Office workers who sit for extended periods often experience back pain. Here are several methods to effectively alleviate it. 1. Tapping and Massaging Back Acupoints Maintaining a static posture for long periods can cause fatigue and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back, elbows, and wrists.This primarily occurs because the neck, back, and upper limbs remain in a fixed position for extended periods, causing muscle tension and poor blood circulation, often exacerbated by inadequate warmth. Regularly tapping the Shoulder Well (GB21) or Hand Three Miles (LI10) acupoints can effectively prevent and alleviate soreness, swelling, pain, or fatigue in these areas.
1. Jianjing (GB21) Acupoint
Focusing tapping on the Jianjing point—where the neck and shoulder meet—can generate a sensation of warmth rising to the head. This technique is also effective for preventing and treating cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, neck-shoulder syndrome, migraines, and insomnia. Note: There is one Jianjing point on each side. Use your left hand to tap the right side and your right hand to tap the left side.
2. Shousanli (ST12)
Shousanli is located two finger-widths above the end of the transverse crease of the elbow when the arm is bent at a right angle.
Tapping Method: Use a left fist to tap the right arm's Shousanli point, avoiding excessive force. Perform approximately 100 taps per session, consciously taking deep breaths during the process.Some recommend tapping 6 times per breath cycle: inhale during taps 1–3, exhale during taps 4–6, and so on. Then switch hands to tap the corresponding point on the left arm. A small leather mallet may be used instead.
Additionally, use a fist or small leather mallet to tap from the neck down to the shoulders, arms, and back approximately 200 times. This promotes warmth and dispels cold, while also alleviating discomfort in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and back.
Beyond tapping acupoints and massage, men can also choose other methods like exercise and dietary adjustments to alleviate back pain.