Acupressure for Comfort During a Serious Illness

Here are the acupressure points traditionally used for comfort during a serious illness. 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 Thymus point
Location: beginning from the lower border of the supraclavicular fossa and extends to the upper border of the xyphoid process of the sternum.
Traditionally used for: immune disorders, low immunity, epstein-barr virus diseases, frequent colds, frequent viral infections, constant allergic reactions, long term sickness, chronic fatigue syndrome, blood disorders, spleen disorders, platelet imbalance, immature blood cell production, bone marrow diseases.

Acupressure Point LU9 — Tai Yuan
Chinese Name: 太 淵
Location: distal to the styloid process of the radius, at the radial side of the wrist crease.
Traditionally used for: poor circulation, arterial sclerosis, headache, migraine, neck rigidity, cough, asthma, sore throat, toothache, pain and weakness of the wrist, blood disorder

Acupressure Point SP10 — Xue Hai
Chinese Name: 隱白
Location: when the knee is flexed, 3 finger width above the superior border of the patella, on the medial side of the thigh. Feel for pain or tenderness at the spot.
Traditionally used for: uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, painful menstrual periods, premenstrual symptoms, absence of periods in fertile women without pregnancy, skin disorders, eczema, hives, sores in the mouth, cold sores, sea food poisonng, acne, boils, carbuncles, furuncles etc. On the skin, anywhere in the body, pain in the knee, pain in the medial part of the thigh.

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.