Self-Acupressure Guide for Relief from Sadness — Start with These 3 Points if You’re a Beginner
Why Acupressure Helps with Sadness
In traditional Chinese medicine, sadness is understood to arise from an imbalance in the body’s qi and blood circulation. When you stimulate specific acupoints, the blocked energy is released, allowing both mind and body to relax. In clinical practice, people who practice acupressure consistently report improved sleep quality after about 3 weeks, and reduced emotional fluctuations after 4 weeks.
However, it’s important to understand that acupressure is a complementary tool. If you suspect depression, you must consult a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Acupressure is simply a tool to support that process.
4 Things to Check Before You Start
| Checklist Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Pain Level | You should not feel pain. A mild, dull sensation that makes you think “ah, there it is” is correct. If you feel sharp pain, immediately ease off the pressure. |
| Breathing | Don’t hold your breath. Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth while pressing—this makes the effect much better. |
| Preparation | Wash your hands thoroughly and trim your nails short. Cleanliness and safety are essential. |
| Posture | Whether you’re standing, sitting, or lying down doesn’t matter. Whatever position feels comfortable for you is the best. |
3 Essential Acupoints for Beginners
First: Taichong (LR3) — The Emotional Regulation Point on Your Foot
Location: On the top of your foot, between your big toe and the second toe, in the hollow area above where the two toe bones meet.
How to Find It: Remove your shoe and gently press that area with your finger. You’ll feel a slight hollow. You don’t need to be exactly precise—being in the general area is enough.
How to Press: Using the tip of your thumb, press slowly. Hold for 3 seconds, then release for 2 seconds, and repeat. Angling slightly toward your toes makes it more effective. Do 10 times per foot, taking about 2 minutes total.
Best Times to Use: When your mood feels heavy while preparing for work in the morning | After work stress when you get home | When you have too many thoughts racing before bed at night
💡 Since your feet are always accessible, this is the acupoint beginners can practice most frequently.
Second: Baihui (GV20) — The Mind-Settling Point at the Crown of Your Head
Location: At the very center of the crown of your head. It’s where the imaginary line connecting the highest points of both ears meets the centerline that runs from your nose through the crown to the back of your head.
How to Find It: When you touch it with your finger, you’ll feel a slight depression. You’ve found the center of your head. Looking in a mirror while thinking about it makes it easier to find.
How to Press: Using your middle or ring finger, gently press from above downward. Rather than pressing hard, gently tap and massage your crown as if you’re patting it lightly. Press for 5 seconds, repeat 10 times, taking about 1 minute total.
Best Times to Use: When your thoughts feel tangled all day | When your head feels unclear or foggy | When you find yourself sighing frequently at night | When you want to take time to calm your mind in a meditative way
💡 Baihui is where all the body’s yang energy gathers, making it especially effective for mental clarity.
Third: Shenmen (HT7) — The Heart-Calming Point on Your Wrist
Location: On the inner side of your wrist crease, in the hollow area right next to the prominent tendon on the pinky finger side.
How to Find It: Extend your arm with your palm facing up. Find the prominent tendon in the center of the inner forearm. Shenmen is in the hollow right next to it. You can easily find it by pressing with the tip of your thumb.
How to Press: Using your opposite thumb, slowly press as if moving toward your forearm. Hold for 3 seconds, then release for 2 seconds, and repeat. Do 10 times per arm, taking about 2 minutes total.
Best Times to Use: When you can’t fall asleep | When you feel anxious | When you experience a sudden jolt of anxiety in your chest | When your emotions fluctuate significantly
💡 The wrist is always exposed, so this is the most practical acupoint—you can stimulate it discreetly anywhere, anytime.
A 3-Minute Daily Routine for Beginners
Invest just 3 minutes at the same time every day. Consistency is the best medicine.
| Time | Acupoint | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | Taichong (LR3) | 30 seconds on each foot. You can do this while lying in bed. |
| 2 minutes | Baihui (GV20) | About 1 minute of gentle tapping massage. You don’t need to press deeply. |
| 3 minutes | Shenmen (HT7) | 30 seconds on each wrist. You can do this sitting down or lying in bed. |
Recommended Times:
- Morning: Starting right after you wake up while still in bed sets a positive mood for the entire day.
- Evening: Repeating 30 minutes before bed can calm your mind and improve sleep quality.
- Emergency Situation: When you feel stressed or anxious, focusing just on Shenmen (HT7) can provide quick stabilization.
5 Tips to Enhance Results
- Set a regular time. Doing it at the same time each day is effective for aligning your body’s rhythm. Your brain learns that “this time is for settling the mind.”
- Focus completely. It’s important to feel where your finger is pressing. Put your phone down and concentrate solely on the acupressure—this doubles the effectiveness.
- Use warm hands. Warm hands promote blood circulation better than cold ones. If needed, rub your hands together to warm them before starting.
- Be consistent for 3 weeks. It takes a minimum of 3 weeks of consistent practice to feel your body’s changes. Don’t expect dramatic results from the start.
- Drink water after evening acupressure. Drinking a cup of warm water after acupressure promotes blood circulation and aids metabolism.
3 Common Mistakes Beginners Make
❌ Mistake 1: Thinking “The Harder, The Better”
Pressing hard enough to cause pain is wrong. Strong pressure actually tenses your body and interferes with sadness relief. The right level is a dull sensation that feels good—that’s the answer. If you feel pain, immediately ease off.
❌ Mistake 2: “Once a Day, Get It Done Quickly”
Acupressure is not a one-time treatment. The key is consistency—doing it at the same time morning and evening is the best medicine. While obsessing isn’t healthy, try to do it at least once, whether morning or evening.
❌ Mistake 3: “Giving Up After 1–2 Weeks”
Beginners usually quit after about 2 weeks, thinking it’s not working. Your body needs a minimum of 3 weeks, usually 4 weeks, to detect changes and respond. Traditional Chinese medicine says “after consistently practicing for 3 months, you’ll notice clear changes.”
Other Methods to Use with Acupressure
Use acupressure as your foundation, and these complementary methods will enhance its effectiveness.
- Psychiatric care/psychotherapy: Essential if you suspect depression. Acupressure is a supplementary tool.
- Meditation or diaphragmatic breathing: 5 minutes of meditation after acupressure deepens mental calm.
- Warm bath: Soaking in warm water for about 15 minutes before bed effectively relieves nervous tension.
- Light walk: A 10-minute walk in sunlight also helps relieve sadness.
⚠️ Important: Please consult a professional in the following cases.
- When sadness persists for 2 weeks or more
- When you have thoughts of self-harm or extreme ideation
- When sadness is severe enough to prevent daily functioning
- When you’re taking medication (consult first before starting acupressure)
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