Acupressure For Eczema: Uses & Benefits (Step By Step How-To Guide)

How does acupressure for eczema work? When many people think of home remedies for eczema, they don’t give much thought to acupressure. This Asian therapy is a great alternative to prescription medications utilized to treat eczema. When you compare CNI immunosuppressants, keratolytics, and corticosteroids to acupressure, it is no wonder why people are opting for the alternative. These medications contain ingredients with potentially harmful side effects. To avoid these side effects and still treat eczema, acupressure is the solution.

Why acupressure for eczema? Acupressure is utilized to treat a broad range of medical conditions, including back pain, hypertension (high blood pressure), migraines, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The goal for eczema sufferers utilizing acupressure treatment is healthy skin. The technique targets the affected areas by working on specific pressure points.

Eczema – What Is It

Eczema is a condition that is caused by an “overactive immune system”. The body responds to irritants by triggering the process of inflammation. During this process, the body generates white blood cells and other substances to combat the foreign invaders, irritants in this case. The result is edema (swelling), redness, heat, and pain. In severe cases, the inflammation will cause loss of function.

Eczema is also an abnormal response to proteins, macronutrients normally found in the body. Since proteins are naturally found in the body, the immune system will not respond to them. When the immune system abnormally responds to proteins, this condition is known as an autoimmune disease. In this case, the body believes the protein is an invader, such as a virus or bacteria. These individuals will experience eczema flareups, which will occur periodically throughout their life.

Eczema Triggers

Eczema flareups can be triggered by various irritants, emotions, and medical conditions. Some examples include chemicals found in soaps, detergents, and household cleaners, increased body temperature, animal danger, food allergies, stress, fluctuations in humidity, synthetic and scratchy materials, and upper respiratory infections.

Eczema – Who Is At Risk

While everyone is at risk of developing eczema at some point in their life, some people are at a higher risk. Children and adults who have been diagnosed with hay fever and asthma before the age of 30 are at the highest risk of developing eczema.

Eczema is believed to be a hereditary disease, which means it can be passed down from parent to offspring through the genes. So, children of parents who have been diagnosed with eczema are at a higher risk of developing the condition than other children.

Eczema Medications – Side Effects

As mentioned above, there are several medications that have shown to be effective in treating eczema. Unfortunately, all of these medications have side effects. While not dangerous, these side effects can complicate your daily routine.

The most common over-the-counter medication prescribed to treat eczema is an antihistamine. Some examples of these medications include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine). Most of these antihistamines share the same unwanted side effect; drowsiness. When taking antihistamines, it is not recommended to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery. It is also not recommended to make important decisions when taking these drugs because they can alter your judgment.

A common drug utilized to treat severe cases of eczema is a corticosteroid. These manmade drugs are utilized to alter the immune system, so it does not attack the natural substances, such as protein, found in the body. Some examples of corticosteroids include Hydrocortisone, Sterapred (prednisone), and Medrol (methylprednisolone). All these drugs share the same side effects, which include weight gain, frequent urination, acne, puffy face, easy bruising, stunted growth (in children), muscle weakness, mood swings, and osteoporosis.

Alternative Treatments

Medical professionals are now encouraging eczema sufferers to utilize alternative treatments to avoid the side of antihistamines and corticosteroids. One of the most common recommended alternative treatments is acupressure, which can be combined with meditation, aromatherapy, yoga, and guided imagery. These treatments do not have any known side effects, so they are a safer alternative to prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Acupressure – How To Do It Properly

The first step to treating eczema with acupressure is learning the points that improve the flow of energy. There are points throughout the body and head that Chinese medicine believes can be manipulated to treat various conditions. The points you need to target when treating eczema include:

• GB2
• Li11
• P6
• SP10
• LV8
• UB40

These points are in areas where eczema flareups generally occur. These areas are above and on the side of the knee, between the biceps femoris, top of the crease of the elbow, and above the wrist. Once you become familiar with these points, you will need to determine their actual location.

Locating The GB2 Point

The first point you need to target is the GB2. To find the point, you simply need to locate the ear gate, the area where information is received. The GB2 point is located just in front of the ear gate. This is one of the easiest points to find.

Massaging The GB2 Point

Once the GB2 point is located, you will need to utilize your index finger and thumb to apply pressure. It’s recommended to hold pressure on the point for at least four seconds. While you are applying pressure on the point, you should also be massaging the area. This will ensure the maximum results of the therapy.

Locating The Li11 Point

Locating the Li11 point is easy because it is located on the elbow crease. To locate the Li11 point, you will need to bend your arm until your hand is directly underneath your chin. Utilize your index finger to locate the elbow crease. The Li11 point is located on the outer tip of the elbow crease.

