Blood Circulation Problems: Can Acupoints Be the Answer?
Are your hands and feet cold and heavy, or do you struggle with fatigue all day? Poor blood circulation is common in modern life, but if left untreated, it can worsen your health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these blood circulation problems are viewed as “insufficient flow of qi and blood,” and stimulating specific acupoints to improve the flow of meridians is considered important. Acupoint acupressure is a natural therapy that activates the body’s own self-healing power without medication, and has the advantage of being easy to perform anytime, anywhere. In this article, I will introduce in detail 5 of the most effective acupoints for improving blood circulation and how to apply acupressure to them.
5 Effective Acupoints for Improving Blood Circulation
1. Hegu (LI4) — The Representative Acupoint of the Large Intestine Meridian
Location: It is located at the highest point on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger (between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones).
Acupressure Method: Press vertically with the thumb of your opposite hand and hold for 3-5 seconds, then slowly release. Perform 10 times per session, twice daily. Pressure that produces mild discomfort is most effective.
Benefits: Hegu is known as the “universal acupoint” and promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the body. It improves blood circulation and relieves headaches, shoulder tension, and digestive discomfort. It also helps strengthen immunity.
Caution: Pregnant women should avoid this acupoint.
2. Sanyinjiao (SP6) — The Central Point for Blood and Women’s Health
Location: It is located on the inner side of the shin, approximately 10 cm (three finger widths) above the inner ankle bone.
Acupressure Method: Press vertically and firmly with your thumb and hold for 5 seconds. Perform 15 times per session on both sides, and it is most effective when done in the evening.
Benefits: It promotes active blood circulation and improves lower extremity swelling, coldness, and numbness. It is particularly effective at regulating menstrual cycles and relieving menstrual pain, and also helps improve skin health and sleep quality.
Caution: Pregnant women should avoid this acupoint.
3. Taichong (LR3) — The Guardian of Liver Function and Circulation
Location: It is located in the hollow area on the top of the foot between the big toe and second toe, approximately 2 cm above the base of the toes.
Acupressure Method: Press slowly with your thumb while making circular motions. Apply pressure for 20-30 seconds per session, once or twice daily. Apply pressure in a comfortable position without bending your foot.
Benefits: It activates liver function and promotes blood detoxification and circulation. It relieves worsening blood circulation due to stress, headaches, and eye fatigue, and is excellent for emotional stability.
Caution: Pregnant women should avoid this acupoint.
4. Kunlun (BL60) — The Key to Lower Extremity Blood Circulation
Location: It is located in the hollow area between the outer ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. It can be seen on the back of the ankle.
Acupressure Method: Press firmly with your thumb while moving up and down. Apply continuous pressure for approximately 1 minute per session, twice daily. Apply pressure evenly to both ankles.
Benefits: It directly improves blood circulation in the legs and feet. It rapidly relieves cold feet, calf cramps, leg swelling, and lower extremity numbness. It also helps improve lower back pain.
5. Zusanli (ST36) — The Tonic for Immunity and Circulation
Location: It is located on the outer side of the shin, approximately 12 cm (four finger widths) below the knee crease on the outside of the knee.
Acupressure Method: Press vertically with your thumb at a pressure that produces mild discomfort. Repeat for 30 seconds, 3-5 times per session, once or twice daily.
Benefits: It replenishes qi (energy) throughout the body and activates blood circulation. It is excellent for fatigue recovery, strengthening immunity, improving digestion, and stabilizing blood pressure, and is the ideal acupoint for fatigue recovery in those whose work involves prolonged standing or sitting.
5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine for Improving Blood Circulation
It is more effective when performed at the same time each day. Evening (7 pm–9 pm) is ideal.
- Hegu (LI4) — 1 minute
Apply pressure alternately to both hands. Repeat 10 times per hand at moderate pressure. - Zusanli (ST36) — 1 minute
Apply pressure alternately to both legs for 30 seconds each. - Sanyinjiao (SP6) — 1 minute
Apply pressure alternately to the inner side of both ankles, 15 times each. - Taichong (LR3) — 1 minute
Apply pressure in circular motions slowly to both feet. - Kunlun (BL60) — 1 minute
Finish by applying firm pressure to the back of both ankles.
Tip: If your nails are long, you can use your knuckles or a massage stick instead. After acupressure, drink warm water and get adequate rest.
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