Introduction
Jaundice is a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to elevated bilirubin levels. It often results from reduced liver and gallbladder function. Traditional Chinese medicine addresses this by improving qi and blood circulation and strengthening liver-gallbladder function. Combining acupoint massage with medical treatment can speed up recovery.
5 Effective Acupoints for Jaundice
1. Ganshu (Liver Shu) — BL18
Location: On the upper back, at the level below the 9th thoracic vertebra spinous process (the protruding part of the spine), on either side of the spine approximately 1.5cm lateral to the spine. You can locate it by feeling for the bone structure with your finger when bending forward.
Effects: This acupoint directly supports liver function, nourishing the liver’s vital essence and promoting blood circulation. It is the most important acupoint for relieving fatigue from jaundice, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, and yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Massage Technique: Sit comfortably and bend your waist slightly. Place the knuckle of your thumb or middle finger (the second joint) on the acupoint and stimulate it by making slow circular motions for 3–5 seconds with firm pressure (just before pain level). Repeat 10 times on each side, 2–3 times daily.
2. Zhiyang (Extreme Yang) — GV9
Location: In the center of the upper back, directly below the 7th thoracic vertebra spinous process (the most prominent protruding bone in the mid-back). When you bend your neck forward, this is the bone that protrudes most; press directly below it in the indented space.
Effects: This acupoint is located at the “highest point” of the body and boosts overall yang qi, activating digestive function and metabolism. It is effective for improving overall fatigue from jaundice, lowered immunity, and metabolic disorders.
Massage Technique: Sit comfortably on the floor or in a kneeling position and use your middle finger to press and release repeatedly in a vertical motion (like tapping rather than continuous pressure). Use medium intensity for 20–30 repetitions, 1–2 times daily. It is important to stimulate the indented space directly below the spine bone, not the bone itself.
3. Riyue (Sun Moon) — GB24
Location: On the right side of the chest, following the line below the nipple down to the space between the ribs (7th intercostal space). It is located approximately 10cm from the spine toward the front of the body, and pressing it with your finger will cause slight tenderness.
Effects: This acupoint directly stimulates gallbladder function. It promotes bile secretion and relieves digestive disturbance, pain below the right rib cage, and nausea from jaundice. It is an essential acupoint for improving coordinated liver-gallbladder function.
Massage Technique: Lie flat on your back in a comfortable position and place your middle and ring fingers side by side on the acupoint, pressing gradually. Press when inhaling and slowly release pressure when exhaling (synchronized with breathing). Hold for 5–7 seconds per repetition; repeat 10 times. The key to effectiveness is precisely locating the space between the ribs.
4. Wangu (Wrist Bone) — SI4
Location: On the small finger side (ulnar side) of the wrist, in the indented space between the wrist bones. More precisely, it is in the depression between the base of the 5th metacarpal bone (small finger bone) and the triquetral bone (wrist bone). When you slightly bend your wrist, you will feel a small hollow spot.
Effects: This small intestine meridian acupoint improves overall qi and blood circulation and regulates body heat. It relieves heat sensation in the body, a feeling of fullness, and poor digestion from jaundice. Stimulating both sides together speeds up whole-body energy recovery.
Massage Technique: Extend one arm comfortably and use the tip of your opposite thumb to locate the Wangu acupoint. Apply pressure at a level that feels somewhat tender and repeat pressing and releasing on alternating sides for 3–5 seconds at a time. Perform 20 repetitions combining both sides, 2 times daily. This also helps relieve everyday stress by improving wrist mobility.
5. Danshu (Gallbladder Shu) — BL19
Location: On the lower back, at the level below the 10th thoracic vertebra spinous process, on either side of the spine approximately 1.5cm lateral to the spine. It is located one vertebra below Ganshu (BL18); you can find it by running your finger down along the spine.
Effects: This acupoint pairs with Ganshu to strengthen gallbladder function. It promotes bile circulation and comprehensively improves digestive disturbance, loss of appetite, and discomfort in the upper right abdomen in jaundice patients. It handles the final stage of recovering coordinated liver-gallbladder function.
Massage Technique: Perform using the same posture and intensity as Ganshu massage. Place the knuckle of your thumb or middle finger on the acupoint and apply circular motions for 3–5 seconds. Repeat 10 times on each side, 2–3 times daily. It is most effective to perform Ganshu massage first, followed by Danshu massage.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
[After waking in the morning or before bedtime]
Step 1 (1 minute): Simultaneous Ganshu (BL18) + Danshu (BL19) massage — Use the middle fingers of both hands to locate both acupoints on the left and right sides and stimulate them simultaneously with small circular motions. Maintain pressure for 30 seconds while breathing slowly in and out, then repeat 10 times.
Step 2 (1.5 minutes): Zhiyang (GV9) tapping — Gently tap the indented space below the spine 20–30 times with your middle finger or a rounded fist. Stimulate only the area below the spine bone itself, not the bone.
Step 3 (1 minute): Riyue (GB24) synchronized breathing massage — Lie in a comfortable position and use the middle fingers of both hands to simultaneously stimulate the acupoint on both sides. Press when inhaling and release when exhaling; repeat 10 times.
Step 4 (1.5 minutes): Alternating Wangu (SI4) massage — While sitting, stimulate both wrists alternately. Press and release each acupoint for 3–5 seconds at a time, repeating 20 times combining both sides.
Tip: Wash your hands with warm water before massage and consume plenty of water and rest after massage. Effects typically appear after 2–4 weeks, and the treatment is more effective when combined with diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional.
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