One of the most-used points in TCM. Traditionally pressed to support digestion, ease fatigue and steady energy through the afternoon slump.
1
Locate. Four finger-widths below your kneecap, one finger-width toward the outside of the shin bone.
2
Press. Use your thumb with firm, steady pressure — it should feel achy, not painful.
3
Hold. Keep pressure for 60 seconds while breathing slowly, then switch legs.
The basics
How acupressure works
Healers in China mapped the body's energy pathways thousands of years ago. Here's the model in three ideas.
Qi
Energy that flows
Qi (“chee”) is the life energy TCM says moves through the body. When it flows freely, you feel well; when it stalls, you feel pain, stiffness or tension.
12
Meridian pathways
Twelve main meridians run from fingertips and toes to the organs they're named after — Lung, Stomach, Heart, Liver and more.
360+
Points to press
Acupoints sit along each meridian. Firm pressure on the right one is meant to clear blockages and help the body relax and rebalance.
Stub your toe on the bed frame and what’s the first thing you do? You grab it and rub. Nobody taught you that. Your hand just goes there.
That’s acupressure at its most basic: using your own hands to ease pain. Healers in China turned that instinct into a system thousands of years ago, pressing specific points on the body to keep its energy — Qi, pronounced “chee” — flowing the way it should.
The model behind it is straightforward. Energy moves through pathways called meridians. The 12 main ones run from your fingertips to your brain, and on to the organs they’re linked with. When a pathway gets blocked, you feel it: pain, stiffness, tension. Firm pressure on the right point is meant to clear the block and get things moving again.
Acupressure is one of several Asian bodywork therapies rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Tuina and Qigong come from the same family. In Japan, the same idea developed into Shiatsu.
Acupressure is only one treatment of some ABT (Asian Bodywork Therapies) rooted in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine.) Other examples include Tuina and Qigong. While the Japanese use Shiatsu as a type of acupressure. However, how does acupressure work, and what exactly is it?
What is Acupressure?
As mentioned previously acupressure is applying pressure to certain parts of your body, as they believe that through these unseen channels flow essential energy or life force called Chi (Qi). 12 Principal Meridians connect specific organs or a network of organs.
These meridians are part of a system that communicates throughout your body and starts at your fingertips, connects to your brain, and then, in turn, connects to an organ associated with a particular meridian.
How Does Acupressure Work
For many people acupressure might sound crazy, especially to Westerners educated to see healing in procedures and pills, however, using acupressure points to heal one’s body is not a New Age plot and has been around for years.
There are many different methods used by acupressure practitioners, and the most common way is by using their palms, feet, elbows, or fingers to apply pressure to acupressure points on your body. Some may even involve acupressure massage or stretch.
Partaking in an acupressure session, the practitioner makes use of a soft massage table to let you lie down fully clothed and will gently press the acupressure points on your body. A typical session lasts about one hour and may require several sessions to receive the best results.
The goal of these meetings is to restore balance and health in your body to regulated opposing forces of negative energy (Yin) and positive energy (Yan.) While using these acupressure points your brain releases endorphins to deaden pain signals and invite a pleasant feeling providing pain relief. Your body muscles start to relax. As your body relaxes blood starts flowing more freely, and tension lessens, and your body finds balance. Right now, In the online market, you got many things related to acupressure like Acupressure Wristband or Acupressure Insole.
Acupressure Points
Your body has hundreds of acupressure points also known as acupoints and found typically in the temple or the indentation connecting the collarbones at the apex of the sternum. Healing practitioners would apply pressure to points found near an afflicted area to provide pain relief.
There are hundreds of acupoints on the body and too many to name here, however, there are three commonly used by acupressure practitioners:
Liver – here pressure is applied to the soft flesh between your big toe and your second toe
Large intestine – pressure applied to the elastic, web between your thumb and forefinger
Spleen – pressure applied about three fingers width above your inner anklebone as it is a tender part of the inferior calf muscle
What Ailments Can Be Treated By Acupressure?
