Best 5 Acupressure Points for Relieving Pain
At Acupuncture Heals, we believe healing doesn’t just happen on the treatment table—it begins with small, intentional steps you can take at home. One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage pain naturally is through acupressure.
Based on the same principles as acupuncture, acupressure involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body to improve circulation, move Qi (energy), and ease discomfort.
Here are the best 5 acupressure points you can massage yourself to help relieve pain—naturally, safely, and effectively.
1. LI4 – Hegu (Union Valley)
📍 Location:The fleshy web between your thumb and index finger
💥 Use for: Headaches, toothaches, neck and shoulder pain, stress
How to use it:
Press and massage this point with firm, circular pressure for 30–60 seconds. Repeat on the other hand.
⚠️ Avoid during pregnancy! This point can stimulate uterine contractions.
💡 Bonus Tip: Combine with deep breathing for extra relaxation.
2. LR3 - Taichong (Great Surge)
📍 Location: On top of the foot, in the valley between the big toe and second toe, about 1–2 inches back
💥 Use for: Lower back pain, menstrual cramps, anxiety, irritability, general tension
How to use it:
Apply steady pressure using your thumb. Massage in small circles for 1–2 minutes on each foot.
🌿 TCM Insight: This point is known for “moving Liver Qi”—perfect for pain caused by emotional or physical stagnation.
3. SP6 - Sanyinjiao (Three Yin Intersection)
📍 Location: About 3–4 finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, on the inside of the leg
💥 Use for: Pelvic pain, cramps, insomnia, digestive discomfort
How to use it:
Gently massage in a circular motion for 1–2 minutes on each leg.
✨ This is a deeply calming point that connects to the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels—a triple win for pain and hormonal balance.
4. GB20 - Fengchi (Wind Pool)
📍 Location: At the base of the skull, in the hollow between your neck muscles
💥 Use for: Headaches, neck stiffness, migraines, eye strain, fatigue
How to use it:
Place your thumbs on the points and tilt your head slightly back. Apply firm pressure upward and inward for 1 minute.
🌀 Feels like heaven after a long day at the computer or behind the wheel.
5. UB40 - Weizhong (Middle of the Crook)
📍 Location: Behind the knee, in the center of the crease
💥 Use for: Back pain, stiffness, leg tension, sciatica
How to use it:
Press firmly with your thumb or knuckle, holding for 30–60 seconds. You can also massage both knees simultaneously while seated.
🔥 Pro tip: Use this after walking, standing, or lifting to ease tension in your lower back and legs.
Final Thoughts
Acupressure is a simple, gentle tool you can use anytime to support your body’s natural healing. These points are safe, easy to learn, and surprisingly effective when used regularly.
⏳ Consistency is key—think of it as tuning your body, not flipping a switch.
And if you're ready to take your healing deeper, acupuncture can activate these points (and many more) with precision and intention—bringing lasting relief to even the most stubborn pain.
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Thank you for being part of our clinic family. Whether you're seeing Dr. Andre, myself, or both—we’re here to support you, season after season, with care, compassion, and healing rooted in tradition.
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