How long to hold Acupressure points?
Hold each point for about three minutes. That’s the usual recommendation. If you’re working on a specific issue, though, you may need to hold it for longer.
Trying to relieve pain? You may need up to five minutes on the point. Working on your energy levels instead? A moment may be enough, about one minute.
New to acupressure? Start with the three-minute rule and work your way up from there. Try different lengths of time and see what suits you. Keep your focus on the issue you’re working on, and don’t hold points for too long when you’re not targeting a specific aspect.
There’s no single right way to do acupressure. What works for one person may not work for the next, so experiment and find your own way. Questions? Ask your healthcare provider.
How to use Acupressure points?
You can press, rub or pinch the points. Before you start on your own, though, talk to a healthcare provider. They can show you how to apply pressure and use the points properly.
Once someone has shown you how, you can use the points at home. Follow the instructions closely, and ask your healthcare provider if anything is unclear.
A general guide to using acupressure points, in a few tips:
Put the fingers of one hand on the point, palm facing down. Press with your fingers until you feel some resistance. Stay still for about three minutes, then let go and wipe any excess oil or sweat off your hands. Do the same on the other points.
Once you’ve done those steps, you can use acupressure at home. Talk to a healthcare provider if you need to. For more on using acupressure correctly, click here.
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There are lots of acupressure points, and each one does something different.
Here are a few of the most common issues:
Liver 3 – This point sits on the top of your foot, between your first and second toes. It relieves pain and tension in your lower back and hips.
Gallbladder 20—This point is on the side of your hand, between your thumb and index finger. It helps lift your energy levels and relieve stress.
Large Intestine 4—This point is on the back of your hand, between your thumb and index finger. It helps digestion and relieves constipation.
Spleen 6—This point is on the inside of your ankle, below your shinbone. It relieves lower back pain and lifts your energy levels.
Stomach 36 – This point is at the crease of your knee, about two inches above your kneecap. It’s used to improve digestion and relieve knee pain.
You can also ask a healthcare provider to show you the areas you’re concerned about. They’ll likely have their own acupressure tools, so ask what they recommend before you start. To learn more about pressure, click here.
People have used acupressure for centuries. It puts pressure on key points in the body to promote relaxation and well-being, release tension and pain, and improve your overall health.
One of the best things about acupressure is that anyone can do it at home, with no special tools or training. That self-treatment side of it is a big part of why it’s so popular in Western culture. It’s non-invasive, and you don’t expose yourself to medications or chemicals with unknown side effects.
You can take some basic steps with acupressure for specific symptoms too, such as headaches, acne, sinusitis, stress, constipation, menstrual cramps, and more.
To get started, find the points linked to the symptom or condition you want to work on. You can find them with diagrams, an online course, or an acupressure certification program. Once you know your points, massage them with your fingers, or use a tool like a massage ball or stick.
Press in a circular motion, hard enough that it’s slightly uncomfortable. That’s the best way to apply pressure. Hold the point for two to three minutes, then let go. Repeat on the other side.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jian Times
Last updated: October 22, 2026