Acupressure for Low Mood

Here are the acupressure points traditionally used for low mood. Use gentle, regular pressure, and give it time. You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective.

Acupressure Point SP6 — San Yin Jiao
Chinese Name: 三陰交
Location: On the inside surface of the leg, four fingers-width above the inner anklebone.
Traditionally used for: balancing point, abdominal distention, loose stools with undigested food, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, low mood, chronic fatigue, regulate hormone function, low sexual desire in men and women, pain in the external genitalia, warts, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, insomnia, PMS, hot flashes, cold limbs.

Acupressure Point ST41 — Jie Xi
Chinese Name: 解溪
Location: at the junction of the dorsum of foot and the leg, between the tendons of extensor digitorum longus and halluces longus, approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus.
Traditionally used for: edema of the head, edema of the face, dizziness, vertigo, abdominal distention, constipation, low mood, rheumatism, ringing in the ear, headaches.

Acupressure Point LI11 — Qu Chi
Chinese Name: 曲池
Location: On the top, outer end of the elbow crease. bend your arm, press your thumb into the hollow located on the top, outer end of the elbow crease, directly above the elbow, between the elbow joint (below) and the muscle (above).
Traditionally used for: food allergy, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, sore throat, pain in the elbow and arm, tennis elbow, particularly inflamed skin disorders (such as hives and rashes), itching, fevers.

Acupressure Point CV12 — Zhong Wan
Chinese Name: 中脘
Location: midway between the belly button and the bottom of the breastbone. On the midline of the abdomen, 5 finger width above the belly button.
Traditionally used for: acute abdominal pain, pain due to overeating, gastric pain, sour stomach, belching, regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, distention of the abdomen due to flatulence, hiatal hernia.

Acupressure Point P6 — Nei Guan
Chinese Name: 內關
Location: three finger width above the wrist crease on the palmar side.
Traditionally used for: palpitation, vomiting, chest pains-emotional and physical, nausea, to decrease appetite, to calm down, decrease panic attacks, to stop smoking, addictions to alcohol, food and drugs, poor memory, to promote yawning.

Acupressure Point Ear Shenmen
Location: at the bifurcating point of upper and lower arms of the triangular fossa, slightly to the lateral side.
Traditionally used for: stop smoking, stop overeating, calm mind, remove nervousness, pre-interview point, pre-exam point for the student, to prevent pre-nuptial jitters.

Acupressure Point H7 — Shen Men
Chinese Name: 神門
Location: medial side (ulnar) of the transverse crease of the wrist.
Traditionally used for: chest pain, night sweat, spontaneous sweating, stage fright, phobias, nervousness (massage this point before interviews, speeches, wedding, exams, flying etc .) Irritability, poor memory, promote mental clarity, promote retention of knowledge in the brain (good for students to massage this point five minutes before beginning study to prepare for exams etc, ), chest palpitation, insomnia, nightmares, excessive dreaming, to mend broken heart, emotional stagnation, unable to cry.

Caution: You should consult with a healthcare professional before practicing Acupressure or starting any diet, exercise, Chinese herbs or other supplementation programs.

Acupressure is self-care, not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness or dizziness. Pregnant or trying to conceive? Skip LI4, SP6, GB21, BL60 and BL67 unless your practitioner directs it. Get medical care first for chest pain, sudden weakness, fainting, heavy bleeding, or a high fever.