Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Acupoint Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the joints become chronically inflamed and painful due to immune system dysfunction. It often begins with small joints such as the fingers, wrists, and toes, and can spread throughout the body, causing suffering for many people. While medication is the primary treatment, acupoint pressure therapy from traditional East Asian medicine can help promote blood circulation and reduce inflammatory responses.
According to the Donguibogam and Huangdi Neijing classical texts, specific acupoints regulate the body’s qi (氣) and blood circulation to alleviate pain. We introduce 5 scientifically validated acupoints to help relieve symptoms of joint pain, swelling, and restricted movement caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
5 Effective Acupoints for Rheumatoid Relief
1. Hegu (LI4) — The Powerful Pain-Relief Point in Your Hand
WHO Code: LI4 (Large Intestine meridian point 4)
Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger, at the point where bones meet near the back of the hand. It’s the spot that feels sore when you press it with the opposite thumb.
Pressure Technique: Using the opposite thumb, gently press for about 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds, and repeat this about 10-15 times per hand. Start with light pressure at first.
Rheumatoid Symptom Relief Effect: Hegu is connected to the Large Intestine meridian and is called the “master point” for whole-body pain relief. It is particularly effective at relieving pain in the upper body, inflammatory pain in the wrist and finger joints, and helps with immune regulation through stress relief.
2. Sanyinjiao (SP6) — The Hub for Immune System Strengthening
WHO Code: SP6 (Spleen meridian point 6)
Location: On the inner side of the leg above the ankle, about 4 fingers’ width (approximately 10cm) above the top of the ankle bone, at the inner edge of the tibia. Find the hollow depression just behind the bone.
Pressure Technique: Using your thumb or an acupressure tool, press vertically for 3-5 seconds and release, repeating this 8-10 times. Perform on both legs, and doing this in the evening can even help with sleep.
Rheumatoid Symptom Relief Effect: As one of the Eight Confluence Points of the Spleen meridian, it governs the immune system. It effectively regulates the overactive immune response that is the root cause of rheumatoid arthritis, relieves joint swelling, and improves inflammatory constitution.
3. Kunlun (BL60) — The Solution for Lower Body Pain
WHO Code: BL60 (Bladder meridian point 60)
Location: On the outer side of the foot, at the midpoint between the outer ankle bone (lateral malleolus) and the heel. You’ll feel soreness when you press with your finger.
Pressure Technique: Using your thumb or an acupressure tool, press for 5-10 seconds, and repeat this 8-12 times. Perform on both feet, and you can increase the frequency on days when pain is severe.
Rheumatoid Symptom Relief Effect: The Bladder meridian governs nerves and mental state, and promotes blood circulation throughout the lower body. It is particularly effective at relieving rheumatoid pain in the ankles, knees, and hip joints, eliminating leg swelling, and improving secondary pain caused by neuropathy.
4. Taichong (LR3) — Liver Function and Stress Relief
WHO Code: LR3 (Liver meridian point 3)
Location: On the top of the foot between the big toe and second toe, in the webbing area, slightly higher up. When you press it, you’ll feel some soreness and a sensation that radiates to the epigastrium.
Pressure Technique: Using your thumb, push upward from below for 3-5 seconds of pressure, then rest, and repeat this 10-15 times. Doing this in the morning leaves you feeling energized throughout the day.
Rheumatoid Symptom Relief Effect: As the Spring point of the Liver meridian, it relieves qi stagnation caused by stress and anger. By alleviating stress (a major factor in worsening rheumatoid arthritis), stabilizing the immune system, and improving liver detoxification function, it helps reduce symptoms of autoimmune disease.
5. Zusanli (ST36) — The Whole-Body Immune System Strengthening Point
WHO Code: ST36 (Stomach meridian point 36)
Location: Below the knee on the outer side, approximately 4 fingers’ width (about 10cm) below the depression below the kneecap (Dubi), along the outer edge of the tibia. It’s the spot where you feel the most soreness when pressed.
Pressure Technique: Using your thumb or an acupressure tool, press vertically for 5-7 seconds, rest for 3 seconds, and repeat this 15-20 times. Using moxibustion or rice grain moxibustion is even more effective.
Rheumatoid Symptom Relief Effect: Known as the body’s “second heart,” Zusanli is the representative acupoint for strengthening whole-body immunity. It enhances organ function, promotes whole-body blood circulation, improves the body’s resistance to autoimmune disease, and is very effective at improving chronic inflammatory constitution.
5-Minute Self-Massage Routine for Rheumatoid Relief
Perform the following sequence every morning or evening:
- Preparation (30 seconds): Sit in a comfortable position, rub your hands together to warm them up, then take 3 deep breaths
- Hegu (LI4) – 1 minute: 30 seconds per hand, 10-15 presses each
- Taichong (LR3) – 1 minute: 30 seconds per foot, 10-15 presses each
- Zusanli (ST36) – 1 minute 30 seconds: 45 seconds per leg, 15-20 presses each
- Kunlun (BL60) – 1 minute: 30 seconds per foot, 8-12 presses each
- Sanyinjiao (SP6) – 30 seconds: Add 5-10 presses per hand in spare time
- Cool Down (30 seconds): Have a cup of tea and rest
Tips to Maximize Effectiveness: Avoid exposure to cold wind for 30 minutes after acupressure. Soaking your hands and feet in warm water at the end will further promote blood circulation. Performing this at the same time every day will help your body establish a rhythm and make it even more effective.
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