Introduction
If hours after eating you still feel bloated, experience frequent gas, and have ongoing abdominal discomfort, indigestion is likely bothering you. Due to irregular eating habits and stress in modern life, indigestion is a very common symptom, but you don’t need to rely solely on medication. Traditional Chinese medicine has used acupoints that restore digestive function for thousands of years, and when these acupoints are stimulated correctly, you can experience remarkable results.
5 Acupoints Effective for Indigestion
1. Zusanli — ST36
Location: 3 cun below the kneecap (approximately 10cm), on the outer lateral aspect of the anterior tibia. Following the edge of the tibia below the knee downward, you’ll find it in the hollow depression where your finger naturally settles.
Effects: Called a “universal acupoint” that strengthens the entire digestive system, it activates stomach movement and promotes large intestine peristalsis, improving indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation all at once. It’s also excellent for boosting immunity and recovering from fatigue.
Pressure Technique: Repeatedly press slowly and deeply with your thumb and release. Start with a rhythm of pressing for 3 seconds and resting for 3 seconds, performing about 10 repetitions per minute, and gradually increase intensity. Continue until you feel a warm sensation, and it’s most effective to apply pressure 3 times daily (morning, lunch, evening) 30 minutes after meals.
2. Sanyinjiao — SP6
Location: 3 cun above the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone), on the posterior-medial surface of the tibia. It’s found in the depression you encounter when sweeping your finger upward along the inner aspect of the shin bone.
Effects: An acupoint that strengthens the function of the Spleen, which in traditional Chinese medicine controls digestion, absorption, and transportation. Stimulating Sanyinjiao increases digestive fluid secretion and enhances intestinal peristalsis, effectively improving indigestion as well as alleviating abdominal bloating and nausea.
Pressure Technique: Apply pressure at a slight angle toward the toes. Press with your thumb for 5 seconds, then rest for 2 seconds, continuing for 2 minutes total. Apply to both legs (1 minute each), and when pressed before bed, digestion proceeds smoothly during sleep. It’s best to avoid stimulating this point during menstruation.
3. Zhongwan — CV12
Location: 4 cun above the navel (approximately 12cm), on the anterior midline of the abdomen. In other words, it’s exactly midway between the epigastrium and the navel.
Effects: The “stomach acupoint” that directly regulates stomach function, improving all symptoms caused by reduced stomach function. It’s particularly effective for indigestion, abdominal bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, and digestive disturbances caused by stress. It also alleviates acid reflux and protects the stomach lining.
Pressure Technique: Perform while lying down with a relaxed abdomen. Using your thumb or middle finger, apply pressure in gentle circular motions for 3 minutes. The best time is 1 hour after a meal, and the stimulation should not be too strong. Twice daily (morning and evening) is appropriate.
4. Tianshu — ST25
Location: 2 cun (approximately 5cm) lateral to the navel. It’s about two fingerwidths away to each side of the navel, at the same height.
Effects: An acupoint that regulates large intestine function, completing digestion and promoting bowel movements. It rapidly alleviates abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating caused by indigestion, and can improve both constipation and diarrhea. It’s excellent for normalizing intestinal peristalsis.
Pressure Technique: Perform while lying down, stimulating both sides of the navel simultaneously using the middle or index fingers of both hands. Repeat 10 times, pressing for 5 seconds each, as one set, performing this 3 times daily (morning, lunch, evening). It’s particularly effective when stimulated before bowel movements.
5. Neiting — ST44
Location: Between the 2nd and 3rd toes of the foot, in the web space. It’s at the center of the crease that appears when you spread these two toes apart.
Effects: An acupoint that clears heat from the stomach and promotes digestive function. It’s particularly effective for improving abdominal bloating and gas that occur during digestion, as well as stomach-related symptoms such as dry mouth and abnormal taste sensation. Quick relief can be seen when stimulated during sluggish digestion.
Pressure Technique: Press deeply into the toe web with your thumb, angling inward. It’s good to perform for 2 minutes on each foot, 2 times daily (morning and evening). Since the stimulation is gentle, it can be done at any time.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
This is a 5-minute routine for improving indigestion that you can practice even in a busy schedule. Perform it 30 minutes after a meal:
[Step 1] Zhongwan + Tianshu (1 minute) → While lying down, slowly move your fingers downward from the epigastrium to the navel, massaging gently.
[Step 2] Zusanli (2 minutes) → From a seated position, apply pressure to the Zusanli points below both knees with your thumb for 1 minute on each side.
[Step 3] Sanyinjiao (1 minute) → Apply pressure to the Sanyinjiao points above the inner ankle on both sides with your thumb for 30 seconds each.
[Step 4] Neiting (1 minute) → Press the area between the 2nd and 3rd toes of both feet with your thumb for 30 seconds each.
By repeating this routine daily after lunch and dinner, you can feel improvements in digestion within about one week.
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