Acupressure is the use of the fingers or thumbs to press on certain parts of the body to pressure points on the body that are used in traditional Chinese medicine and is similar to acupuncture, but without the needles.

Acupressure is low risk and can be learnt quite easily. You can perform the acupressure techniques on yourself, or if you like you can ask someone else to help.

The following three-acupressure points may help relieve period pain:

• Point 1 – Large Intestine 4
• Point 2 – Spleen 6
• Point 3 – Liver 3

There have been a number of research studies on acupressure and how it can be used with period pain. One recent study suggests that using acupressure for at least three months can help reduce your period pain and the need to take pain relief medications. The researchers followed participants for six months and found that the pain relief increased over time, so if you feel like the acupressure is working for you, it might be worth continuing to use it.

The video links above show you how to apply the pressure correctly to three different pressure points; one on your foot, one just above your ankle and one on your hand.

• You should start massaging these points about five days before your period is due to start. So, if you are due on Saturday, you should start on the Monday before.
• Ideally you should massage these points twice per day. Before breakfast and before bed are ideal. If you can’t do twice a day, then try to make sure you do it at least once per day.
• You can use these points during your period as well, using the same technique as above. You can do this up to five times per day during your period.

• It has been shown that acupressure used for three months can help reduce your period pain and the need to take pain killing medications.
• There are three main acupressure points that have been linked to period pain relief: Large intestine 4 – He Gu, Spleen 6 – San Yin Jiao, Liver 3 – Tai chong.
• Large intestine 4 – He Gu can be found between the thumb and the index finger.
• Spleen 6 – San Yin Jiao.
• Liver 3 – Tai chong.