Massaging The Li11 Point

To apply pressure to the Li11 point, you need to utilize your index finger. Place your index finger on top of the point and apply pressure by pushing straight in toward the other side of the elbow. Hold pressure on the Li11 point for at least four seconds. You can repeat the technique several times a day to achieve the best results.

Locating The P6 Point

To locate the P6 point, you need to bend your arm to where your wrist is pointing in front of your body. The point is located just on the inside of the forearm between the two tendons of the wrist right after the vein crosses.

Massaging The P6 Point

Once you locate the P6 point, you will utilize your index finger to massage it. You can also utilize your thumb to apply pressure. It really does not matter as long as you are applying pressure to the correct spot.

Locating The SP10 Point

To locate the SP10 point, you will need to sit on a flat surface with your leg extended in front of you. Locate the vastus medialis, a quadriceps muscle, which can be found in the inner front area of the thigh. If you have trouble locating the point, you can flex your leg. This position will make it easier to locate the bulge of muscle that is 45 degrees from the corner of the knee.

Massaging The SP10 Point

Once the SP10 point is located, you will apply pressure with your thumb. Massage the area for at least four seconds and repeat if necessary.

Locating The LV8 Point

To locate the LV8 point, you will need to flex your leg. Place your index finger on the medial end of the popliteal crease or crease of the knee. Leaving your finger in place, open your leg up to a 90-degree angle. Move your index finger up towards the head until it falls into a dip that is anterior to the tendons of the knee.

Massaging The LV8 Point

Once you locate the LV8 point, you will utilize your index finger or thumb to apply pressure. Apply pressure for at least four seconds and repeat if necessary.

Locating The UB40 Point

To locate the UB40 point, you will need to sit on a flat surface with your knee bent and foot flat on the ground. Locate the line or wrinkle behind the knee. The UB40 point is located in the center of that line.

Massaging The UB40 Point

Once the UB40 point is located, you will need to apply pressure by utilizing one or two fingers or two fingers and a thumb. While applying pressure, you’ll bend your leg backwards to a comfortable position. You can also extend your foot downwards toward the floor if that is a comfortable position for you. If you perform the technique correctly, you will eventually be able to feel your pulse with your middle finger.

Acupressure Routine

The great benefit of acupressure for eczema is it doesn’t require a trip to the medical clinic. Once you become familiar with the pressure points, you can manipulate them, with a few exceptions, anywhere and at any time. The key to improvement is dedication. If you dedicate at least 15 minutes twice a day to the therapy, you will see a major improvement in your condition over time. Even if you do not have enough time to undergo the full eczema acupressure therapy, you can target one or two pressure points.

How Much Pressure To Apply

The amount of pressure to apply to the pressure points will vary from one person to another. It is only normal to experience mild pain with this type of therapy. However, the experts believe the pain should be balanced out with pleasure. The best way to determine the right amount of force is to apply pressure. And, if you experience pain, ease up on the pressure until it is tolerable.

To Achieve Maximum Results

To achieve maximum results from acupressure, you must be consistent and patient. No one should expect to perform acupressure one time and see a major improvement in their condition. It is more realistic to believe the improvements will occur gradually over time. Fortunately, most of the points that are utilized to target eczema problem areas are easy to locate, apart from the UB40 point. You may need some assistance locating and applying pressure to that specific point. Once you become familiar with the process, you should be able to complete the treatment in 15 minutes or less.

It is recommended to perform acupressure at least twice a day. If you are undergoing professional acupressure sessions, your therapist will schedule your visits according to a specialized treatment plan. If you have any questions about the routine, you should talk to your therapist.

Summary

Acupressure is utilized to treat a broad range of conditions. If you’re suffering from eczema; it’s likely that you have had the condition for quite some time. While there are various over the counter and prescription medications that are effective in treating the condition, many people prefer safer alternatives, such as acupressure. It is important to note that this treatment is not a miracle cure for eczema. However, if utilized consistently and appropriately, it will help control the symptoms associated with the condition.

Related Questions

Can acupressure help reduce eczema flareups?

Some people who utilize acupressure to treat their eczema have reported fewer flareups. Of course, the results will depend on the frequency and how well the individual responds to the therapy.

What’s the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?

Both acupuncture and acupressure are alternative therapies utilized to manipulate acupoints, also known as pressure points. The main difference in the two therapies is the technique utilized to manipulate the acupoints. In acupuncture, thin needles are utilized to stimulate the acupoints. Acupressure, on the other hand, utilizes the tips of the fingers and thumb to stimulate the acupoints. Acupuncture must also be performed by a licensed or certified therapist while acupressure can be performed by anyone who is familiar with the acupoints.

How long do the effects of acupuncture last?

The effects of acupuncture vary from one person to another. The treatment takes anywhere between 45 and 60 minutes. The effects can last anywhere from one day to 12 months.