Lower Back and Hip Tension

by Diane
(Worthington, Ohio)

I found a way to help release tension in your lower back and hip. I rub the area below the outside ankle between the ankle bone and the bottom of the heel. I find that when my back is tense if I rub this area which usually is sore it helps release that tension.

Matthew's reply: Thanks for the tip Diane. The reason your technique works is probably this: There's an important acupuncture meridian that starts on the face and runs over the head, down either side of the spine and the backs of the legs, and along the outside of the feet to the little toes.

When people have back pain acupuncturists commonly needle points on this meridian - local points on the back itself and other points on this meridian, such as those on the feet. Rubbing and/or pressing these same points can also relieve back pain and tension, as you have discovered.

All the best, Matthew.