Pressure Points On Body: Locations, Functions And Benefits

According to World Health Organization, the human body has 361 pressure points. This standard got officially recognized in 1989 and remains the norm for international use today. These points are distributed along 14 meridians, that correspond to areas like stomach, kidneys, heart, pericardium, large intestine, lungs, and more.

On top of that, the WHO also added 48 new points based on their common use and clinical effectiveness. These points also needed to be 0.5 cm away from the classical points. 

While these figures might seem like a lot, traditional Chinese medicine holds that there are thousands of pressure points. Moreover, some health professionals also believe that there are over 400 acupoints.

With the presence of so many pressure points, we may get confused regarding the accuracy of their location and function. Each pressure point on the body is believed to be useful for a specific body part / organ.

Here are some of the common pressure points that are located in our body:

1. Tianshu (ST-25)

Also known as the Heaven’s Pivot, this pressure point is situated in the stomach meridian. Just look at the upper abs, and it is exactly two thumbs to the side of our belly button.

Targeting ST-25 is great for treating abdominal pain, edema, and distension. It also aids to manage constipation and diarrhea. For women, pressing this point could be a relief for irregular menstruation. Practitioners place the needles perpendicularly at a depth of 0.7 - 1.2 cun.

2. Hegu (LI-4)

LI-4 is present on the back of our hand, between the base of the thumb and index finger. If we're having trouble finding LI-4, let us try squeezing index finger and thumb together - this spot is at the highest point of the little muscle bulge.

The pressure point could help relieve headaches and migraines. However, pregnant women should avoid Hegu, since it may induce labor.

3. Taichong (LV-3)

This pressure point is located on our foot and is regarded as the “Great Surge”. Taichong is in the foot's dorsum, between the big toe and the second toe. Targeting LV-3 is said to lower blood pressure and ease conditions like nausea, insomnia, stress, and anger.

LV-3 can also be helpful for menstrual and eye issues. Pressing them gently could calm the body and reduce irritability.

4. Sanyinjiao (SP-6)

SP-6 is one of the most commonly used pressure points of our body. It is present in the spleen meridian and to find it, just count four fingers above our inner ankle. It is fantastic for maintaining the function of liver and kidneys.

This pressure point is ideal for women who experience painful periods and menstrual cramps. It also aids in regulating urination and alleviates general body pain. For more clinical approach, a practitioner will insert a needle perpendicularly to a depth of 0.5 to 1 cun.

5. Neiguan (P-6)

To locate this point, we have to look at our forearms. It's located three finger-widths away from the wrist, between the flexor carpi radialis muscle and the palmaris longus tendons.

Pressing this spot is believed to help with issues like nausea and vomiting. However, avoid P-6 when there's swelling, rashes, or peeling skin.

6. Zusanli (ST-36)

Zusanli is present on outer part of the leg, right below the knee. It’s simply one finger breadth lateral to our tibia’s anterior border. A professional practitioner would place a needle at perpendicular depth of 0.5 - 1.2 cun to stimulate the ST-36.

This acupoint could influence various digestive ailments - diarrhea, constipation, and dysentery. It may be good for dizziness, insomnia, cough, and apoplexy too.

7. Yingxiang (LI-20)

This pressure point is primarily used for opening up the nasal passages. If we’re dealing with nasal congestion, hyposmia, or rhinorrhea, targeting LI-20 could be just what we need. Pressing this point helps expel external wind and clear the heat.

Yingxiang is located in the nasolabial groove, at the lateral border of the alae nasi. We’ll find it right at the midpoint level.

8. Qihai (Ren-6)

Ren-6 is a good acupoint for relieving digestive issues like stomach pain, bloating, and gas. It is located on the body’s midline. Take a finger and go 1.5 inches below the belly button.

Massaging this pressure point can also influence our overall energy. Use this acupoint along with Tianshu and Sanyinjiao to get fantastic relief for our digestive organs.

9. Baihui (DU-20)

To find the DU-20, we have to go to the top of our head. It is present at the intersection of the head’s median line. Baihui is used for the regulation of our mind and is particularly massaged for brain-related issues like headaches.

DU-20 is also said to be the pressure point where many energy lines flow together. This makes it a powerful acupoint for various types of massage therapy.

10. Yintang (M-HN-3)

M-HN-3 is situated right in the middle of our forehead, right between the eyebrows. This acupoint is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety. Massaging this point could also combat headaches and migraines.

Also known as the “Hall of Impression”, M-HN-3 can bring about mental clarity and address facial tension. However, avoid pressing too hard, especially if we have dizziness or pain in the area.

11. Fengchi (GB-20)

This spot is on the top of our sternocleidomastoid muscle - it runs from the back of our head to the shoulders. GB-20 is great for people who are suffering from tightness in the neck.

