is required to activate the flowing energy back. They also believe that there is Cosmo energy that co-exists known as "yan" meaning heat, or bright, and"yin" which means cold, passive, or dark. The positive energy is used to decrease the negative energy to balance the cosmo energy. This concept is known as Meridian.
Acupressure has now gone beyond the board of China to other countries of the world. The US, France, Canada, etc.  It has become a popular remedy for stress and pain relief over the years in western countries.
Although there is little scientific backing on the meridian concept, as some scientists have said it works due to placebo, meaning something works because you believe it will. Notwithstanding, science has not been able to debunk that acupressure works effectively even though they can not prove it scientifically.

Benefits of Acupressure
Acupressure has been used to manage some health issues. It helps in the recovery process as it increases the flow of blood and oxygen that impacts vasodilation and capillarization. The boom in blood flow aids the restoration process and increases recuperation. Acupressure also lowers ache and relieves tension permitting more flexibility. Below are some health issues that acupressure can serve as a complementary treatment to;
●    Cancer. It is used after chemotherapy
●    Nausea: The use of wrist acupressure to cure and prevent irritation and vomiting has been backed by evidence
●    Pregnancy: It helps to lessen labor pain
●    Depression and Anxiety: It helps to release feel-good hormones called endorphins
●    Headache
●    Menstrual cramps
●    High blood pressure
Acupressure helps stimulate areas of the frame in which endorphins are launched, to decrease pain, making blood and oxygen waft to Increase in the affected region. It is also said to improve circulation, stimulate endorphins (feel-good hormones) and produce serotonin (natural painkillers).
A 2017 study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, showed that athletes can also benefit from the use of wrist acupressure to relieve pain after sports activities or injury.

Why Acupressure?
Acupressure is easy and convenient to relieve back pain and a host other of body pain. Studies reveal that it is also useful for menstrual cramps, digestion, improved immunity, and overall well-being. Aside from the side effects of scientific medicinal relief, there is no guarantee that the body pain won't reoccur. This is where Acupressure comes in. The frequently performing acupressure will relieve discomfort and prevent reoccurrence.
However, patience and consistency are needed to achieve this as you won't see the result immediately, but with time you will see a tremendous result. The goal of Acupressure is to restore overall wellbeing to your body from "yin" (negative energy) to yang (positive energy). It is also said to be good for the mind and spirit.

In addition;
●    Acupressure is relatively cost-effective
●    It can be used as a complementary treatment. This style is famously used in the US
●    It has little risk
●    It is approved by the world health organization (WHO)
●    It is suitable for the work environment as it improves employee productivity and overall wellbeing.

Now to the part you have been waiting for. How can you effectively use Acupressure massage to relieve your back pain, lower back pain, and shoulder, Whether chronic or mild?
To effectively apply Acupressure for your back pain, lower back pain, and shoulder pain you may employ the professional service of an Acupressure practitioner by booking an appointment session. During the session, you will be asked to lie down on a massage table as the masseuse locates your acupoints to massage. This will normally last for an hour and after that several sessions will be required to achieve a good result.
If you feel you don't have the time or money to book an appointment with an acupressure therapist, the good news is that you can do it yourself and still get a great result.
You don't know how? Don't worry, In a sec you will be taken step by step on how to effectively perform self-acupressure to achieve great results.
But first, you need to know where the different pressure points are located on your body. There is a wide range of them on your body that you're not might not be aware of.
This brings us to the question, what are pressure points?

Pressure points are those parts on your body surface that are sensitive to pressure. These points can be found in the following places;
1. The neck point: This is located at the muscle around the upper spin of your neck muscles. For relieving stress.
2. Head acupressure point: This is found in your temple which is the flat part of your skull.
3. Back acupressure point: This is found in the muscles along your spine from the top of your neck to the bottom of your back.
4. Foot acupressure point: This is found on your leg at the bottom of your heel, your toes (Liver 3 acupoints) this is between the web of the big toe and the next toe.
5. Hand (LI 4) acupressure point: This is found in between the web of your thumb and index finger. This helps to relieve headaches.
6. The eye area acupressure point: This is located between the eye. This is to relieve stress.
7. The knee acupressure point: This is located below the knee to release stress.
8. The wrist(Pericardium 6) acupressure point: This is located inside the wrist
9. The ear acupressure point: This is located at the top outer part of the ear.
10. The abdomen acupressure point: This is located two inches to one and a half inches from the navel area. This helps in constipation and diarrhea.
11. The Heart (Ren 17) acupressure point: This is found in the line at the center area of the heart, on the axis close to the nipple. Used to turn anxiety into excitement.
12. The Ankle acupressure point: This is located between the four fingers of the ankle bone to the leg.