Acupressure is still in its infant stages when it comes to health research benefits. Many people have reported that they have used it for a number of health concerns and known to improve the following health problems:
Nausea – studies advise using wrist acupressure to prevent vomiting and nausea
High after surgery
After having chemotherapy
For motion sickness
For pregnancy
While other patients have advised that it is great as a pain reliever for moderate back pain, headache, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.
Acupressure Points for Beginners
Finding acupressure points as a beginner can be confusing at first. The problem is there are different points you need to learn.
A fact is with acupressure; you can stimulate specific nerve points in the body to relieve different ailments and help you relax.
By doing this regularly, you can improve your immune system and help minimize the recurrence of specific symptoms.
However, it takes patience and practice. So how does one administer acupressure and for what symptoms can you use it?
Find out here the acupressure points for beginners to start using daily.
Administering Acupressure
Apply deep firm pressure to stimulate each acupressure point for various symptoms.
When massaging tries to relax and sit in a comfortable position, and breathe deeply.
Repeat the massaging of the points often throughout the day depending on what ailment you want to treat.
And if you are not able to do it yourself, ask someone else to massage the points.
Common Acupressure Points to Use
Here you can find a list of common acupressure points you can use to help relieve different disorders.
Are you pregnant and looking at your due date on the calendar thinking to yourself, “When are you planning to arrive?”
You are over your due date, and you need to remember they are only estimates. It is common to go into labor one to two weeks before or after your due date.
However, post-term and late pregnancy can leave you exhausted and stressed out! You may be thinking of using an alternative such as home remedies to bring your baby naturally into the world.
Therefore, if you are looking for an alternative to prevent medical induction, acupressure is accepted and safe. Furthermore, we recommend you discuss this with your doctor as well and get his approval.
Why as acupressure can increase your blood flow and influence hormonal responses while stimulating the uterine contractions.
So which are the major acupressure points for inducing labor?
SP6 (Spleen 6) point – the points located above the ankle on the backside of your lower calf (shinbone.) The distance is about four finger-widths above your inner anklebone. Apply firm pressure with your index finger for a few seconds on the point. Repeat after taking a minute break.
BL60 (Bladder 60) point –the Kunlun you find on your foot in the hollow between the ankle and Achilles tendon. Applying pressure to the spot eases labor pain, promotes labor, and reduces obstruction. Apply light pressure with your thumb and massage for a couple of minutes.
Pericardium 8 point – the PC8 is useful for inducing labor and is in the center of your palm. Make a fist and find the point where the middle finger touches the palm. Using your thumb with the other hand, apply light pressure and massage for a few seconds.
BL67 (Bladder 67) point – you find the acupressure point on the outside at the end of the pinky toe near to the nail. Use your thumb and index finger to apply firm pressure as if pinching your toe.
Ll4 (Large Intestine 4) point you find on the back of your hand between the thumb and pointer finger. Massaging the spot can strengthen the immune system and relieve other ailments as well. With your thumb, apply soft pressure and massage for one minute. Take a break and start again.
BL32 (Bladder 32) point – the pressure point you find in the dimple of the buttocks by running your fingers down the spine until reaching the intergluteal cleft. Apply firm pressure and massage by moving towards the buttock. Repeat this couple of times.
Are you depressed about trying to lose weight use acupressure it works like magic? However, you still need to follow a healthy diet and remain active as well.
Furthermore, you can use the same points to relieve constipation as well. However, if you are pregnant, we do not recommend using these pressure points leading to early labor.
With the following acupressure points, you can manage cravings and fortify the immune system at the same time. The fantastic thing is you can use these acupressure points for gas relief and prevention as well.
Ren 6 (Abdomen) – found 3 cm below the belly button and helps reduce constipation and improves the digestive system. Use two fingers and massage the point up and down. Now press it for 2-minutes and repeat twice a day.
