5 Acupoints for Menopause Symptoms — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

What is Menopause and Why Acupoint Acupressure Helps

Menopause is a period of dramatic hormonal changes that typically occurs in the late 40s to early 50s. Due to declining estrogen levels, various physical and emotional symptoms appear, including facial flushing, night sweats, sleep disturbances, emotional instability, fatigue, and joint pain. These symptoms can significantly diminish quality of life.

In traditional Chinese medicine, menopause is viewed as a “decline in kidney function,” and by stimulating specific acupoints, the body’s yin-yang balance can be restored and the body’s adaptive capacity to hormonal changes can be enhanced. Acupoint acupressure is a self-care method that provides sufficient effects with fewer side effects than acupuncture.

Five Effective Acupoints for Relieving Menopausal Symptoms

1. Sanyinjiao (SP6) — The Key Acupoint for Women’s Health

Location: On the inner side of the leg, approximately three finger-widths (about 7-8cm) above the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus). It can be found by tracing upward along the inner edge of the tibia bone.

Acupressure technique: Using your thumb, press vertically with steady pressure for approximately 3-5 minutes. Begin with light pressure initially and gradually increase the intensity.

Effects: Sanyinjiao is the meeting point of three meridians—the liver, spleen, and kidney—and helps regulate female hormonal imbalance, improve uterine function, and normalize menstrual cycles. It is particularly effective in alleviating menopausal facial flushing, night sweats, and emotional instability.

2. Taichong (LR3) — Stress Relief and Emotional Stability

Location: On the top of the foot between the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 3-4cm from the ankle toward the toes. A slight depression can be felt when pressing with the fingers.

Acupressure technique: Using your thumb, slowly press and release repeatedly for approximately 3-5 minutes. Perform on both feet.

Effects: An acupoint related to liver function and emotional stability that alleviates menopausal anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. It is also effective in relieving muscle tension and headaches caused by stress.

3. Kunlun (BL60) — Full-Body Fatigue Recovery and Energy Restoration

Location: On the outer side of the ankle, in the depression between the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon.

Acupressure technique: Press firmly with your thumb or overlap your middle fingers on both hands and apply acupressure for approximately 3-5 minutes. Perform on both feet.

Effects: An important acupoint on the bladder meridian that promotes the circulation of qi (vital energy) throughout the body and relieves fatigue. It is effective in alleviating full-body fatigue, lack of energy, and heaviness in the legs caused by menopause.

4. Hegu (LI4) — Relief from Headaches and Facial Flushing

Location: Between the thumb and index finger on the hand, at the highest point of the muscle mass (the end of a V-shape) that appears when the fingers are spread apart.

Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb, press firmly for approximately 3-5 minutes. Perform on both hands, starting with light pressure and gradually increasing intensity.

Effects: An important acupoint on the large intestine meridian that improves blood circulation to the upper body and reduces heat sensation. It is particularly effective in alleviating menopausal facial flushing, headaches, and neck stiffness.

5. Guanyuan (CV4) — Vital Energy Restoration and Immune Enhancement

Location: Approximately 3-4cm below the navel (about three finger-widths) on the body’s centerline. It is easier to locate when lying down.

Acupressure technique: While lying down, overlap 3-4 fingers and gently massage in circular motions clockwise for approximately 5 minutes. Alternatively, press firmly with your thumb for approximately 3 minutes.

Effects: Known as the lower dantian, the center of the body’s vital energy, it replenishes the body’s primordial qi and enhances immune function. It improves overall energy depletion, decreased metabolism, and weakened immunity caused by menopause.

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine — Perform Daily Morning and Evening

Consistency is most important for seeing results. Perform the routine below once each morning and evening daily.

1. Taichong (top of foot) — 1 minute
   30 seconds on each foot. First relax tense nerves and emotions.
2. Hegu (back of hand) — 1 minute
   30 seconds on each hand. Reduces heat sensation in the upper body and alleviates headaches.
3. Sanyinjiao (tibia) — 2 minutes
   1 minute on each leg. The most important acupoint for regulating hormonal imbalance.
4. Kunlun (ankle) — 30 seconds
   15 seconds on each foot. Replenishes full-body energy.
5. Guanyuan (below navel) — 30 seconds
   Finally, replenish vital energy at the body’s center to complete the routine.

Additional tips: Before acupressure, soak your feet in warm water or apply a warm compress to increase blood circulation and enhance effectiveness. Avoid practicing on an empty stomach; perform at least 30 minutes after eating.