Bladder 23: An Acupressure/Acupuncture Point to Help Back Pain

Most of us have suffered from back pain at some point in our lives and the condition affects more than 1.1 million people in the UK, with 95% of patients' lower back causing the issue. So, it's no surprise that it's one of the most common complaints I come across at The Mitchell Hill Clinic.

I'm pleased to say that acupuncture can be very successful and this is echoed in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on best practice. For persistent non-specific low back pain, they now recommend that GPs offer a course of 10 sessions of acupuncture as a first line treatment.

This video produced for the British Acupuncture Council lead Acupuncture Awareness Week shows how acupuncture can help with back pain.

Back pain can be related to a number of issues e.g. pinched nerves, muscle strains, injury, during pregnancy or because of stress or kidney infection. I offer 15 minute FREE consultations at my Truro Clinic where we can discuss how acupuncture can help with your particular condition.

There are 12 points on the Bladder meridian that are known collectively as the Back Shu points and they relate to the organs in the body. Your traditional acupuncturist may select some of these points, alongside other carefully chosen back points following an in-depth consultation at the start of your appointment.

Caution: Do not use the following point if pregnant, or if you think you could be pregnant.

Bladder 23, also known as Sea of Vitality (I love the names of some of these points), is a Back Shu point that's associated with the Kidneys so, going off on a slight tangent, if you've been suffering from e.g. tinnitus, your acupuncturist may needle this point, as this condition may be related to Kidney deficiency. The latter can relate to auricular issues hence, an acupuncture point on your back can help your ears!

In general, Bladder 23 is used to strengthen the core and reduce lower back pain. Located at the waist on the lower back between the second and third lumbar vertebrae two finger widths from the spine. A good way to find it is to trace a line from the bottom of your rib cage and press down lightly with your index or middle finger on both sides approx. an inch out from the spine (see picture). Use a gentle circling motion over the points. Do this for between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

As I say, there are many useful points for back pain that your acupuncturist may select depending on your case history, but this is one of the most common points - I hope it helps. If you're suffering from chronic back pain, I would always recommend a visit to your GP.

To book a consultation at The Mitchell Hill Clinic - Acupuncture & Natural Health Centre in Truro, please call us on 01872 274774.

Best wishes,
Paul

Paul Adkins Lic.Ac., BA(Hons), 1st Dan, FEA, MBAcC, MCAUK, MMNTUK - Member of the British Acupuncture Council

Information displayed on this blog is not to be considered diagnostic for any condition, nor considered as preventative or cure for any illness or disease. The Mitchell Hill Clinic cannot be held responsible for any claim made against them.

In no circumstance should the information contained on this blog be used as a guide for medical practise or purpose. If a medical condition is suspected then you are advised to consult a medical practitioner, particularly if you are on orthodox medication or pregnant.

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