Acupuncture Techniques for Hip Pain Relief You Can Do Between Zoom Calls

Sitting for long periods during virtual meetings can aggravate hip pain, making it difficult to concentrate and work comfortably. If you’re struggling with this issue, acupuncture for hip pain relief might be an effective solution. To help you ease the discomfort quickly, we consulted with Ms. Mai Sogawa, a licensed TCM therapist from Japan. She suggested several easy-to-apply techniques that involve pressing specific acupressure points that can be done in just a few minutes. You can learn more about Ms. Mai’s expertise here.

In this article, we’ll outline three acupuncture techniques that can alleviate hip pain during short breaks, such as the ones you might have between Zoom calls. Read on to discover how acupressure can help reduce hip pain and maintain your comfort throughout the day.

Hip Acupressure Points to Target During Short Breaks

Ms. Mai recommends the following acupressure points for quick pain relief that you can incorporate into your daily routine. These points are accessible and effective for relieving tension and stiffness in the hip area:

1. GB-41 (Zu Lin Qi) – Foot Overlooking Tears

Location: This point is located on the top of your foot, in the depression between the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones (just above the fourth toe joint).

How It Helps: Stimulating GB-41 is known to be effective for alleviating pain along the hip and leg region. It also helps to relax tight muscles and relieve tension around the lower back.

Technique:

• Use your thumb to apply firm pressure on the GB-41 point.
• Massage the area in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes.
• Repeat on both feet if necessary.

GB-41 is an excellent choice if you need quick relief for hip pain during a short break. Its location on the foot makes it easy to reach while sitting, making it perfect for between meetings.

2. BL-40 (Wei Zhong) – Middle of the Crook

Location: Found at the back of the knee, in the center of the crease.

How It Helps: This point is known for its ability to ease pain and stiffness along the entire back body, from the lower back down to the legs. It is particularly useful for addressing hip pain caused by prolonged sitting.

Technique:

• While seated, place your fingers behind your knee and find the BL-40 point in the middle of the crease.
• Apply gentle but steady pressure for about 1 minute on each leg.
• For more intensity, use your knuckle or a rounded object to massage the point.

This point can be stimulated discreetly under a desk, making it a convenient option for quick relief without drawing attention.

3. BL-23 (Shen Shu) – Kidney Shu

Location: BL-23 is located 1.5 inches lateral to the second lumbar vertebra on the lower back.

How It Helps: This acupressure point is well-known in TCM for supporting kidney health and alleviating lower back pain. Activating this point can also help reduce hip pain by relaxing muscles in the lower back and hips.

Technique:

• Stand up and place your hands on your lower back.
• Use your thumbs to find the BL-23 points on both sides.
• Apply gentle pressure while making small circular motions for 2-3 minutes.

If standing is not an option, you can massage BL-23 while seated by leaning back in your chair and using your thumbs to press on the lower back area.

Tips for Using Acupressure During Breaks

Incorporating these techniques into your workday can make a noticeable difference in your comfort level. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of these acupressure points:

• Stay Consistent: Regular stimulation of these points, even for just a few minutes a day, can have cumulative benefits for pain relief.
• Breathe Deeply: When pressing on the acupressure points, take slow, deep breaths to promote relaxation and enhance the effect of the massage.
• Be Gentle: Use moderate pressure to avoid bruising or discomfort. If you feel sharp pain, stop immediately.
• Combine With Stretching: For even better results, combine acupressure with gentle hip stretches. This can help release deeper muscle tension.

Additional Home Remedies to Complement Acupressure

If you find yourself needing more support, consider these additional home remedies that complement the effects of acupressure:

• Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress to the hip area can help loosen tight muscles and enhance blood circulation.
• Epsom Salt Baths: A warm bath with Epsom salts can help reduce inflammation and relax sore muscles.
• Foam Rolling: Using a foam roller on the hip and lower back muscles can provide myofascial release, which can further ease pain and stiffness.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these acupressure techniques can provide temporary relief, persistent hip pain should not be ignored. If you experience severe pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. They may recommend seeing a licensed acupuncturist who can provide more targeted treatments.

By incorporating these quick and effective acupressure techniques into your workday, you can manage hip pain without interrupting your schedule. Give them a try during your next break and see how a few minutes of self-care can transform your comfort level throughout the day!