When suffering from the disorder, the pain relief gout remedies can offer can become one of the most important goals in your life. Though exercise is considered to be a great preventative for gout, it is neither a comfortable nor a practical method for relieving the discomfort that is felt at the time of an attack. Many people are lead to believe, therefore, that medications are their only options in this case.

However, if you'd rather use a method that is not based on pharmaceuticals as a pain relief gout treatment, then you may wish to look into alternative and complimentary remedies such as acupressure.

Before beginning any therapy, it is wise to speak to your doctor, since you will need to make sure that there isn't any existing condition that would stop you from practicing an alternative therapy such as acupressure.

Acupressure itself is a form of Shiatsu massage. This type of massage is based on ancient Chinese medicine that uses the same concepts as the more commonly recognized treatment of acupuncture.

Essentially, Acupressure is based on the belief that there are around 2000 different points on the body that can be manipulated in order to affect the energy flow of the body. Each of the points is located on one of the body's 20 different meridians - the lines along which the energy flows. This energy - also known as Qi - flows between the surface of the body (where the acupressure points are located) inside until it reaches through the internal organs. Manipulating the flow of the Qi by using the pressure points can help a person to achieve an improved balance throughout the body and mind.

When the body becomes ill or is injured, an imbalance to the Qi occurs. Acupressure can manipulate the flow of the Qi, directing energy to the imbalanced area so that better healing can be achieved. This can be very effective for releasing muscular tension and increasing blood flow to needy parts of the body - an essential part of pain relief gout success. Once the energy allows healing to accelerate, the balance of the body can be restored.

The primary difference between using acupressure and acupuncture for pain relief gout treatment is that acupuncture uses needles whereas acupressure simply requires the practitioner use his or her thumbs, fingers, or knuckles in order to apply pressure to the specific points, encouraging circulation to the joint or area affected by the gout.

Many gout sufferers report the following benefits when undergoing acupressure:

- Pain relief,
- Reduced inflammation
- Increased circulation
- Reduced tension
- Better relaxation
- Reduced stress
- Improved mental health

Acupressure for gout pain relief is best administered by a trained professional who will use gentle, yet firm pressure to the correct points on the body, using a knuckle, finger, or thumb. This pressure is held for between fifteen and thirty seconds. It usually feels like quick, jolting sensation that is immediately followed by numbness or a tingling that then dissipates over time. Once the pressure is released, most people feel some immediate pain relief.

Between acupressure sessions, many people choose pain relief gout herbal remedies to help the healing process along and treat attacks. Some of the natural treatments that are gaining some attention lately include Juniper berries.