Ear Point – found on the ear and need to place your finger against your jaw to move it up and down. Do this for a minute and helps manage your cravings.
Knee Point (ST 36) – you can find it two inched below your kneecap on the outer side of your leg. Apply pressure for 1-minute using your forefinger. To know if you are doing correctly flex your foot up and down to feel the muscle moving under the finger. Press for two minutes every day to help your stomach function properly.
Elbow Point – on the inner side of your elbow crease you will find the intestine point. Pressing the spot for a minute with the thumb helps remove unwanted moisture from your body.
Grandfather Grandson Foot Point you find situated on the curve about 1.25cm gaps from the ankle. Apply pressure directly to the spot every day for relief of different stomach ailments to help lose weight as well.
Acupressure Points for Headache & Migraine Relief
Headaches are frequent, and if you prefer a more natural way to treat the pain, consider using these pressure points.
The Union Valley is found on the web of the hand between the thumb and index finger. Start by pinching the area with your opposite hand using the thumb and index finger firmly for ten seconds. Now make circles with your thumb in one direction and reverse for ten seconds each. Repeat the same method on the opposite hand.
Drilling Bamboo – you find it located at both sides of the connection of your nose meeting the edge of the eyebrows. Use both index fingers and apply firm pressure to the location and hold for ten seconds, release, and repeat.
Gates of Consciousness – you find the acupressure points at the base of your skull in the hollow area between the vertical neck muscles. Place your index and middle finger onto the pressure point and press upward firmly on both sides for ten seconds. Now release and repeat the massage.
Third Eye – you discover the pressure point amid your eyebrows where the connection of the nose meets the forehead. With the index finger, apply pressure firmly for one minute to relieve eyestrain and helps with sinus pressure as well.
For relieving back pain, you have several acupressure points you can apply pressure to:
CV 6 – you can find the stomach point under the belly button and helps relieve lower back pain. Place two fingers below the navel to apply firm pressure.
B23 and B47 – lower back point massaging is useful to help with back pain. You find them located near the spine and situated on the waistline. Apply pressure to relieve pain in the back, but if the person has a weak back, do not apply pressure to these points.
B48 and GB30 – hipbone points are two excellent acupressure points to massage as well. Rubbing the pressure points eases pelvic tension and you find it in the middle of the base of your buttock and the summit of the hipbone. Always apply gentle pressure to the points
B53 and B54 – knee back point you find on the backside of the kneecap in the middle. Apply firm pressure to both legs at these points.
Acupressure Points for Cough Relief
Coughing is usually an occurrence happening at night when you want to rest. To help relieve the symptom, you can apply pressure to these acupressure points:
Heaven rushing out – right under Adam’s apple in the hollow, you find the acupressure point. Place your index finger on the spot and apply pressure for up to three minutes. You can do this up to three times throughout the day.
Ding Chua – while the acupressure point helps relieve coughing it also helps with thyroid imbalances, neck & shoulder problems, and throat troubles. You find the pressure point on the vertebra protruding on the top when bending the neck. Use circular motions for three minutes every day.
The Elegant Bone acupressure point is found on the hollow under the collarbone beside your breastbone. Place two fingers on the spot by pressing it for five minutes.
Acupressure Points for Anxiety Relief
Are you suffering from anxiety when finding yourself in a stressful situation? We have a solution for you instead of using pills. Apply pressure to these acupressure points today to relieve your anxiety naturally.
Hall of impression – you find the acupressure points between your eyebrows and the same one you use to relieve headaches. When applying pressure to the location, sit comfortably, and close your eyes. Use the index finger or thumb and apply pressure for ten minutes while breathing slow and deeply.
Heavenly Gate – in the upper shell of the ear at the tip of the hollow forming a triangle you find the pressure point. Apply pressure to it in a circular motion for two minutes at a time.
