Having Trouble Going to the Bathroom?
It’s been three days since your last bowel movement. Your stomach feels bloated and uncomfortable. Constipation is truly an unpleasant symptom. One in five people suffers from constipation. How about trying acupressure to naturally stimulate your intestines?
1. Tianshu (ST25) — Directly Awakens the Large Intestine
Where is it?
About 3 finger-widths to both sides of the navel. It’s on both the left and right sides. It aligns perfectly with the position of the large intestine.
How to press
- Place both index and middle fingers together and press both sides of the navel simultaneously
- Press for 3-5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 15 times
- Gently massaging in a clockwise circular motion is even better
Benefits: Located directly on the Large Intestine meridian, it stimulates bowel movement. Effective not only for constipation but also for diarrhea and abdominal bloating.
2. Hegu (LI4) — The Representative Point of the Large Intestine Meridian
Where is it?
In the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Find the fleshy mound when you spread your fingers. The spot that feels achy when pressed is Hegu.
How to press
- Press Hegu firmly with the opposite thumb
- Press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 10 times
- Do both hands
Benefits: The source point of the Large Intestine meridian. Helps circulate the energy of the intestines overall. A versatile point also effective for headaches and toothaches beyond just constipation.
3. Zusanli (ST36) — Activates the Entire Digestive System
Where is it?
About 4 finger-widths below the kneecap on the outer side. You’ll feel an aching sensation when pressing on the muscle beside the outer shinbone.
How to press
- Press Zusanli firmly with your thumb
- Press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 15 times
- Do both legs
Benefits: Strengthens the function of the entire gastrointestinal system. Promotes intestinal peristalsis to encourage natural bowel movements.
4. Qihai (CV6) — Fills the Lower Abdomen with Energy
Where is it?
About 2 finger-widths below the navel. Located in the upper portion between the navel and the pubic bone.
How to press
- Place index and middle fingers together and press gently
- Press for 3-5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 10 times
- Pressing while covering with a warm palm is even better
Benefits: Replenishes the energy of the lower abdomen. Particularly effective for constipation caused by low energy and chronic constipation. The name means ‘sea of energy.’
5. Daheng (SP15) — Stimulates the Large Intestine from Both Sides
Where is it?
About 4 finger-widths to both sides of the navel. Located 1 finger-width further out than Tianshu.
How to press
- Press both sides of the navel simultaneously with both thumbs
- Press for 3-5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 10 times
- Pressing slightly inward with a gathering motion enhances the effect
Benefits: Directly stimulates the transverse colon area. Also effective for abdominal bloating and gas.
Quick Comparison!
| Acupoint | Location | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tianshu ST25 | 3 fingers beside navel | Direct intestine stimulation | Easy |
| Hegu LI4 | Hand webbing | Overall intestinal flow | Easy |
| Zusanli ST36 | Below knee, outer side | GI function boost | Easy |
| Qihai CV6 | 2 fingers below navel | Chronic constipation, energy | Easy |
| Daheng SP15 | 4 fingers beside navel | Transverse colon, gas | Easy |
Synergy Combinations!
- Tianshu + Daheng: Stimulating both the inner and outer sides of the navel awakens the entire large intestine.
- Hegu + Zusanli: Activating the Large Intestine and Stomach meridians from the hand and leg simultaneously. The golden combination for constipation.
- Qihai + Tianshu: Circulating the energy throughout the lower abdomen to encourage natural bowel movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to do acupressure for constipation?
Right after waking up in the morning is best. That’s when your intestines are most active. Drinking a glass of warm water before acupressure makes it more effective.
Will I be able to go to the bathroom right after acupressure?
It varies by person. Some may see effects within 30 minutes, while consistent practice over 1-2 weeks can improve bowel habits.
Can I combine laxatives with acupressure?
Yes, combining them is fine. However, building natural bowel habits through acupressure can help reduce dependence on medication.
Are there precautions when pressing abdominal acupressure points?
Avoid abdominal acupressure within 1 hour after eating. Also, don’t press too hard — use gentle pressure.
What should I do if constipation lasts more than 2 weeks?
If it lasts more than 2 weeks or you notice blood in your stool, please see a doctor. It could be a sign of another condition.
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