Getting Relief from Sciatica and Hip Pain

Sciatica! Have you had it? I have. Fortunately only mildly and mainly from a tight piriformis muscle pressing onto my sciatic nerve as it passes through my bum. Unfortunately for some this condition can be much more serious. Other causes of sciatica are a bulging disc pressing on the nerve as it comes out of the spine or spinal bone spurs trapping the nerve or displaced lumbar vertebrae.

There is a fantastic point in the gluteal region that is the go-to point for Sciatica. It's name is Huantiao or Jumping Circle. I just love the names of points. Jumping circle gives me a feeling of happiness and conjures up images of children playing and giggling as they move about with vigour. Don't you wish as an adult you had that same sort of engagement with life? It is a point that also suggests strength, stamina and flexibility. Some of the core aspects of a healthy wood element.

Jumping circle is on the Gall Bladder meridian. It is unrivalled in its importance in treating hip joint and buttock disorders and it strengthens all of the tendons and ligaments which come under the governance of the wood element.

There are many ways I can work with this point - I can stretch it, kneel into it, use my elbow on it, cup it or create movement within it. Laying face up or down or on your side it is easily accessible. Ouch you might say and you'd be right but only if it is super tight!

You can access this point yourself by placing a tennis ball underneath the fleshy part of your glute and either sitting stil or finding some gentle movement rolling around on the ball. Here’s a a yoga practice that might help with your sciatica also.

When was the last time you jumped? Perhaps it is time to do so again and get some more spring in your step!

To book in for a Shiatsu Massage to help ease your sciatica or hip pain go to the Bookings and Contact page and book in your appointment.