In a video that’s since gone viral on TikTok, acupuncturist Jimmy Yen has revealed a centuries-old method for relieving the excruciating foot and heel pain otherwise known as plantar fasciitis.
And hot tip: it doesn’t require resting for a suffocating length of time or painful cortisol injections. In fact, you do not need to touch your foot at all. Instead, the key to relieving the pain is in the palm of your hand.
Similar to face mapping, which we use to understand the origin of our breakouts, Chinese medicine and acupuncture use the same principals across the entire body.
For foot pain, the corresponding pressure point is located in the palm of our hands, just above the base of our wrist.
What is plantar fasciitis?
This condition of acute foot and heel pain is caused by inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Put simply by Jimmy: “You have a sheath of tendons on the bottom of the foot that becomes very painful.”
What is the method for pain relief?
Jimmy’s TikTok demonstration suggests that the solution is as simple as massaging your hands. In his words, “you want to punch your hands,” and while he doesn’t mean literally; he does recommend balling your hand into a fist or using your thumb to massage along your wrist on both hands. The reason being? “[That] part of your wrist, corresponds to your heel”.
Post massage, Jimmy recommends circling your foot around and going for a walk to see whether the pain has reduced,repeating the process if you need more relief.
But does it actually work?
Despite the lack of medical studies to support this method, according to comments from TikToker’s who tried it out, it sounds very promising.
Amongst the thousands of likes and hundreds of reshares and comments, a few standouts included: “I have plantar fasciitis on both my heels and this WORKED, THANK YOU” and “Wow! It worked with my fasciitis”.
Well then, the next time our heels start screaming out in agony, off to punch our hands we go…
Main image credit: @outsideboxx
Have you ever experienced plantar fasciitis? Would you give this technique a try?
Interesting! Might try next time I have sore feet.
I don’t get plantar fasciitis pain – I get it in the metatarsal area. I don’t know if I’d give this technique much credit: although I was dubious about acupuncture until I tried it – unfortunately, the benefits lessened after each treatment.
I found with acupuncture the benefits increased as I had each treatment and I would go home so relaxed and stress free -amazing -Probably depends on who you go to and the problem you are addressing
I love acupuncture and auricular acupuncture. I combine acupuncture with physio and Feldenkrais.
It’s great if it works and it’s chemical free and free. I would give it a try if I had that issue.
Maybe I will maybe I wont.
Never myself. Oh, don’t have tiktok, find it too manic and bizarre. Wonder its effect on human psyche in the long term.
Gosh yes! I agree! It’s a hellhole for mental health and there is no escape! The longer you stay on it, the darker the path down which you go. It’s not good for people with body dysmorphia or EDs either!
I dont’ like it either. I avoid most social media except Reddit – that’s a huge time waster for me
I struggle with sore feet and find as I’ve aged I’ve had to spend a lot more on better and more supportive shoes, sadly no more sexy high heels as they cripple me.
I did have acupressure massage when I could (pre Covid) and that did help a lot. I’m open to any natural remedy that will help as I love walking.
Try Feldenkrais and invest in a percussive massage gun!
I don’t have it , but it sounds interesting. If it works, why not?
I don’t get foot pain but would give it a go if I did suffer from this.
I’ve not experienced this problem with my feet but I would 100% give this a try if I did.
I would give it a go, why not?
Wow this sounds so good for someone who suffers from sore feet all the time. Love shoes, but have to wear something with orthotics all the time.
Same here Normap! I actually require two different shoe sizes!
I can’t explain how acupuncture works but I find it helpful for many ailments.
That’s the thing! Science still can’t explain it but it does work and unlike homeopathy, it’s not woo!
I probably won’t remember to do this but my feet do get horribly sore.
Have you ever used a circulation booster Chrystalage?
No I haven’t but sounds like a good xmas pressie
I haven’t experienced this but would certainly try -What’s to lose? I have tried acupuncture and that was amazing.
I love acupuncture!
That’s pretty cool! i’d like to try this when i get foot cramping
I’d would try anything that doesn’t involve medication or surgery if it works.
Great to have an easy alternative!
very interesting article.
I have had this foot condition but not at present. I believe in Chinese acupressure so yes I would try this technique.
I have plantar fasciitis pain and while this technique doesn’t work for me, I find acupuncture rather than acupressure offers sone relief. Feldenkrais techniques work best for my pain!
I don’t have this problem, but I’m always asking for foot massages. I think I might have to teach myself how to do it.
I had PF and some wonderful stretches that got me back running, they were amazing
Plenty of my gym friends get it. I shall pass on the technique.
I don’t have it but hopefully it helps others!
Well my feet are a constant issue!
My Mum had many problems with her feet over a long period. Medicos and podiatrists weren’t able to help. I wish this article had been around at the time so that I could have at least made a suggestion to see if it helped.
It sounds great for those with foot pain. Chinese medicines and techniques are amazing.
Very interesting!
I am interested in this – thanks for the article bh! ; )
I have some foot pain but not sure about this, i’d have to watch a video demonstrating it as I don’t seem to be doing it quite right…
Interesting article, thank you 🙂