These are some of the pressure points you have on your body.
To self-manage, your acupressure massage all you need are your hands. Although we have some devices used by acupressure therapists, in most cases, your hands will suffice.
Acupressure massage is a therapy method that is used to reduce and release pain, headache, and tension using the fingers to mobilize life force energy (qui) in particular spots referred to as acupressure points, which might be additionally referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints. These acupressure points are locations that can be accessed to release blocked or congested power centers in the frame, promoting unobstructed energy glide for fitness and well-being.
Styles of acupressure massage

There are majorly two types of acupressure technique which are;
●    Reflexology
●    Shiatsu
Reflexology also called zone therapy is a form of acupressure that relieves tension in the body and treat health conditions by applying pressure to a specific pressure point or feet area
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure therapy derived from the Japanese word for "finger" and "pressure". It is the combination of Western medicine with Chinese traditional medicine. This method may be pretty vigorous in exercise, as the therapist applies firm pressure carried out to the acupressure point. Shiatsu rub down therapy has programs at schools just like the Acupuncture and Massage College in conventional Asian bodywork. Treatment can also be integrated with rub-down remedy stretching, special respiration techniques, and meditation.

How Acupressure massage works
Acupressure rub-down remedy stimulates and turns on the body’s healing energies to save you from illness. Acupressure rub-down remedy practitioners will press on specific points to sell power to go with the flow to a part of the frame that is experiencing ailment or discomfort, enabling it to heal more quickly.

The two approaches acupressure points work in treatment.
●    Local Points: These are the Acupressure points the therapist concentrates on where the patient is experiencing pain or tension.
●    Trigger Points: This is the Acupressure point that the therapist stimulates to alleviate ache, anxiety, and a host of other problems which occur now and then. They are not the exact place where the patient is experiencing the pain but are used to target the pain area.

Difference between Acupressure and Acupuncture
Acupressure and Acupuncture are sometimes used interchangeably. Although they both use the same pressure points and Meridian to relieve pain and discomfort they are not the same.
Acupuncture uses tiny needles to access the acupoint while acupressure uses fingers, elbow, knuckle, palm, and foot to stimulate the pressure points.
It is believed by historians that acupressure existed around 2000 BC long before acupuncture. Acupuncture, also having its origin rooted in Chinese traditional medicine, was founded from a medical document titled "The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine."
Unlike acupressure, you can not self perform acupuncture. This is because the needles used in acupuncture, although not painful, have to be punched in properly to the exact pressure point to achieve great results. Hence, you need to be a licensed acupuncturist to perform it.


4 major techniques used in acupressure
1. Firm pressure: This is the use of the fingers, knuckles, thumbs, or sides of the hands to steadily apply pressure to a specific point in 4-5 seconds. This technique typically takes 1 or 2 minutes.
2. Slow motion Kneading: The heel of the hand and kneaded fingers are used to relieve tension in the shoulder and neck area and to also relieve constipation.
3. Quick tapping: The fingertips are used to gently apply pressure on the face due to face sensitivity. A loose fist may also be used here on large parts of the body to improve muscle tone and nerve function.
4. Light brisk rub: This is used to improve blood circulation or relieve goosebumps.

How to perform self Acupressure
Generally, In any of the self Acupressure sessions.
1. Find a comfortable place, close your eyes, inhale and exhale severally to relax.
2. Steadily push on the point in a round or circular motion for 5 seconds for 3 times.
3. Rehash the movement as regularly as you like to achieve results.

Note: if you have just added a meal wait an hour before performing acupressure. Put on a loose cloth for the session and don't overdo it. Anytime longer than 15 minutes is too much.

Pressure points for back pain in your body and how to apply Acupressure
You are aware that the back can be physically disabling, so to effectively use Acupressure. You have got to locate the pressure points to relieve back pain, some of which were mentioned above such as;
The abdomen, knee, lower back, hand, foot, and hip bone.

1. Acupressure for the abdomen point: The acupressure point for relieving back pain here is located two to 1 and a half inches from your navel.
Direction
●    Use your middle or index finger to add pressure to the point located for a couple of minutes
●    Repeat 4 times at intervals and every other day for a week.

