Acupressure for Digestive Comfort

Here are the acupressure points traditionally used for digestive comfort. 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 SP4 — Gong Sun
Chinese Name: 公孫
Location: On the arch of the foot, in the hollow two finger-width away from the ball of the foot, above the tendon of big toe.
Traditionally used for: colitis, diverticulitis, crohn’s disease, gastric pain, vomiting, sour stomach, chronic fatigue, inflammation of the stomach, gastric ulcers, ascites, arthritis, low mood, anxiety, irritable bowls.

Acupressure Point ST37 — Shang Ju Xu
Chinese Name: 上巨虛
Location: 8 finger width (6 body inch) below the lateral eye of the patella, on the line connecting the eye of the patella and the external malleolus.
Traditionally used for: abdominal bloating, severe constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, cramps in the lower abdomen, knee pain, colitis, irritable bowels.

Acupressure Point ST25 — Tian Shu
Chinese Name: 天 樞
Location: 3 body inches lateral (to the side) to the center of the belly button.
Traditionally used for: abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, gurgling sound in the abdomen due to flatus, abdominal bloating, fullness, pain around the belly button, water retention in the abdomen, irregular menstruation, premenstrual disorders (PMS)

Acupressure Point CV4 — Guan Yuan
Chinese Name: 關元
Location: on the midline of the abdomen, 3 body inches below the belly button. Four fingers-width below the belly button.
Traditionally used for: enuresis, nocturnal emission, frequent urination, retention of urine, hernia, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, lower abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, prolapse of the rectum

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 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 ST38 — Tiao Kou
Chinese Name: 條 口
Location: 2 body inches below ST 37, one finger breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.
Traditionally used for: pain in the leg, numbness, soreness and pain of the knee and leg, weakness and motor impairment of the foot, pain and motor impairment of the shoulder, cramps in the leg, abdominal pain, irritable bowels.

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.