Acupressure (Not Recommended For Pregnant Women)

You have several different pressure points located all over your body, Ancient Chinese alternative medicine discovered that by simply applying pressure to these points can give pain relief, in particular if the correct pressure point associated with that pain is properly targeted.


Scientific studies have confirmed this theory and found that by applying adequate pressure to these points encourages the brain to release endorphins, the body's natural feel painkiller, directly to the site of pain.


There is a nerve situated in between the thumb and the index finger that shares the same pain receptors as the teeth. Applying ice on this pressure point interrupts the pain signal to the brain which relieves pain temporarily.


Use one or more of the following techniques:


Directions:


Place an ice cube on the part of the hand between the thumb and the index finger; in case you're not sure which part of the hand that is it's the webbed fleshy looking part of the hand. In the case of your left hand it's the part of the hand that forms an 'L' shape between the thumb and the forefinger. This pressure point has been known to influence tooth pain. Hold the ice cube firmly in place on the "L" shaped part of the hand for at least 10 to 20 minutes, keeping it in the same spot until you start to experience pain relief.


For more severe toothache, create an ice bath by combining 2 cups of crushed ice to 2 cups of water into a medium sized bowl. Place your hand into the bowl while massaging the soft fleshy webbed part with your other hand. Do this for 1 minute at a time to avoid your hand getting too cold. This should alleviate pain within a few minutes.


Another technique is to grab the soft fleshy webbed part of your hand using your thumb and index finger. Apply pressure for between 2 and 3 minutes. This releases the body's endorphin, feel good hormones which is a great natural pain relief relying on the body's own abilities. Warning - Do not use this technique if pregnant.


Another acupressure point is located in the soft area of the Achilles tendon. Grasp this part of the ankle between the thumb and index finger applying pressure for 2 to 3 minutes.


Release and repeat.