Acupuncture without the needles. That is acupressure in one sentence. It uses the same points, the same meridians, and the same theoretical framework as acupuncture —but replaces stainless steel filaments with thumbs, knuckles, and simple tools.

This guide introduces ten practical acupressure points that require no training, no equipment, and no risk. You can use them at your desk, on a plane, or in bed.

How Acupressure Works (The Short Version)

Traditional Chinese Medicine describes the body as containing channels of energy called meridians (经络). When these channels are blocked, pain, illness, or dysfunction results. Stimulating specific points along the meridians restores flow and resolves symptoms.

Western medicine does not recognize meridians, but it does recognize that pressure on certain body points triggers measurable physiological responses:

  • Gate control theory: Pressure signals override pain signals traveling to the brain
  • Endorphin release: Point stimulation triggers the body’s natural painkillers
  • Vagus nerve activation: Certain points stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress

Both explanations may be true. The practical result is the same: pressing the right point in the right way produces relief.

The Essential Ten Points

1. Hegu (LI4) —The Headache Point

Location: Web between thumb and index finger, at the highest point of the muscle when the thumb and finger are pressed together.

Uses: Headaches, facial pain, toothaches, stress, neck tension.

Technique: Press firmly with the thumb of the opposite hand for 30–60 seconds. Breathe deeply. Switch hands.

Warning: Do not use during pregnancy —this point is traditionally used to induce labor.

2. Neiguan (PC6) —The Nausea Point

Location: Three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons on the inner forearm.

Uses: Nausea, motion sickness, anxiety, insomnia, chest tightness.

Technique: Press with the thumb of the opposite hand, moving in small circles for 1–2 minutes. This is the point targeted by nausea relief wristbands sold in pharmacies.

3. Zusanli (ST36) —The Energy Point

Location: Four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width to the outside of the shin bone.

Uses: Fatigue, digestive problems, immune weakness, knee pain.

Technique: Press firmly with the thumb or knuckle for 1–2 minutes. This point is said to strengthen overall vitality —in TCM, it is called the “point of longevity.”

4. Taichong (LR3) —The Stress Point

Location: On the top of the foot, in the depression between the first and second toes, about two finger-widths back from the web.

Uses: Stress, irritability, headaches, menstrual pain, eye strain.

Technique: Press with the thumb, moving in small circles for 1 minute per foot.

5. Yongquan (KI1) —The Grounding Point

Location: Center of the sole, in the depression that appears when the foot is flexed.

Uses: Insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, hot flashes, restlessness.

Technique: Press with the thumb or roll a tennis ball under the foot for 2 minutes. This is the only major point on the sole of the foot.

6. Jianjing (GB21) —The Shoulder Tension Point

Location: Highest point of the shoulder muscle, halfway between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder.

Uses: Neck and shoulder tension, headaches, stress.

Technique: Pinch the muscle between thumb and fingers, kneading for 1–2 minutes per side. This is the point massage therapists instinctively target.

Warning: Do not use during pregnancy.

7. Taiyang (EX-HN5) —The Migraine Point

Location: In the depression at the temple, about one thumb-width behind the outer eyebrow.

Uses: Migraines, headaches, eye strain, sinus pain.

Technique: Press gently with the middle fingers, making small circles for 1–2 minutes.

8. Sanyinjiao (SP6) —The Women’s Health Point

Location: Four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shin bone.

Uses: Menstrual cramps, digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety.

Technique: Press firmly with the thumb for 1–2 minutes per leg.

Warning: Do not use during pregnancy —this is one of the strongest points for inducing labor.

9. Fengchi (GB20) —The Wind Pool

Location: At the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two major neck muscles.

Uses: Headaches, neck stiffness, colds, flu, eye strain.

Technique: Cradle the back of the head with both hands, placing thumbs in the hollows. Press upward and inward for 1 minute.

10. Yintang (EX-HN3) —The Third Eye

Location: Directly between the eyebrows, at the center of the forehead.

Uses: Anxiety, insomnia, sinus congestion, agitation.

Technique: Press gently with the middle or index finger, holding for 30–60 seconds while breathing deeply. This point is central to meditation practices across multiple traditions.

Creating a Self-Care Routine

Morning energy boost: Zusanli (3) + Hegu (1) —1 minute each Midday stress relief: Yintang (10) + Taichong (4) —1 minute each Evening wind-down: Yongquan (5) + Neiguan (2) —2 minutes each Headache emergency: Hegu (1) + Taiyang (7) + Fengchi (9) —2 minutes each

When to See a Professional

Acupressure is safe for self-care, but it is not a replacement for medical treatment. Seek professional care for:

  • Severe or persistent pain
  • Symptoms that worsen with self-treatment
  • Pregnancy (many points are contraindicated)
  • Bleeding disorders or use of blood-thinning medication

Explore Further

  • Acupuncture vs. Acupressure: Which Is Right for You?