2. Hipbone acupressure point: It is located at the base of the buttocks. This is the pressure point to relieve back pain and stiffness.
Direction
●    Stand upright, then proceed to use your two thumbs to massage the base of your buttocks for 3-4 minutes
●    Repeat the process every other day for a week.

3. Knee acupressure point: The cavity of your knees is where the acupressure point for relieving pressure point is found.
Direction
●    You can either sit with your legs stretched out or stand for this, either way
●    Then proceed to add pressure to the cavity of the knee with your index or middle finger for about 3 minutes.
●    Alternate between the knees.
●    Repeat process every other day for a week

4. Foot acupressure point: This is located in between the big toe and the next toe.
Direction
●    Here you will need to be in a lying position for the backpressure point massage.
●    Then proceed to bend your knee and reach for your foot massaging in between the big and another toe tenderly with your index and thumb This is because this spot is quite tender, so too much pressure isn't needed.
●    Repeat every other day for a week.

5. Hand acupressure point: This acupressure point for relieving back pain is located at the web of the thumb and index finger.
Direction
●    With the other hand use your thumb to apply pressure to the point for about 3 minutes
●    Repeat a couple of times in a session at intervals
●    Repeat the process every other day for a week.

6. Lower back acupressure point: This pressure point to relieve back pain is located close to your lower spine area.
Direction
●    Apply pressure to the point by moving your thumb in a circular motion for a minute
●    Repeat 3 times in a session and every other day for a week

The pressure point for lower back pain and how to apply Acupressure
Studies show that massaging the lower back directly might not necessarily bring relief to your lower back, more effective acupoints are needed for relief. These acupressure points are found in a couple of places on your body such as;
1. Stomach acupressure point: This is an acupressure point for low back pain situated at your lower spine and stomach point called CV 6, it is located below the navel. Just like the lower back, it is considered to be the "sea of vitality".
Direction
●    Apply pressure to the point, using 3 fingers held together.
●    Steady the pressure for like 5 minutes
●     Repeat this at intervals 10 more times in a session.
Note if you have a sensitive stomach or gastric issue apply pressure tenderly.

2. Waist acupressure point (B74): This is located outside the bladder line close to the middle of the waist on the right edge of the muscle of the erector. It is the pressure point to relieve the lower back.
Direction
You may need assistance with this one
●    Breathe in and out a couple of times.
●    Then steadily apply pressure to the point while laying on your stomach for like 1 minute.

3.  Ankle acupressure point (B60): This lower back pressure point is situated at the outer ankle bone and the Achilles tendon (Kulu mountain). It helps relieve or reduce the discomfort of lower back stiffness.
Direction
Pregnant women are prohibited from doing this as it can lead to premature labor.
●    Apply pressure to the point for about 30 secs.
●    Repeat this about 4 times at intervals in a session.

4. Toe acupressure point (LV3): This acupressure point for relieving back pain is located 3 inches from the tip of the big toe to the next smaller toe.
Direction
●    Apply pressure to the point, using your thumb to massage for about 30 secs.
●    Alternate between both toes about 4 times at intervals.
●    Repeat this process once a day for a week.

5. Waistline acupressure point (GV4): This pressure point for relieving lower back pain is situated at the waistline between the vertebrae.
Direction
Just like B74, you will need assistance from a friend or therapist.
●    Lie on your stomach, then proceed to steadily apply pressure to the point for 1 minute.
●    Slowly breathe in and out severally as pressure is begin applied on the acupoint.

6. Back of the knee acupressure point (B54): This is situated at the crease of the back of the knee. Applying pressure to the point can help alleviate lower back pain. It is also known as the Middle crook.
Direction
●    Steadily apply pressure to the point for about 30 secs, using your thumb.
●    Repeat the process 15 more times in a session at intervals.

7. Hipbone acupressure point (B23): This is part of the vita points for treating lower back pain which is situated at the intersection region of the rib cage and hipbone where the outer bladder line meets at the middle of the waist.
Direction
You may need assistance with this.
●    Lie on your stomach for the therapist to apply pressure to the point
●    Slowly breath in and out as the therapist increases the pressure until you feel an ache
●    Once you get to your limited pain the pressure should be released.
●    Repeat the process a couple of times in a session.

