How to Use Acupressure for Digestive Health and Balance

 


🧠 What Acupressure Does

Acupressure stimulates specific points along the body’s energy meridians (Qi pathways) to:

  • Improve digestive function

  • Relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion

  • Regulate bowel movements

  • Reduce stress that interferes with digestion

  • Restore energy balance in the stomach and spleen meridians


✋ Step-by-Step: How to Practice Acupressure

1. Prepare Your Body

  • Sit or lie comfortably in a quiet place.

  • Take a few deep breaths to relax.

  • Warm your hands by rubbing them together for 10 seconds.


2. Apply Pressure to Key Points

🟡 ST36 (Zu San Li) — “Leg Three Miles”

  • Location: Four finger widths below your kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the shinbone.

  • How to Press: Use your thumb or knuckle to apply firm, circular pressure for 1–2 minutes.

  • Benefits: Strengthens the stomach, boosts energy, improves digestion, and relieves bloating.


🟡 CV12 (Zhongwan) — “Middle Cavity”

  • Location: Midway between the bottom of your sternum and your navel.

  • How to Press: Use gentle, circular pressure for 1 minute.

  • Benefits: Eases indigestion, nausea, fullness, and stomach discomfort.


🟡 SP6 (Sanyinjiao) — “Three Yin Intersection”

  • Location: Four finger widths above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shinbone.

  • How to Press: Apply moderate pressure for 1 minute on each leg.

  • Benefits: Regulates the spleen and stomach, supports digestion, and reduces water retention.


🟡 LI4 (Hegu) — “Joining Valley”

  • Location: Between the thumb and index finger, in the webbing where the bones meet.

  • How to Press: Use firm pressure for 30–60 seconds.

  • Benefits: Stimulates the colon, relieves constipation, and balances overall energy flow.


🟡 CV6 (Qihai) — “Sea of Energy”

  • Location: Two finger widths below the navel.

  • How to Press: Apply gentle pressure in circular motions for 1 minute.

  • Benefits: Strengthens abdominal organs, boosts energy, and supports digestive regularity.


🕒 Recommended Routine

  • Perform this routine once or twice daily, ideally before meals or 1 hour after eating.

  • Use slow, rhythmic breathing while pressing each point.

  • Be consistent — effects build over time.


⚠️ Safety Tips

  • Avoid pressing right after a large meal.

  • Do not press over open wounds or swollen areas.

  • Pregnant women should avoid SP6 and LI4 without professional guidance.

  • If you experience severe digestive pain, seek medical advice.


🌸 Bonus Tip

Combine acupressure with:

  • Warm water with lemon in the morning (stimulates digestion)

  • Mindful eating (chew slowly, avoid multitasking)

  • Gentle abdominal massage clockwise to follow the colon path

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