The Hoku Point: Pain Relief And Better Health At Your Fingertips
The Hoku Point is a key acupuncture point in the hand--but you don't need a needle to reap the benefits of its powerful therapy. It's easy and painless to self-treat the Hoku Point with acupressure. And because it's useful for so many things--especially pain relief--I think it's one of those self-treatment techniques that everyone who is interested in natural healing should know.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure (as you probably know, but just in case you don't!) is a needle-less relative of acupuncture.
Acupuncture and acupressure are part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient system of medicine based on a non-Western model of the body. In the TCM model, the body's vital energies, called qi, or chi, flow continuously along subtle energy pathways in the body called meridians, nourishing, maintaining and restoring all the body’s organ systems.
In TCM, illness and pain are seen as the result of the interrupted or imbalanced flow of qi. Acupressure and acupuncture aim to remedy such imbalances and blockages by needling or pressing on acupoints--places on the surface of the body where qi can be influenced to regulate body functions and relieve pain. The Hoku Point is one of the most important and useful of these acupoints on the body.
Location
The Hoku Point is easy to locate. Lightly press your thumb up against your index finger. In the webbing between thumb and index finger, near the bottom of the thumb, the flesh of your hand will mound up. The Hoku Point is on the top of the hand, at the apex of that mound.
Located on the Large Intestine merdian (LI4), it is also called "Joining the Valley."
Uses
The Hoku Point is helpful with many health and wellness issues, including headaches, constipation, stress, arthritis, toothaches, any problem of the face, allergies, shoulder and arm pain, abdominal pain, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, strengthening the immune system, shifting stagnation in the body, and general pain relief. It is particularly useful for relieving pain, anywhere in the body.
However, you should NOT use this point if you are pregnant. It may provoke uterine contractions and premature labor.
How-To
Put pressure on the Hoku Point by placing your thumb on the point, angling in a bit toward the bone, and your index finger opposite it, on the other side of the hand. Keep the holding hand relaxed. The point may be tender.
Hold the point for 15 seconds to one minute, then switch hands.
Of course, you should see your medical doctor if you have questions or concerns about your health, or if you have any signs of a serious health issue.
More Information
For more information, I recommend the book Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach
Nancy Hausauer has a holistic healing practice in Tacoma, Washington. To learn more natural techniques for pain relief, relaxation, and wellness, or to learn about more about energy healing, visit her website at www.the-energy-healing-site.com.
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