Neck pain happens for a variety of reasons, including back strain, muscle tension, broken down cartilage, and worn out joints.

Neck pain can center on one area or spread out, taking the form of spasms or stiffness.

The most common cause of neck pain is poor posture, but it can also be a symptom of a more severe condition.

You must seek medical attention if you experience numbness in your hands or arms alongside the neck pain. Reflexology and acupressure have been in use for centuries for alleviating neck pain and other body ailments. Acupressure is the massage and stimulation of specific body points to bring relief for various health conditions. In reflexology, every part of the body is interconnected, which means you can stimulate some parts of the body to align or activate other body parts.

Massage Pressure Points

Massage therapists work with specific pressure points to alleviate pain in different parts of the body. If you often suffer from a stiff neck, you can consider buying a neck massager.

There are many massagers on the market with different features. You can seek advice from a doctor or massage therapist on the best massager to buy. The neck pressure points that relieve sore necks are as follows:

Jian Jing (GB21)

Jian Jing or GB21 is located in your shoulder muscles. It lies halfway between the neck and where the arm begins. Jian Jing has been successfully used in acupuncture research for muscle tension and headaches.

Jian Jing is also useful in the treatment of a stiff or sore neck. However, this pressure point can induce labor and should not be stimulated in pregnant women. 

He Gu (LI4)

The He Gu or LI4 (Large Intestine 4) pressure point is located on the skin fold between the thumb and the forefinger.

This pressure point relieves pain in various body parts, the neck included. It can induce labor in pregnant women.

Zhong Zu (TE3)

The Zong Zu (Triple Energizer) pressure point nestles in between the knuckles, just above the ring and pinky fingers.

This pressure point stimulates several sections of the brain, releases tension, and improves circulation. This only works for stress or tension neck pain.

Feng Chi or GB20

The Feng Chi (GB20 or all Bladder 20) pressure point lies behind your earlobe, on the ear bone or the mastoid. Follow the mastoid up to where the neck meets the skull.

Applying firm pressure here relieves the discomfort of a stiff neck caused by an uncomfortable sleeping position. Feng Chi is useful for migraines, headaches, fatigue, colds, and flu symptoms, low energy, and eye blurriness. 

Heaven’s Pillar (UB10)

This pressure point lies at the base of the skull, on either side of the neck. It lies almost two inches from where the backbone starts. Stimulation of these points relieves swollen lymph nodes that can lead to a stiff or sore neck. 

Feng Fu (GV16)

Feng Fu or GV16 (Governing Vessel 16) is also called Wind Mansion, Palace of the Wind or Back of the Head. It is a crucial pressure point and lies on the back of the head below the base of the skull. The application of firm pressure on this point helps to alleviate neck stiffness among other pains.

Hou Xi (Small Intestine 3)

This pressure point is on the palm, where the dark and light skin meets. It alleviates neck pains and headaches amongst other ailments. 

Word Of Caution

If you have had a stiff neck for a while and acupressure massage has not helped, you need to seek further medical advice. A constantly sore or painful neck could be a precursor to more severe conditions such as:

  • Cervical herniated disc
  • Cervical degenerative disc disease
  • Cervical osteoarthritis.
  • Meningitis
  • Arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis and Cervical spondylitis)

If the neck pain stems from an injury sustained in an accident, see a doctor before you consider acupressure treatment. 

Conclusion: A Word From the WellnessCouncil

Reflexology and acupressure have been in use for thousands of years. Some health professionals do not believe in the healing properties of these ancient practices; however, evidence of its success is clear.

While you may believe in the healing power of holistic medicine, it is more powerful when combined with scientific medicine. Do not dismiss either; instead, work with the healing power of both. They make a powerful combination.