The pressure point for shoulder pain and how to apply Acupressure.
The acupressure points to relieve your shoulder pain are found in the following places
1. Hand acupressure point: just like for back pain this pressure point also relieves shoulder pain which is located between the fleshy web of your thumb and index finger.
Direction
●    Simply use your other hand's thumb to massage the fleshy web between your thumb and index finger for a minute.
●    Repeat every other day for a week.

2. Shoulder blade acupressure point: This is the acupressure point for relieving shoulder pain. It is located at the shoulder blade. This is where tension is stored.
Direction
●    Steadily apply pressure to the point with your fingertips.
●    Breath in and out as you steadily continue to press.
●    Alternate between each shoulder blade.
●    Repeat the process every other day for a week.

3. Foot acupressure point: This acupressure point is for relieving shoulder pain. It is located on the feet at the bottom and the rear of the big toe down to the hard side.
Direction
●    Apply pressure on the point with your thumb, slowly working your way up, down, center, and side.
●    Pinch, draw, and massage the side of the point for a minute or two
●    Repeat every other day for a week.

4. Elbow acupressure point: The pressure point to relieve shoulder pain is situated in the elbow crease. In the large intestine 10, large intestine 9 is a few inches away from the crease of the elbow, and the small intestine 8.
Direction
●    Use your thumb to add pressure to the points dragging up and down for some seconds.
●    Steadily press the point and hold for like 10 seconds.
●    Repeat the process a couple of times at intervals and every other day for a week.

Side effects
●    Generally, Acupressure is very safe, however, you may experience some temporary discomfort such as soreness, bruise, or pain after an acupressure massage session.
●    Less pressure should be applied on sensitive areas eg the face.
●    It should not be done on open injury, swollen parts, or varicose veins
●    Although acupressure can be helpful to pregnant women, precaution still needs to be taken in some areas such as the abdomen, leg, and lower back
●    Also, diabetic patients should first seek advice from their doctor before opting for acupressure therapy. This is because they have sensitive nerves.

Something Extra for you
Asides from the pressure points discussed above which you can use to relieve back pain and shoulder pain there are other pressure points you can use daily to achieve overall well-being.

They include;
1.L14 (Union valley): This will help if you are experiencing any discomfort in your face, neck, or head area which is situated between the first and second metacarpal bone at the side.
Direction
Tenderly use your fingertips to massage the point.

2. PC6 (Inner gate point): This is situated on your forearms at the long tendons on your palm side. It helps to relieve stomach troubles, indigestion, nausea, and anxiety.
Direction
Press your thumb on the spot for a minute and release. You can do this several times a day.

3. Liver 3 (The great surge): This is located between the web of your big toes and next toes. It helps relieve tension, back pain, insomnia, emotional worries, and high blood pressure.
Direction
Gently add pressure to the pressure point. You can do this several times a day and every other day.

4. SP 6  (3 yin intersection): This is located above the tip of your medial malleolus on your back just 4 fingers away from it. It helps to relieve menstrual cramps
Direction
Apply pressure to the point at intervals. It can be done daily and every other day.

5. Leg three miles: This is helpful for diarrhea, longevity, constipation, depression, and overall well-being, located below the side border of the patella.
Direction
Apply pressure to the point at intervals. It can be done daily and every other day.

6. Sea of blood (SP 10): This is situated above the inner fraction of your leg. It is beneficial for nurturing the skin and purifying the blood
Direction
Use your thumbs or knuckle of your middle finger to stimulate the pressure point. Do this for 3 minutes at intervals and every other day.

7. Wind pool (Gb 20): The acupoint is situated at your neck muscles, where your skull and neck meet. This helps to relieve migraine, colds, and neck stiffness.
Direction
Press your thumb to your lower skull closer to your hairline, then proceed to glide your thumbs along the lower part of your skull until your thumbs reach the midway between your ear and spine. Do this for 3 minutes at intervals and every other day.

Conclusion
By this point, you should already know how to self perform acupressure for relieving back pain, lower back pain, shoulder pain, and some other discomforts. It is simple, self-empowering, and convenient to do with minimal side effects. But if you feel you need the service of an expert to apply acupressure, go ahead and book an appointment with an acupressure practitioner or ask your masseuse if they are inclined in acupressure therapy. Either way, there is a mountain of evidence to show that if acupressure is properly applied to your pressure points, you are guaranteed relief and a long-lasting one at that.