12 Hand Pressure Points To Promote Better Health

1. Large Intestine 4

This is a commonly used pressure point that is situated on the back of our hand. Look right at the meaty part between the base of our thumb and index finger. We’ll find it sitting just there. Squeeze the fingers together if there's trouble finding it: the acupoint is at the highest point of the bulge.

LI-4 is typically used for relieving pain and headaches. However, some people also believe that targeting this acupoint could induce labor - so, it should be avoided by pregnant women.

2. Heart 7

Heart 7 is a great pressure point on the hands that is located between the tendons that run between the pinky finger and the wrist. It is present at the palm side, right at the wrist’s crease.

Also known as the “Spirit Gate,” Heart 7 is helpful for addressing a range of physical and mental issues. Mentally, it can ease insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Physically, it’s great for relieving wrist pain and headaches.

3. Small Intestine 3

We can find our Small Intestine 4 pressure point at the outer part of the hands, just at the edge. Flip on the palm side, feel the depression below the pinky finger, and the point is present right there.

Applying pressure on the Small Intestine 4 is known to promote overall well-being through reducing headache, earache, and neck pain. If we have finger issues like swelling, tightness, or contracture, pressing this acupoint may help relieve them too.

4. Inner Gate Point (P-6)

This is a powerful acupoint that is known to bring a sense of calm and has deep access to our hearts. The Inner Gate (Pericardium 6) is located between the tendons of the flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus, at the wrist’s crease. Make a tight fist, and these tendons will tense up.

Gently pressing this point can help with various health issues - regulating circadian rhythm, and relieving insomnia, epilepsy, bloating, asthma, and blood pressure. Pericardium 6 is also useful for women due to its aid with menstrual problems.

5. Outer Gate Point

If we have found the Inner Gate, then the Outer Gate point is easy to locate. It is present between the radius and ulna bones at the backside of our forearm. Just measure at 3 fingers width above the wrist, and we’ll pinpoint the Outer Gate.

Aka Triple Heater 5, this pressure point is generally utilized for brain issues like migraines and headaches. It also increases the energy levels and maintains a healthy immune system. If there is an arm pain, this acupoint could come in handy too.

6. Lung Meridian

Lung Meridian is unique on this list - there are three pressure points on the wrist alone. These acupoints start from the thumb tip down, then to the side of our hand, and end below the wrist crease. 

Using these pressure points is fantastic for decreasing common cold symptoms - sneezing, sore throat, running nose, and chilly feeling. We must press them regularly if we truly suffer from a cold.

7. Heart 8

Known as Shaofu or Lesser Mansion, this hand pressure point is located right between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones on our palm side. Clench the hands into a fist - the spot where the pinky finger's tip touches is the location of this acupoint.

This point is generally targeted for fighting chest pain. It may relieve carpal tunnel syndrome as well, making it a great spot to massage before participating in sports like basketball and tennis. Complement its massage along with carpal tunnel exercises to promote better wrist health.

8. Heart 9

To find Heart 9 (aka Shaochong), we have to look at the backside of our wrist. This point is located on the tip of our pinky finger and can be found just down the fingernail.

Heart 9 is believed to revive consciousness during epilepsy. It also helps to deal with cardiac pain and palpitation. Targeting this spot also reduces swelling, tongue stiffness, and throat issues.

9. Four Seams

Four seams are located on the inner side of our fingers, except for the thumb. There are four points, and each lies on the proximal interphalangeal joints of the index, middle, ring, and pinky finger respectively. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is referred to as “Sifeng”.

These pressure points are typically targeted for solving digestive issues in the body. It also helps resolve dampness. Pair its use with the Ten Dispersion points together to get a better massage.

10. Ten Dispersions

Used in different types of massage, the Ten Dispersions are situated at the tip of our fingers. There are 10 of these points, meaning one for each finger.

Targeting these pressure points may be helpful in alleviating flu symptoms like sore throat and fever. Ten Dispersions is also believed to be good for diseases like epilepsy. Moreover, this acupoint is also said to help coma patients.

11. Yao Tong Xue (EX-UE7)

Aka EX-UE7, this pressure point is present at the hand’s dorsum, between the metacarpal bones. One is situated between the second and third metacarpals, and the other is between the fourth and fifth.

If we suffer from an acute lumbar sprain, massaging the EX-UE7 point can offer a huge relief. Practitioners use these 4 points (2 on each side) to treat lower back pain, puncturing with a needle perpendicularly at depth of 0.5 to 1 cun.

12. Pericardium 8

Pericardium 8 is difficult to miss - it is located at the center of our palm between the second and third metacarpal bones. Clench the fist, and this acupoint could be traced right below the tip of the middle finger.