Fengchi's usage is also effective for treating headaches, vertigo, epilepsy, and insomnia. Moreover, it can help relieve discomfort caused by the common cold and nasal congestion.

12. Taiyang (M-HN-9)

To locate M-HN-9, go to the side of your head and feel the temple's depressions. Massaging both sides simultaneously can help with headaches and anxiety.

Gentle, consistent pressure on Taiyang is also believed to counter hair loss. Pair this point with GB-20 and M-HN-3 for effective headache relief.

A pressure point isn’t useful until we can locate it accurately and massage it effectively. Many people struggle to apply the right amount of pressure, which can waste valuable time and effort. Learning the proper technique for using pressure points is crucial for giving a healthy massage to oneself.

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to use a pressure point in our home:

• Start by getting into a standing or sitting position.
• Inhale and exhale deeply, relaxing the muscles and feeling a sense of calm. A stiff body or stressed mind will be counter-productive to acupressure therapy.
• Find the desired pressure point in the body that runs along the 14 meridians. Double-check the location online if you have any doubt.
• Take your thumb and press the acupoint gently. Pressing too hard can cause pain or discomfort.
• Hold the press for a few seconds, then gently massage the point with slow, small, circular strokes.
• Release your thumb once you have pressed for a short period. Breathe in and out before going for the second time.
• Repeat this process 5 to 7 times. Apply gentle pressure till you get relieved from pain / discomfort.
• If you feel that home treatment isn’t working or isn’t an option, visiting an acupressure specialist could help. They can offer a comprehensive treatment using needles and a relaxing body massage.

1. Acupressure Mat

This is a special type of mat that may be used as an alternative for a formal acupressure therapy. It is filled with plastic spikes that can apply gentle pressure to specific acupoints in the body.

We can sit on it, lie down, or even stand to experience its benefits. It is fantastic for relieving chronic back pain, reducing mental stress, and promoting sound sleep.

2. Aculief

Aculief is a wearable device designed to target the LI-4 point, located between your thumb and index finger. Think of it as a clip that stays snugly in place on the LI-4 point until you take it off yourself.

This handy little device features multiple benefits - it helps relieve muscle tension and gives our immune system a boost. Plus, since it’s drug-free, it comes with minimal side effects.

3. Acupressure Wristband

Wearing specific wristbands can give us the benefits of acupressure without going to a therapy session. Various wristbands types are available on the market, with the Sea-Band being one of the most famous ones.

The Sea-Band wristband particularly targets PC-6 acupoint. They can alleviate various ailments like nausea, vertigo, and vomiting. Wearing them while going on a cruise vacation is a perfect choice.

4. Acupressure Slippers

Do you want to feel the benefits of acupuncture while walking? Acupressure slippers could be just what you need! These slippers are specially designed with pressure point buttons.

When we wear them, we’ll immediately feel gentle pressure on our feet. Walking in them helps press the acupoints even more firmly, giving us an acupressure session right at our home.

1. Reduces Digestive Issues

Using pressure points correctly could help manage multiple digestive issues like constipation, gas, bloating, and indigestion. Massaging the ST-36, SP-6, and Ren-6 can be a great method to enhance digestive function at home.

2. Improves Sleep

Properly pressing acupoints could stimulate the release of endorphins, hormones that counteract stress. Points like M-HN-3 may help the body shift into rest mode, allowing us to enjoy a good night's sleep. This, in turn, reduces the risk of insomnia.

3. Decreases Motion Sickness

Pressure points may be a secret weapon to combat motion sickness, especially during travel. Pressing the right points calms the body and enhances blood flow. This can help reduce symptoms like dizziness and vomiting.

4. Relieves Nasal Congestion

Using a pressure point can relieve nasal congestion, which is often a nuisance in daily life. Pressing the LI-20 point helps clear nasal passages and provides relief from the common cold and rhinorrhea.

5. Offers Chemotherapy Relief

Chemotherapy can be a painful cancer treatment, and symptoms like pain and stress can be prevalent once you get treated with it. Using a pressure point during this time could alleviate the pain and promote energy levels.

6. Decreases Headaches

There are multiple acupoints on our head, neck, and wrists that can help ease headaches and promote mental clarity. Massaging these points may also alleviate stress, anxiety, and anger - common triggers for severe headaches.

If someone has underlying health issues, they should consult a doctor before trying pressure point therapy. A health professional could determine whether they’re healthy enough to proceed with acupressure treatment.

Sometimes, massaging the acupoints for weeks or months may still not yield positive results. In these cases, we should visit an acupuncture specialist to get professional therapy.

When our problems are severe, using pressure points may not be enough. Some ailments require medicine and other treatments. So, if we believe our symptoms are quite severe, it's best to stop the home acupoint sessions and visit a doctor.

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.