How to Treat Sore Throat with Acupressure Therapy?

I have a long history of throat related problems, and have experience of treating it with alternative therapies like home or herbal remedies. Alternative therapies are free of side effects and although slow in effectiveness, these therapies help you recover naturally.

After learning acupressure I prefer to treat my health related problems with this healing therapy. Hope that this article helps you get cure from sore throat naturally.

Why do we get sore throat?

Sore throats can occur for a variety of reasons. A sore throat is often one of the symptoms of a cold or the flu, and is also an indicator of a much more serious infection like strep throat or mononucleosis. A sore throat can also be related to other problems, such as allergies or even reflux, when stomach acids are regurgitated into the back of the throat.

Main causes of sore throat can be viral infection, bacterial infection, tonsillitis, irritation, allergies, reflux,

Sore throat is commonly due to an infection. Acupressure is often successful in alleviating the symptoms and speeding up full recovery by improving the function of immune system. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points.

Aupressure points for the treatment of sore throat:    

These acupoints are CV22,  Li 4, St 36, K 27, and LU 11.  Remember that you need to apply acupressure on the other side of the body as well. You can start applying acupressure therapy from less painful side.          

CV 22 - Location: in the hollow directly below the Adam’s apple.

Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction.

Li 4 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women.                           

Location: between thumb and index finger as indicated.

St36 - This point is forbidden for pregnant women

Start with a less painful side.

Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area

on the front side of a leg below the knee until you feel a

slight dip.

K27 - Location: in the hollow under the clavicle, next to the breastbone.

To find the point follow the clavicle until it connects to the

breastbone.

(If you have difficulty following the clavicle bone, move shoulder back and forth.)

 LU 11: The point on the outside of your thumb by the base of the nail is called LU 11 (Lung 11)In Chinese, it is called  Lesser Merchant. This point is wonderful for nipping a cold in the bud.

At the first sign of a sore throat, use your other fingernail, a toothpick or a pencil eraser to apply pressure. This helps to strengthen your respiratory system and give it a boost of strength to ward of the invading cold. Don’t wait for too long. Once the cold has taken hold, it will be too late and other points and therapies might well be necessary. This point is also helpful for asthma and congestion.

Throat Sore tips:

• If neither of these points help your throat, it is most likely that your immune system is depressed. Take some time to relax your body and your voice. Try drinking GingerTea or some cold season tea.
• You should definitely avoid all dairy products. Milk products create more phlegm and you will only make your throat worse by needing to clear it often. Also the dairy will make the PH in your throat more acidic and in the long run more irritated.

Quick remedies:

• Increase Your Fluids: Drinking more liquids can help soothe headaches and sore throats. Dehydration can exacerbate a headache, so drinking lots of water can help speed a headache on its way. If your throat hurts, stirring a mixture of honey and lemon into hot tea or water can temporarily cut mucus and coat your throat to relieve pain.
• Warm or Cool Compresses: To soothe aches and pains, a warm compress is effective for headaches and sore throats. Use a warm cloth or a small bag of uncooked rice heated in the microwave and place the warm compress on your head or throat for 15 to 20 minutes. For severe or persistent pain, alternate 20 minutes of warm compress with 1 minute of cold compress.

Pictures credit: 'Soundtells.acupressure'