In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stress, anxiety, and pain can disrupt the flow of “Qi,” or vital energy. Practitioners believe stimulating certain body parts with massage or pressure can alleviate symptoms and balance Yin and Yang energies. Experiencing symptoms that Western Medicine can’t resolve? Try a holistic approach—here are 10 pressure points that can help you find your center so you can focus on what’s important in your life.
Baihui (GV20)
Adding pressure to the crown of the head can rebalance yang energy throughout the body. The area is associated with positive emotions, alertness, and vitality; stimulation can help clear the mind and calm the spirit. It can also improve circulation to the brain, potentially reducing headaches, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.
Taiyang (EX-HN5)
Gently apply pressure or massage your temples to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Traditional Chinese Medicine often approaches the area to address headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. It is believed to improve energy flow and relieve tension in the head and neck areas. If you see someone rubbing their temples, it’s a good indication they might be stressed.
Yin Tang (EX-HN3)
Acupuncture practitioners believe massaging the area between your eyes can release endorphins, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension. Stimulating the area produces a calming effect on the mind and spirit. Rub the top of your face to help reduce anxiety-related symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, and restlessness.
Hegu (LI4)
The webbed part between your thumb and index finger is a pressure point believed to affect hormones and the nervous system. Pressure on the area is supposed to relieve stress and pain. Research has shown that it can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and increase endorphins (natural pain killer). Apply pressure for 15-30 seconds and switch hands to reap the benefits.
Neiguan (PC6)
The Neiguan pressure point is located on the inner forearm, near the wrist. Traditional Chinese Medicine posits that stimulating this area can alleviate stress and anxiety. Some research suggests that pressure to the Neiguan point can reduce stress hormones and help regulate mood by altering brain activity, calming anxiety-producing brain regions such as the amygdala and the hippocampus.
Zhongwan (CV12)
This pressure point above the belly button can help balance the flow of “Qi.” Applying pressure to the area, acupressure practitioners believe it can produce a calming effect by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Stimulating it is also thought to help with digestion, pain relief, and easing tension in the body.
Guanyuan (CV4)
This pressure point is located four finger widths below the belly button. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners apply pressure to the area for therapeutic purposes. It is believed to reduce stress and strengthen the natural flow of “Qi,” or vital energy, in the body. Apply pressure with your thumb or fingers and make circular motions as you breathe long and slow to reap its benefits.
Shenshu (BL23)
The Shenshu acupoint is located near the ulnar end of the wrist. Apply pressure or massage the area to reduce stress and anxiety. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the acupoint stimulates the Heart Median, one of the major pathways through which “Qi” flows. Activating the area reduces stress hormones, regulates the heart’s rhythm, and calms the mind.
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Sanyinjiao, also known as Spleen 6, is an acupoint that can balance the body’s Yin and Yang energy. Applying pressure to this area is thought to nourish the spleen, which is believed to affect overall energy and emotional stability. The benefits can be achieved by massaging or applying pressure to the area.
Taixi (KI3)
This acupoint is found on the inner ankle. Stimulating this area is believed to affect the autonomic nervous system and alter brain activity. Reduce stress and deactivate the fight-or-flight anxiety response by applying pressure. It is thought to correct the flow of “Qi” and release neurotransmitters associated with mood and pain relief.
