3 Acupuncture Points to Get Rid of Heel Pain

Many people do not know how to get rid of heel pain. They go to the doctor and find out the cause of their heel pain, but that doesn’t necessarily help them get rid of it. Acupuncture points are an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine. They can be used to treat ailments such as heel pain. Read on to find out more about these 3 acupuncture points that you can use to relieve your heel pain.

Causes of Heel Pain

Stress on your heel is usually caused by sudden, severe injuries or repetitive strain. Repeated stress can also lead to heel pain. People who stand on their feet all day are more likely to develop heel pain than those who sit down all day. Injuries include rolling over your foot or dropping something heavy on it, twisting it, and stubbing your toe (ouch!). Runners may experience side-of-the-heel pain that worsens as they continue running.

Massage These 3 Acupuncture Points

What are acupuncture points? There are over 360 acupuncture points in total on a human body, according to TCM theory. The intensity and effect of acupuncture treatment will depend on which points are used and how they’re stimulated.

In focus on relieving heel pain, you can give yourself an at-home foot massage by applying pressure on these three acupuncture points, including Fuyang (BL-59), Qiuxu (GB-40), and Taixi (K3). If your condition is severe, we recommend seeking advice from a professional acupuncturist. Stimulating these points helps promote circulation while relaxing muscle tension.

BL59 (Fuyang) － 跗陽穴

Location:

This point lies three (3) cun directly above Kulun (BL60).

Functions of Fuyang:

• Disperse wind damp in the channel and connecting vessels.
• Clears the channel.
• Invigorates Yang Qiao Mai.
• Strengthens the back.

Indications of Fuyang:

Heavy head sensation, headache, low back pain, redness and swelling of the external malleolus, paralysis of the lower extremities.

GB-40 (Qiuxu) － 丘墟穴

Location:

Qiuxu lies anterior and inferior to the external malleolus, in the depression on the lateral side of the tendon of m.extensor digitorum longus.

Functions of Qiuxu:

• Spreads liver qi and benefits Gall Bladder (Liver Qi stagnation related to heat; drains damp-heat from Gall Bladder).
• Clears channel (opens hip, foot, leg from cramping).

Indication of Qiuxu:

• The main point for problems along the gallbladder channel: eye disorders, blurred vision, neck pain, hypochondriac pain.
• Suitable for distending pain in the chest and hypochondriac region; Malaria.
• Local disorders: Atrophy or paralysis of the lower extremities, sciatica, pain in malleolus joint and around, such as arthritis and sprain.

KI3 (Taixi) - 太溪穴 

Location:

On the medial side of the foot, posterior to the medial malleolus, in the depression between the tip of the medial malleolus and calcaneal tendon.

Functions of Taixi:

• Tonifies Kidney (Yang, yin, jing, Qi, KI yin deficiency, KI yang deficiency).
• Cools heat (afternoon fever, insomnia, night sweats, thirst, evening dry tongue).
• Strengthens lower back and knees ( bone degeneration)

Indications of Taixi:

• Taixi is the main point for urinary problems, fertility problems, sexual problems.
• Also benefits for headache, dizziness, insomnia, forgetfulness, sore and swollen throat, toothache, tinnitus, deafness.
• Taixi is an excellent point for cough, asthma, lumbar pain.
• Irregular menstruation, seminal emission, impotence, frequent urination, diabetes.

How to Perform Acupressure:

•  You can find specific points from anatomical landmarks and/or measurements called cun.
•  You can use thumbs, double thumbs, elbows, etc. to stimulate the points.

•  The amount of pressure should be nothing more than a happy pain.
•  You may hold the points from 30 seconds to 3 minutes depending on the comfort level of both you and the client.

•  Focus on your breath when doing the treatment.
•  You can treat every day until your symptoms subside and then do it a couple of times a week for maintenance.

Other Self-care Methods

• Alternative home therapy:  Our Japanese Electro-Foot Therapy can break up soft tissue adhesions. It doesn’t just provide a simple foot massage, but it can impressively give you 5 different physical therapies. These include low-frequency electric therapy, additional stimulation pads, air-pressure massage, high-frequency vibration, and heat therapy. These therapies help relieve your body from fatigue and pain, reduce tightness, accelerate new bone cell growth, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities.
• Footwear: When you have heel pain, it’s important not to walk barefoot.
• Stretching exercises: Do heel stretching exercises for tight tendons and muscles.
• Taping: You can use athletic or medical tape to support the foot arch or heel.
• Orthotic devices: Over-the-counter or custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) can take pressure off the heel. A walking boot may be necessary for more severe symptoms. You may also need to switch to more supportive shoes for everyday wear and exercise.

Let us know if you have any questions; leave them in the contact us, and we'll be happy to answer them! Stay tuned for more information about wellness and health topics here at Amazing Life Singapore. Thank you all for reading, and see you next time!