Why putting an ice cube on your neck can be good for your health

Updated

When it comes to taking care of my own health, I don't want to go to the doctor for every single little problem. After all, for minor aches and pains, a doctor can only do so much.

I much prefer to be personally in control of how I take care of my body, like with this brilliant pain-relief method using a simple clothespin.

And when I spotted this exclusive method for improving my health with the use of an ice cube, I was skeptical at first, but thought it was definitely worth a try.

According to Chinese medicine, there is a pressure point at the base of the skull known as "feng fu." This spot is used by acupuncturists, because of its connection to so many different areas of health.

As someone who doesn't have the time or the money for acupuncture all of the time — and who doesn't necessarily want to be pricked with a whole bunch of needles — there is a simple and effective method for dealing with a lot of minor pains and smaller health issues. All I have to do is put an ice cube on the back of my neck — it really is that easy!

While this method based in Chinese medicine should never take the place of medical advice, I definitely plan to give this "feng fu" ice cube method a shot — it can't hurt, and it just might help!

Did this ice cube idea work for you? Let us know in the comments.

According to Chinese medicine, the spot on your neck, right below the base of your skull, is known as 'feng fu.'


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

To access the many health benefits associated with 'feng fu,' lay on your stomach and place an ice cube on the 'feng fu' point. Keep it there for 20 minutes. Try this once in the morning on an empty stomach and once at night, every two to three days.


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

As an alternative to lying down, you can use a scarf to hold the ice cube in place, allowing you to sit up or walk around. Scroll through below to see exactly what benefits have been reported by those trying this 'feng fu' ice cube method!


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

1. Improves sleep


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

According to Chinese medicine, the "feng fu" point is helpful in improving the quality and amount of your sleep.

Try this method out and see if you have an easier time falling asleep at night. Those who believe this ice cube method works claim you absolutely will.


2. Helps PMS


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

While there are certainly plenty of medications aimed at easing the symptoms associated with PMS, the ice cube method is also an easy and natural way to relieve some of the pain.

Whether using acupuncture or an ice cube, the spot at the base of your skull seems to have a direct connection with a woman's menstrual cycle.

3. Reduces thyroid problems


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

There are many people out there who suffer from thyroid problems.

While medical attention is always necessary, you can also attempt this "feng fu" ice cube method yourself at home.

The "feng fu" point is said to help with thyroid issues, which often account for a whole host of health problems for those who have them.

4. Improves digestion


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

Stomach pains, bloating, and indigestion are extremely common issues among people of all ages.

Fortunately, Chinese medicine says that you can improve digestion and combat stomach issues by accessing the power of the "feng fu" point.

Benefits can include a reduction in gas and improved digestive regularity.

5. Eliminates frequent colds


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

With the winter fast-approaching, people generally seem to accept that a minor cold or two will be on the way as well.

However, this doesn't necessarily have to be the case.

Placing an ice cube at the base of the neck can help to fight current colds and stave off future ones.

6. Decreases headaches


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

Nearly everyone deals with the occasional headache, with some even experiencing much more frequent and severe ones.

Chinese acupuncture is often used for headache relief.

Those who have found success with the ice cube method report a reduction in frequency and severity of their headaches.

7. Helps with arthritis


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

Arthritis can be a severe and painful problem for many.

Luckily, the "feng fu" point is said to be connected to the relief of the aches and pains that come from arthritis.

In addition to helping with arthritis, the ice cube method is reported to also aid with hypertension and hypotension.

8. Helps with asthma


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

Obviously, anyone living with asthma should be receiving care from their medical physician. Breathing issues can be very serious and should definitely be treated that way.

However, in addition to your regular long-term care, Chinese medicine recommends the ice cube method to aid with your asthma-related symptoms.

9. Reduces cellulite


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

There are probably very few people out there who wouldn't snap their fingers to get rid of a little cellulite if they could.

While it might seem strange, those who regularly focus on the "feng fu" point report a reduction in the amount of cellulite in their bodies.

This could just be a cheap and easy way to shed some of those extra fat cells.

10. Reduces stress and fatigue


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

Stress and fatigue can have a large negative impact upon a person's day-to-day life.

In an attempt to combat the anxiety associated with stress and exhaustion, Chinese medicine recommends the ice cube method.

Proponents report a lessening of stress levels and a reduction in overall anxiety.

11. Improves your mood


LittleThings / Heeral Chhibber

Perhaps the most important reported benefit of the "feng fu" ice cube method is that it can improve your mood.

Maybe the mood change is a result of an overall "feeling better" from the health benefits associated with the "feng fu" point — or maybe it really does just make you happier.

Regardless, using an ice cube is said to have a direct positive impact on your overall mood.

This at-home take on a traditional Chinese medicine method is so simple to do and can have a large positive impact on your life!

Will you be giving this ice cube method a try? Let us know in the comments.

Please SHARE this vital health-improving method with friends and family!

More on LittleThings.com:
Banish chapped lips this winter with a batch of homemade flavored lip gloss
Save time and money by putting this everyday office supply to work
Family spreads awareness about common virus rarely talked about
Knowing these 9 health threats might save you this holiday season

Advertisement