Neuralgia: Acupressure Points & Self-Care

Neuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve, due to irritation or damage to the nerve. The two most common forms are postherpetic neuralgia, pain that continues after shingles, and trigeminal neuralgia, stabbing or electric-shock-like pain in parts of the face. In many cases the cause is unknown.

Traditional use: in TCM, points such as LI-4 and BL-60 are traditionally used for nerve pain.

Recognizing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • Sharp, stabbing or burning pain along a nerve
  • More sensitive skin along the nerve

Primary Points for Neuralgia

Select a point to learn more.

Additional Support Points

Select a point to learn more.

Self-Care Acupressure Routines

Nerve Pain Routine (5-10 minutes)

  1. Sit or lie in the most comfortable position possible
  2. Apply firm pressure to LI-4
  3. Massage BL-60
  4. Optional: add GB-34
  5. Optional: include LR-3 and SP-6

Everyday Considerations

Treatment

  • Depends on the cause: Treatment depends on the cause, location and severity of the pain; most neuralgias respond to treatment

Pregnancy

  • Traditionally avoided during pregnancy: LI-4, BL-60, SP-6. Skip these points if you are or may be pregnant.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact a health care provider

  • If you have symptoms of neuralgia
  • If you develop shingles
  • If the pain is severe