This pressure point is used to bring a sense of calm during sleepless nights. Pericardium 8 also helps clear heat from the heart and pericardium, while harmonizing the stomach. Pressing it daily may help revive consciousness in us.

Using the pressure points on our hands may bring plenty of benefits, so it’s important to know how to use them correctly to get better results. They are extensively used in acupuncture and reflexology therapy. 

Massaging these acupoints can be tricky, as we might unknowingly do it the wrong way. Here is the step-by-step guide to properly use a hand pressure point:

• Start by getting into a comfortable position. It can either be sitting down on a chair or standing upright.
• Extend your left hand and think about the pressure point you wish to use first.
• With the fingers of your right hand, trace the needed pressure point accurately. Use the thumb or index finger, since they can apply better pressure.
• Once the acupoint is found, place the thumb / index finger atop the spot and get ready.
• Take a deep breath, and apply gentle (yet firm) pressure on the acupoint.
• Hold the pressure for 1 to 3 seconds while breathing properly. A calm mind is needed to stimulate the Qi and feel the effects.
• Release the acupoint and repeat the process for desired number of reps.
• Instead of holding the pressure points, you can also massage them.
• To perform the massage, you need to move the thumb / index finger on the acupoint in slow, circular motions. Continue this move for a few seconds, then release the finger.

When To Use Pressure Point On The Hand?

Once we have learned how to use a pressure point on hand, we must also understand a second important factor - when is the best time to use them for maximum benefit. Now, the timing is not universal for every point present out there, but it largely depends on the function of these acupoints.

Some pressure points could boost the energy levels, so they are better used during the morning time. This will keep us active during the day and prevent unnecessary fatigue. Pressing the Inner Gate and Large Intestine 4 before bedtime helps ease anxiety and stress, promoting uninterrupted sleep.

If we have digestive issues, applying pressure on the Four Seams point can be really helpful. The Lung Meridian can also be stimulated multiple times a day to address the common cold. For these specific conditions, we should apply pressure several times a day until the symptoms fade away.

Applying firm, gentle pressure on the pressure points of our hands can offer multiple benefits to promote our overall well-being. Here are some of these benefits:

1. Can Promote Relaxation

Pressing the acupoints for a few minutes can help bring a sense of calm and promote relaxation. This would be particularly useful before bedtime, making it easier for us to fall asleep. These points may also release endorphin (a happy hormone) that naturally reduces stress and anxiety levels.

Since our hands are loaded with nerve endings, applying pressure on some specific points will automatically send calming signals to the brain and make us relaxed.

2. Can Reduce Headaches

Some acupoints like Small Intestine 3 may be really useful in reducing headaches. Massaging these points enhances blood circulation and releases endorphin, both of which help lessen headaches.

Moreover, these points increase the flow of Qi and unblock channels, easing discomfort caused by headaches and migraines.

3. Can Relieve Digestive Issues

Do you have stomach pain, bloating, or indigestion problems? Applying pressure on some pressure points on hand can provide relief for these situations. By activating the energy pathways that connect to the intestine and stomach, pressure points can regulate digestion.

Some hand acupoints may activate the vagus nerve, which is crucial for better digestive function. Pressing the hands’ nerve endings may also release digestive enzymes and manage gut motility.

4. Can Offer Neck Pain Relief

The hands and neck are believed to be connected in reflexology. So, massaging the hand points may trigger a relaxing sensation in the neck muscles. Some pressure points like LI-4 and Outer Gate are specifically used to reduce pain in the neck.

Other factors also contribute to neck pain relief once we undergo an acupoint session. Using a pressure point enhances blood and oxygen flow to the neck, which helps speed up recovery of sore muscles.

5. Can Lead To Better Sleep

Massage the pressure points on the hands if we are not getting a good sleep. Some disruptors like stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalance may be affecting our minds. By doing the massage, we can calm our minds and reduce these disruptors.

Moreover, these hand acupoints may help relax our body, which also reduces restlessness. With proper massage, our body gets conditioned for a perfect night of sleep.

Not everyone should be using pressure points; certain conditions may require us to postpone massage sessions to prevent injuries or avoid worsening underlying health issues. Here are some situations where it’s best to avoid using these pressure points:

• Skin Issues on hands like dermatitis or rashes.
• Wound or recent stitching on the hands
• Swelling or pus near the acupoint
• Pregnancy
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Damaged skin near the pressure point

Disclaimer: The content presented in this article is only intended to be used for information purposes. It should not be taken as a form of medical / clinical advice.