5 Acupressure Points That Can Promote Balance and Self-Healing

Acupressure massage is a complementary Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) procedure where you can use your fingers and hands to apply pressure and stimulate acupressure points on the body to maintain the balance of yin and yang energy. It can aid blood flow, lymphatic circulation, support the body’s metabolic function and relieve muscle fatigue or tension.

If you’re considering a practical and relatively simple complementary TCM routine you can practice at home, look no further. This article will share five acupressure points and massage techniques that you can try out.

For every acupressure point pair (one acupressure point on each side of the body), press and massage for about one minute each time, several times throughout the day for best results. We’ll also elaborate on each acupressure point’s potential benefits for the body.

1. Acupressure Point to Alleviate Myopia and Improve Sight: Si bai (ST2)

In today’s modern world, it is common to spend long hours facing a computer or mobile screen, which can strain the eyes. The acupressure point si bai (ST2, 四白) promotes self-healing for myopic ailments, eye pain or swelling. It’s also used in conjunction with other acupoints and TCM treatments. It can provide early relief for chronic nervous system ailments like involuntary twitching around the eyes, facial spasm and paralysis.

Locate the acupressure points by first pressing your index and middle fingers side by side. Position both fingers horizontally across your upper cheeks (left hand on the left cheek, right hand on the right cheek). The tip of your middle finger should rest on the edge of your nose wing. The pad of your index finger will rest on top of the acupoint si bai. Press and massage with light to medium pressure using the pad of your index finger on each side. You should feel almost immediate relief around the area.

2. Acupressure Point for Headaches, Cold, and Fever: Feng chi (GB20)

According to TCM theory, External Wind pathogen can result in ailments such as headaches, dizziness, cold and fever. The acupressure point feng chi (GB20, 风池) is one point which can help with dispelling Wind pathogen, which in turn alleviates symptoms resulting from excess Wind in the body. Regular long-term acupressure on feng chi can regulate the flow of qi in your body and support your health maintenance routine. 

Best done in the morning shortly after you wake up, use the pad of each thumb on the respective acupoint. You can feel soft depressions lateral to the relatively thick tendons at the back of your neck. Press firmly upwards for about one minute before releasing pressure.

You may feel soreness and dull pain as you press hard on both points, indicating Wind accumulation around the area. Paired with breathing techniques, releasing excess Wind in this way can quickly relieve eye fatigue and tension headaches.

3. Acupressure Point to Calm Nerves and Alleviate Hypertension: He gu (LI4)

One of the most well-known acupoints, he gu (LI4, 合谷) when stimulated, can generate a wide range of reactions from the body. Doing so may reduce hypertension, alleviate anxiety, numbness and dispel Wind while also improving blood flow. He gu is often used alone or in conjunction with other acupressure points to provide pain relief from headaches, toothaches, sinusitis and throat discomfort. While it is useful to aid self-healing, pregnant women should refrain from pressing on he gu due to its stronger circulation-regulating effects. 

Place your thumb in the space where the bases of the thumb and index finger meet (see image above). Apply firm pressure by pressing down on the acupoint using the pad of your thumb, in a tapping motion without releasing your thumb from the skin surface. It is normal to feel a slight soreness when you press hard on the acupressure points, but do not apply too much pressure that it hurts.

4. Acupressure Point for All-Round Health Maintenance: Zu san li (ST36)

Another acupressure point that provides extensive benefits for the body is zu san li (ST36, 足三里). Located near the knee, firm pressure on this acupoint can stimulate the body’s self-healing function. It can alleviate acute and chronic ailments such as flu, hypertension and cardiovascular issues. Regular massaging of the zu san li acupressure point may relieve fatigue and even provide anti-ageing benefits. Hence why it is sometimes known as the “longevity acupoint”. 

To locate the zu san li acupressure point, first bend your knees at a 90-degree angle. Cup your hand on your knee on the same side (see photo above), and the tip of your fourth finger will rest on a small depression, where the acupoint is. Firmly press on the acupoint with your index and middle finger side by side. Then, use the pad of your middle finger to press and massage the acupoint. Do this as often as needed.

5. Acupressure Point for Enhancing Kidney Health and Harmonising Bodily Functions: Tai xi (KI3)

Tai xi (KI3, 太溪) is another major acupressure point given its efficacy in supporting optimal health. Pressing the tai xi acupoint tonifies the Kidneys and overall qi, clearing excess Heat, as well as regulating internal organs. It is often used to relieve pain around the foot as well as the lower back. Long-term acupressure done on tai xi can aid in the treatment of many chronic ailments related to Kidney function, such as excessive hair fall, insomnia, urination incontinence, impotence, and irregular menstruation.

You can use your thumb to apply light downward pressure on tai xi to stimulate the acupoint, in a continuous light sliding motion. Feel free to do this any time you feel fatigued or when your body exhibits symptoms as described above. 

You can incorporate all five acupressure points as part of your regular health regime using the techniques shared above. Perform acupressure at your leisure and a little goes a long way in achieving good health. There are even acupressure points for nausea and anxiety relief.

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