5 Amazing Acupressure Benefits You Need To Know

Acupressure benefits aren’t limited to pain relief. Did you know that stimulating certain acupoints can help with things like vision, the common cold, and even high blood pressure?

In this guide, our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts provide tips for how to perform acupressure at home so you can reap the benefits whenever you need them.

Acupressure Benefits, According To TCM

Acupressure massage is a complementary 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 and lymphatic circulation, support the body’s metabolic function, and relieve muscle fatigue or tension.

If you’re looking for tips on how to apply acupressure at home, follow these tips. For every acupressure point pair (one acupressure point on each side of the body), press and massage for about one minute each time. Repeat several times throughout the day for best results.

Here are 5 of the best acupoints to stimulate and what conditions you can use them for:

1. Si Bai (ST2): Alleviates myopia and improves vision

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, Four Whites) 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. 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. Feng Chi (GB20): To relieve symptoms of cold, fever, and headaches

According to TCM theory, external Wind pathogens can result in ailments such as headaches, dizziness, cold, and fever. The acupressure point Feng Chi (GB20, Wind Pool) is one acupressure point that can help with dispelling Wind pathogens, which 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 headache.

3. Hegu (LI4): To calm your nerves and alleviate hypertension

One of the most well-known acupoints, He Gu (LI4, Union Valley) can generate a wide range of reactions from the body when stimulated. It may reduce hypertension, alleviate anxiety and numbness, and dispel Wind. It also improves 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 photo 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 so much pressure that it hurts.

4. Zu San Li (ST36): For general health maintenance

Another acupressure point that provides extensive benefits for the body is Zu San Li (ST36, Leg Three Miles). 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 acupressure on Zu San Li may relieve fatigue and even provide anti-aging benefits. Hence, why it is sometimes known as the “longevity acupoint.”

To locate Zu San Li, 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 it as often as needed.

5. Tai Xi (KI3): To enhance kidneys and harmonize bodily functions

Tai Xi (KI3, Great Ravine) is another major acupressure point that is efficient in supporting optimal health. Pressing the Tai Xi acupoint tonifies the Kidney 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. These include excessive hair loss, 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. 

Final Thoughts On Acupressure Benefits

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

Also, use Lingzhi Cracked Spores to build up your natural immune system, replenish qi, relieve cough and asthma as well as address symptoms of palpitation and insomnia.