Introduction
Has sudden abdominal pain disrupted your daily life? Before taking medication, there’s a method you can do with just one finger. Acupoint pressure from traditional medicine is a way to listen to your body’s signals and restore it naturally. In this article, we introduce five of the most effective acupoints for abdominal pain and precise pressure techniques.
Five Effective Acupoints for Abdominal Pain
1. Qihai (CV6) — Conception Vessel 6
Location: About 5cm below the navel (1.5 cun), located on the body’s midline. Lie down comfortably with your abdomen relaxed, then count your fingers downward from the navel.
Effects: In traditional medicine, this acupoint is called the “Qi” reservoir and facilitates the flow of vital energy throughout the abdomen. It excels at improving digestive function, relieving abdominal bloating, and addressing chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Pressure technique: Warm your fingers or palm with a heating pad, then place your finger on the Qihai point below the navel. Maintain the warmth while slowly rubbing in circular motions clockwise. Repeat for 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times daily.
2. Tianshu (ST25) — Stomach Meridian 25
Location: About 5cm to the sides of the navel (2 cun). It’s located symmetrically on both sides of the navel, allowing you to stimulate both sides simultaneously.
Effects: This acupoint regulates the function of the large and small intestines. It promotes intestinal peristalsis to relieve both constipation and diarrhea simultaneously, and is especially effective for abdominal bloating caused by gas and cramping pain.
Pressure technique: Place the thumbs of both hands on the Tianshu points on both sides of the navel. Slowly press downward, maintaining a slight soreness (tender pressure point). Repeat pressing for 5 seconds and releasing 10 times, performing this 3-4 times daily.
3. Gongsun (SP4) — Spleen Meridian 4
Location: Below the inner joint fold at the base of the big toe, in the hollow where bone meets flesh. It’s easy to locate when you bend your foot toward your chest.
Effects: This is a key acupoint (important point) that harmonizes the function of the spleen and stomach. It aids in promoting digestion, improving intestinal health, eliminating abdominal gas, and relieving loss of appetite. It’s especially effective for indigestion caused by stress.
Pressure technique: Place the opposite thumb on the Gongsun point. Massage in circular motions, rubbing until it becomes slightly warm. Stimulate each foot for 3-5 minutes, 1-2 times daily. Effectiveness is higher when the technique is performed with the foot wrapped in a warm towel.
4. Shousanli (LI10) — Large Intestine Meridian 10
Location: About 5cm from the inner elbow fold toward the wrist (2 cun). With the arm bent, it’s located on the muscle on the outer side of the forearm.
Effects: This is a powerful acupoint that enhances immunity and promotes digestive function. Beyond abdominal pain, it aids in overall fatigue recovery, improved digestion, and promotion of bowel movement. The Donguibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) records that “Sanli” prevents ten thousand diseases.
Pressure technique: Place the opposite thumb on Shousanli. Slowly press for 3-5 seconds and then release, repeating this 10-15 times. You can also massage in circular motions. Stimulating 2-3 times daily, especially 30 minutes after meals, produces a high digestion-promoting effect.
5. Dachang Shu (BL25) — Bladder Meridian 25
Location: At the height below the fourth lumbar vertebral spinous process, about 4cm lateral to the spinal midline on both sides. It’s located near where your thumb touches when you place your hand on your lower back.
Effects: This is a shu point (back transport point) that directly regulates large intestine function. It improves colon movement, normalizes intestinal peristalsis, and alleviates chronic abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. It’s also effective for abdominal pain caused by coldness.
Pressure technique: Lie down and place your hand under your back, or sit and reach your hands behind you to place your thumb or middle finger on Dachang Shu. Apply circular massage with warm fingers or repeat pressing for 3-5 seconds 10 times. It’s even more effective when performed over a heating pad or warm compress. Stimulate 2-3 times daily.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
When experiencing abdominal pain, follow this sequence: First, warm your hands with warm water or prepare a heating pad (1 minute). Circular massage of Qihai and Tianshu centered on the navel (2 minutes). Elevate your ankle comfortably and stimulate Gongsun on both feet (1 minute). Press Shousanli on both arms (1 minute). If possible, warm the Dachang Shu area (add within the time above). Repeating this routine 2-3 times daily, especially whenever you feel pain, allows you to experience rapid relief.
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