Muscle cramps in the legs can strike at any time, whether after exercising or during the night. These are unpleasant occurrences that affect many of us, but daily stretching can help prevent them. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or motivation to stretch regularly, leading to chronic cramping. To provide an easy solution, we're sharing five effective pressure points for alleviating leg cramps that will help ease this pain and discomfort.
1. ST-34 - Relieve pain and swelling
If you experience cramps at the front of your thigh, you can find relief by applying pressure to the ST-34 pressure point. This pressure point runs along the longitudinal line of the stomach and can effectively treat digestion-related issues, as well as swelling and knee pain. Locate the pressure point by placing your fingertips on the outer edge of the patella and moving upward three fingers. Once you reach the point, gently massage it to reduce the pain.
2. BL-37 - alleviate spasms in the hamstring muscle
The point situated at the back of the thigh, known as "BL-37," is aimed at treating issues related to hamstring muscle contraction. It has been observed that this point can also effectively address lower back pain and strengthen the lower limbs, which can ultimately alleviate back problems. To access this point, place your fingertips in the center of the back of your thigh, as indicated in the figure. While massaging this point, it is important to be gentle as it can be sensitive for some individuals.
3. KI-1 - Relieve the discomfort in the feet and toes
If you experience muscle spasms in your legs, particularly in the feet or toe area, KI-1 is the ideal point for massage. This point not only helps alleviate leg muscle spasms but also offers relief from other ailments like headaches, neck pain, dry throat, constipation, and nausea. To locate KI-1, stretch your foot until you see two curved lines on either side of the central part at the bottom of your foot. KI-1 can be found exactly where these lines meet. Apply moderate pressure with one finger and gently massage the point after relaxing your foot.
4. ST-36 - alleviate muscle tension in the calves
The most common type of leg cramp is the hamstring muscle spasm. Fortunately, an ST-36 point massage can alleviate this issue. Furthermore, this point is effective in treating various conditions like vomiting, diarrhea, cough, asthma, shortness of breath, insomnia, dizziness, lack of appetite, and depression. To find this point, locate the lowest point on your knee, and move your finger 2.5 cm downwards. Then move about 7.5 cm until you reach the marked point in the picture. Finally, gently massage the spot.
5. GB-34 - Relieve lower limb numbness and much more...
The final pressure point on our list is similar to the ST-36 point and can help alleviate muscle spasms affecting both calves as well as spasms causing shoulder pain, lower limb numbness, and vomiting. Additionally, it is one of the most effective pressure points for relieving knee pain. To locate this pressure point, place a finger on the side of the leg parallel to the knee line. Move slightly more than 1 cm toward the foot until reaching a bony prominence. This prominence indicates that the correct point has been reached, and it can be gently massaged to help alleviate symptoms.
Image sources: acupressure.com, acumeridianpoints.com, tcmtips.com, www.scientificanimations.com
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