Shoulder WellPoint – to find the pressure points that pinch your muscles you may have to ask another person to help as it is on the shoulders. Use your middle finger and thumb to find the location. Massage the spot for four minutes with gentle pressure.
Acupressure Points for Sinus Relief of Congestion
Whether you have a stuffy nose or congestion massaging the following acupressure points can help relieve these symptoms, even a headache as well.
Use your thumbs and find the central points of each eyebrow in line with each side of the nose. Press on the acupressure points for 30 seconds and release. Repeat until you feel relief in the pain. The pressure will help the mucus clear.
If the first method does not help, you can place both the middle finger beside each nostril and put the index finger next to them. Press both sides with the middle finger for 30 seconds and then presses the middle finger for 30 seconds. Repeat until you feel flow through your nostrils.
Acupressure Points for Diabetes
The following acupressure points you can use if you have diabetes:
Spleen Point – you find it located on the lower leg and found behind the shinbone. Find it by place four fingers above the anklebone to find the spot. Apply firm pressure for three minutes a day to help boost the immune system.
Liver Point – you find the point on your foot between your big and 2nd toe. Apply mild pressure for three minutes daily. However, do not apply pressure to the position if the person is drained as it can worsen the problem.
Intestine Point – use the acupressure point to provide more energy to the body. You find the pressure point between the thumb and index finger in the webbing. Apply pressure with the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand by placing the thumb at the top and the index finger at the bottom.
Acupressure Points for Knee Pain
Is knee pain causing you discomfort throughout the day? Relieve the pain with the following acupressure points.
Calf’s Nose – you find the point below the kneecap on the outer indention and massing the spot helps relieve knee stiffness and pain.
Sunny-Side Up of the Mountain – on the outside of the lower leg below and the front side of the top of the shinbone you find the pressure point. You can give it a light massage to help relieve different knee pains.
Three Mile Point – place four fingers below the kneecap and locate the spot on the outer side of your shinbone. Apply normal pressure to the spot to strengthen muscles and relieve pain.
Acupressure Points for Neck Pain Relief
The common cause of neck pain is muscle tension and back strain. Relieve neck pain by applying pressure to the following acupressure points:
Choose a quiet setting where you can be comfortable. Breathe deeply and massage these points by rotating the fingers in a circular and up and down motion for up to four minutes at each location:
GB21 – acupressure point is halfway between the neck and where the arms begin in the shoulder muscle
L14 – found between the web of the thumb and forefinger and best not to use it if pregnant
GB20 – you can locate it behind your earlobe towards the top of the neck and base of the skull
TE3 – you will find the pressure point between the knuckles above the pinky and your ring finger.
Acupressure Points for Sleep Disorder & Insomnia
Do you have insomnia or a sleep disorder causing you not to sleep throughout the night? These symptoms can cause many different ailments as your body is tired. Apply pressure to the following points to help you relax.
Spirit Gate – you find the point at the crease on the outer wrist below your pinkie finger. You can feel the small hollow space in the area and apply pressure with the circular movement for three minutes. Now hold it for a few seconds on the left side, then the right side.
Bubbling spring – you can find the pressure point located on the sole of your foot just above the middle of the foot in the small depression when curling the toes. Here we recommend you get help or you can lie on the back with your knees bent.
Inner Frontier Gate you find between the two tendons on your inner forearm. To apply pressure turns the hands over with the palms facing towards you. Count three finger widths down the crease of the wrist. Apply downward pressure between the tendons for five seconds.
Acupressure Points for Eyes – Improve Your Vision
Working in front of a computer can leave your eyes strained. Furthermore, it makes you feel as if you need glasses! However, applying pressure to specific pressure points can help improve vision.
First, you can massage around your eyes as there are several acupressure points providing benefits for different ailments.
Start with the inner edge on the pressure point adjacent to the bridge of your nose. Use the middle finger and massage in a circular movement.
