Improving Eczema Symptoms with Acupressure

Those of us who have suffered from eczema (such as Atopic Dermatitis) know how unpleasant this condition can be. Fortunately, there are techniques that can ease the symptoms of this condition. After considerable research, I have found out that a number of different sources (sites dedicated to the problem of eczema or acupuncture manuals), agree on the same techniques for this skin issue.

In this post, I am going to share several techniques which, if practiced daily for a number of weeks, may bring relief.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure have both proven to be successful in relieving symptoms of eczema. First, let’s have a look at the difference between these two ways of treatment:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses fine needles, inserted at specific points along the body’s energetic pathways (meridians). This is believed to restore and balance the flow of energy necessary for healing. You need to find a qualified acupuncture practitioner to get a treatment, and you’ll usually need a number of sessions for the treatment to be effective.

Acupressure

Acupressure works on the same principle, but uses fingertips instead of needles. This means that you can apply this treatment to yourself or others, at home or wherever suits you.

Improvement Through Acupressure

In one of their articles at nationaleczema.org, Kachiu C. Lee, M.D. and Peter A. Lio, M.D. describe a study that has been conducted by Northwestern University’s Department of Dermatology to explore the effects of acupressure.

The participants of the experiment – all eczema sufferers – were divided into two groups: An experimental group and a control group. Both groups were instructed to continue their usual regime of eczema treatments, such as oral medications, steroid creams, moisturizers etc.

The subjects from the experimental group were also instructed to apply pressure at a specific acupuncture point (shown later in this article). They would have to do this on a daily basis for four weeks.

The participants in the control group were told to just stick to their usual regime of treatment, and not use any acupressure or acupuncture during these four week period.

The Results

After the four weeks passed, all participants were invited for follow-up examination. The subjects in the experimental group (those who were instructed to work with specific acupressure points) reported noticeable improvement of their eczema symptomps, including decreased itching sensation.

The participants from the control group who did not use any acupressure, had no noticeable change in their skin condition.

Acupressure Point for Eczema

The acupressure point used in the study was Large Intestine 11. This point lies on the energetic channel that not only nourishes the organ Large Intestine, but impacts the health of other organs and systems such as the skin. This is where it is located:

Large Intestine 11

There are two more points which are often used for alleviating symptoms of eczema, and I would highly recommend including these in your daily routine, together with the Large Intestine 11 (LI 11).

These are: Spleen 10 and Bladder 40.

Spleen 10

Bladder 40

How to Apply Acupressure

To work with the acupressure points, use your thumb (on any finger of your preference) and apply steady pressure to a given point. Rub/stimulate the point in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Ideally, you may want to do this on a daily basis for at least two weeks, or until you start noticing some relief in itchiness, sensation of heat, or the number of lesions.

It is best to incorporate the acupressure sessions in your daily activities, e.g. when you relax, watch TV, wait in a queue, lie in bed, etc.

Perseverance Pays Off

Working with the points is easy: Simply press or rub the point in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. However, if you’d like to see results, it is necessary to stick to this treatment for a number of weeks, as in the experiment by the Northwestern University’s Department of Dermatology. Just integrate it in your daily routine and you may be well rewarded for your discipline sooner or later.

Recap

The three acupressure points for alleviating symptoms of eczema are:

Large Intestine 11

Spleen 10

Bladder 40.

They should be stimulated/rubbed in circular motion for 1-2 minutes.

Here are pictures of each point once more:

Large Intestine 11

Spleen 10

Bladder 40

Healthy Liver

Another important point to mention in connection with eczema is the health of the liver which regulates detoxification of the blood. Often, the red itchy patches will become more inflamed when your blood has high level of toxins.

Massaging the Neurolymphatic Points

One way to encourage the elimination of those toxins is by regularly massaging the neurolymphatic points of the Liver, which are located (all along the line) under the right breast. This method is frequently used by osteopaths, chiropractors, kinesiologists, energy medicine practitioners etc.

Questions or Comments

I hope you will find some of these techniques useful. If you have any questions or comments, do let me know in the comment section below.