Acupressure is a type of complementary therapy. It involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to help relieve pain and other ailments.
Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It has been practiced for over 5,000 years to help balance Qi, which is believed to be the vital energy present in all things.
According to TCM, Qi flows in the body through specific pathways known as meridians. If this flow becomes stagnant, it may disrupt the overall balance of certain bodily functions, potentially leading to symptoms like headaches, stress, and abdominal pain.
Acupressure aims to restore the body’s natural flow of Qi by applying pressure to specific points mapped along these meridians. These points are known as acupoints.
There are 12 major meridians and over 360 acupoints.
When stimulated, acupoints can affect physical and emotional symptoms by influencing certain physiological processes in the body’s organs, or the Zang-fu organs, which refer to:
- Zang: heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys
- Fu: gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, urinary bladder, and sanjiao (empty space in the body)
Continue reading to discover more about the potential uses of acupressure, the specific points to stimulate, and the associated benefits and risks.
Researchers and acupressure practitioners continue to explore the potential applications of acupressure. So far, acupressure has been identified as a possible remedy for relieving a wide range of conditions, such as:
While acupressure may help relieve certain physical and psychological conditions, some people claim that it may also help support weight loss, increase sex drive, and induce labor and sleep.
It’s important to remember, however, that acupressure is considered a complementary treatment. This means it’s most effective when combined with medical treatments.
There are several different origins, approaches, and traditions of acupressure. These are often combined during treatment.
- Auricular acupressure (AA): AA stimulates acupoints around the ears, which are believed to be the primary “hub” of acupressure, as each organ may be connected to a specific point.
- Shiatsu: This type of acupressure originated in Japan. It focuses on applying steady and sustained pressure using the fingers, hands, feet, knees, and elbows.
- Foot reflexology: This approach applies pressure to acupoints in the feet to stimulate reflexes and energy to organs and glands connected to them via a meridian.
- Therapeutic Thai acupressure (TTA): TTA involves applying deep, steady pressure to acupoints with the thumbs.
- Jin Shin Do’s: This is a mind-body approach developed in the 1970s that combines elements from TCM and Japanese acupressure, Taoist philosophy, and psychology.
Before getting started
Before trying acupressure at home, connect with a licensed acupressure practitioner. They can help develop the best acupressure treatment plan for you and show you the proper techniques.
To find a certified acupressure practitioner in your area today, visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Acupressure involves stimulating acupoints, which lie just beneath the skin’s surface. Acupoints lie everywhere, such as the hands, eyes, face, feet, and ears, among others.
There are various pressing techniques for applying pressure, which differ in terms of intensity, depth, and motion. Some of these include kneading, pumping, or steadily pressing.
What’s more, pressure can be applied with various body parts, such as fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, and knees. Or, you can use acupressure devices, such as stones or mats.
Here are six common acupoints. To get started at home, apply pressure for 1 to 3 minutes per point, several times a day. It’s important to start gently and avoid broken skin or recent injuries.
1. Qihai (CV6)
This point is located on the midline of your body, around 1.5 inches below the belly button.
2. Nei Guan (P6)
Pericardium 6 (PC6 or P6) is an acupoint that may help manage nausea. It’s located on the inner side of your wrist, just above the palm. You should feel two large tendons when applying gentle pressure.
3. Ear gate (SJ21)
Ear gate (SJ21) is an acupoint located where the top of your ear meets your temple. It’s a popular acupoint that may help relieve headaches, jaw pain, or facial tension.
4. The third eye (Yin tang)
The third eye (Yin tang) acupoint is located where the bridge of your nose meets your forehead, just between your two eyebrows. It may help relieve sinus pressure, eyestrain, and headaches.
5. Weishu (BL21)
Weishu (BL21) is an acupoint located on the back, around 6 inches from the small of your back, and 1.5 inches to the right or left of your spine. It may help relieve stress and abdominal discomfort.
6. Kidney six (KI6)
The kidney 6 (KI6) acupoint is located on the inner aspect of the ankle, just below the ankle bone. It may help stimulate bowel movements.
Some acupoints may be difficult to locate on your own, and applying insufficient pressure could also compromise the treatment’s effectiveness.
As such, it’s best to connect with an acupressure practitioner before trying it on your own, as they can show you how to properly locate acupoints.
A professional typically uses body landmarks to identify acupoints, which may differ from the directions and measurements mentioned above.
Many people are drawn to acupressure because it may be a safer treatment than conventional treatments, such as medications and surgery.
For instance, acupressure may be effective in the short term for relieving chronic pain and
Acupressure may also be a more cost-effective and accessible treatment option than conventional treatments, as it can be performed independently, regardless of your location.
But it’s important to note that acupressure is considered an alternative and complementary form of treatment. This means that on its own, it may not be as effective as when combined with other treatments.
Acupressure is generally considered a safe alternative treatment for most people.
However, you may experience some bruising or mild pain if you apply too much pressure to an acupoint or hold the pressure for too long.
There may also be some risks if you’re pregnant. Some people refer to a group of acupoints as “forbidden points” for pregnancy, as they may induce early contractions and labor.
However, there’s no consensus among scientists and traditional practitioners about which points could be harmful for pregnant people.
As such, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying acupressure if you’re pregnant. They can help determine whether it’s safe for you.
Acupressure is a form of TCM that focuses on applying pressure to specific points in the body to stimulate the flow of energy and blood along meridians.
Traditional practitioners and researchers report that acupressure may help manage various physical and psychological conditions.
However, it’s important to note that acupressure is considered an alternative treatment that’s most effective when combined with more conventional treatments.
If you’re interested in acupressure, speak with a healthcare professional. They can help you determine how acupressure can fit into your health management plan.