Keep doing this for three minutes; now move to the one on the same horizontal line on the outer edge of your eyes situated close to the temples. You can massage both at the same time.
Now move to the acupressure point found below the middle of the eye and massage for three minutes.
Lastly, move to the pressure point found in your eyebrows that is vertically above the previous point.
Furthermore, you can also apply pressure to the pressure points around the nostrils and on the bridge of your nose.
Acupressure Points for Hair Growth
Yes, there are even acupressure points to stimulate hair growth. Here you may need some help from a family member to apply the correct pressure.
GV20 you find on the top of the head and helps improve blood circulation. To locate it, draw a line with your finger from the bridge of your nose to the scalp. Stop when reaching the midpoint between the ears and apply firm pressure. Follow it up with a light head massage once a day.
Ll1 you discover on the outer edge of the index finger where the nail ends.
LU7 you locate one thumb width away crease of the wrist moving towards the shoulder.
LU9 you can find located in the wrist crease in line with your thumb.
Foot Acupressure Points
Did you know that you could find all the essential acupressure points in your foot to treat different ailments? So put up your feet, relax, and get your hubby to give you a great massage. Here are some of the vital points available:
To reduce mental stress in the neck, you can massage the cerebrum on the big toe.
For relieving sinus congestion immediately, apply pressure to the middle toe.
For weight management and stomach, ailments massage the inside of the foot before the arch.
To improve the health of the lungs and heart apply pressure to the outside of the foot under your small toe.
For kidney and spleen health, massage the middle of the bottom of your foot.
Improve colon and utter health by massaging the arch under your foot.
For bladder ailments on the inside part of the foot further to the heel apply to light pressure with a massage.
To help with Gonad rub the heel and to reduce mental stress, massages the very back of the heel of the foot.
Now if you want something more straightforward to use instead of massaging your acupressure points, you can always consider an electronic acupuncture pen.
With the pen, you can use it on affected areas while it releases electric pulses to stimulate your acupuncture and meridian points.
You get needleless and painless acupuncture stimulation that is safe to use at home. Furthermore, you do not need to consult a doctor when in need of relieving pain.
The pen is safe to use, and with the point of the pen, it helps you to focus easily by applying pressure on affected areas.
Furthermore, you can use it to treat different parts of the body from facial beautification, quick pain relief, and treat partial body parts with the various heads available.
So if you are interested read the electronic acupuncture pen reviews available with us.
Acupressure Slippers
Alternatively, you can relieve your aches and pains by wearing acupressure slippers. With the massage buttons available in the shoes, it feels like stepping on stones but helps improve your blood circulation, help with backache, sore neck, tension, and headaches.
Whether you are buying slippers or a foot slide, each one has raised massage buttons or nodes to stimulate the acupressure points in the feet connected to different parts of the body. Furthermore, you can even wear them if you suffer from plantar fasciitis to relieve tiredness in the feet.
Some of the health benefits wearing acupressure help:
Lower your blood pressure as it reduces systolic blood pressure.
Helps promote better sleep so if you have insomnia try wearing acupressure slippers before bed.
You can wear them to balance the need for stress.
Further, the reflexology slippers relieve aches and pains found throughout the body.
Do you suffer from restless leg syndrome? Acupressure slippers can help relieve the symptoms.
Final Thoughts
No matter what ailment you suffer from you, can find relief using the above acupressure points available on the list? Alternatively, you can opt-in to get yourself an electric acupuncture pen or wear a pair of reflexology slippers instead.
By applying pressure to different points on the body, it can help relieve specific ailments instead of grabbing for a pain pill. However, if your pain does not subside with the mentioned techniques, we recommend you visit your doctor.
Acupressure is Safe
Acupressure healing methods are safe for most people, and the basic acupressure points are easy to learn. Whether you are in need of an essential boost or need of something more, why not try it, as there is no harm related to it.
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Content on this site is for education only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying acupressure if you're pregnant, have a chronic condition or take blood thinners.
