Author: Acu Master

5 Acupoints for Ankle Pain — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

One-line summary: Ankle pain relief can be accelerated through acupressure on five key points—Kunlun (BL60), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), and Zusanli (ST36)—which improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.

Why Does Ankle Pain Occur and How Can Acupressure Points Help?

Ankle pain in daily life is more common than you might think. Whether from prolonged standing, wearing high heels, or twisting your ankle during sports, pain can strike suddenly. While modern medicine attributes it to muscle damage or inflammation, traditional medicine offers a different perspective.

Traditional medicine views ankle pain as resulting from blocked meridians or insufficient circulation of qi and blood, leading to pain and stiffness. Since the ankle is a junction where multiple meridians—including the Bladder, Liver, and Kidney meridians—converge, stimulating the appropriate acupoints is highly effective. Acupressure works without medication, using finger pressure to immediately improve local blood circulation and release tension in nerve endings, reducing pain and accelerating recovery.

Five Key Acupressure Points for Ankle Pain

1. Kunlun (BL60, 崑崙) — A Master Point for the Outer Ankle

Location: Located on the outer side of the ankle, in the hollow between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Turn your ankle slightly inward and you’ll find it easily with your fingers.

Technique: Using your thumb, apply pressure in slow circular motions, pressing and releasing for 5-10 seconds at a time. Stimulate about 10-15 repetitions per session, aiming for a tender but manageable pressure sensation. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can damage tissue.

Effects: Kunlun is a ‘master point’ for alleviating ankle inflammation and pain. It’s effective for lateral ankle pain, ankle sprain complications, and even calf cramps. It also promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the lower body, helping reduce leg fatigue. As a key point on the Bladder meridian, it connects to the spine and contributes to overall tension relief.

2. Sanyinjiao (SP6, 三陰交) — The Center of Lower Body Circulation

Location: Located four finger-widths (approximately 10cm) above the inner ankle bone, directly behind the inner edge of the tibia. Tracing up along the shinbone, you’ll find a tender point.

Technique: Using your thumb, stimulate by slowly pushing upward. Press for 5-10 seconds at a time, repeating 15-20 times per session. It’s especially effective when the calf muscles are tight. Caution is advised for pregnant women.

Effects: Excellent for relieving inner ankle pain, knee pain, and general leg swelling and fatigue. As the intersection of the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen meridians, it’s central to lower body qi and blood circulation. It significantly enhances recovery after ankle sprains and is a multipurpose point that even improves body temperature regulation and hormonal balance.

3. Taichong (LR3, 太衝) — The Master Point for Pain Relief

Location: Located on the top of the foot, in the hollow between the first and second metatarsal bones, about 3-4cm from the heel toward the toes. Pressing with your finger will reveal a distinct tender point.

Technique: Using your thumb, stimulate by pushing upward from below. Press for 5 seconds, release, and repeat 15-20 times. Even if pain is only in one foot, stimulating both feet enhances the effect.

Effects: As the primary point on the Liver meridian, it’s a true ‘master point for pain relief.’ It alleviates not only ankle pain but also stress-related pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps. It rapidly improves blood circulation in the foot, reducing swelling and remarkably calming nerve pain. Caution is advised for pregnant women.

4. Taixi (KI3, 太溪) — The Source of Body’s Recovery Power

Location: Located on the inner side of the ankle, in the hollow between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. It’s positioned on the opposite side of the ankle from Kunlun (on the inner side).

Technique: Using your thumb, apply pressure in slow circular motions. Press for 5-10 seconds, release, and repeat 10-15 times. Since this point is where the body’s vital energy converges, it’s effective even with gentle pressure.

Effects: As the primary point on the Kidney meridian, it’s the source of the body’s recovery and immune capacity. It helps relieve inner ankle pain, cold feet, and fatigue. It’s especially effective for fundamental recovery after ankle sprains, and regular stimulation can even prevent recurrence. It also improves sleep disturbances and pain exacerbation caused by stress.

5. Zusanli (ST36, 足三里) — The Universal Remedy for Whole-Body Fatigue

Location: Located four finger-widths below the knee on the outer side of the shinbone. Starting from the hollow below the knee and moving downward, you’ll find it. The precise location is between the outer muscle and bone of the tibia.

Technique: Press vertically using your thumb or knuckle. Press for 5-10 seconds, release, and repeat 15-20 times. If you want the strongest effect from acupressure, it’s fine to apply firmer pressure.

Effects: Zusanli, whose name means ‘the third mile of the leg,’ is a universal point governing digestion, immunity, and fatigue recovery. It’s effective when reduced mobility from ankle pain has accumulated whole-body fatigue. It relieves calf muscle tension and improves lower body circulation, accelerating ankle recovery. It’s especially beneficial for ankle pain accompanied by reduced vitality or chronic fatigue.

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine — Effective Time Management

Preparation Stage (1 minute): Sit comfortably and apply warm compress around the ankle for 5 seconds using a warm towel. This dilates blood vessels and opens the meridians.

Step 1 – Kunlun (BL60) Stimulation (1 minute): Stimulate the Kunlun point on the outer ankle using your thumb in circular motions, pressing and releasing 15 times. Even if pain is only in one foot, stimulate both feet.

Step 2 – Sanyinjiao (SP6) Stimulation (1 minute): Stimulate the location four finger-widths above the inner ankle, pushing upward slowly. Alternate between both legs, repeating about 20 times.

Step 3 – Taichong (LR3) + Taixi (KI3) Stimulation (1.5 minutes): Alternate between stimulating Taichong on the top of the foot and Taixi on the inner ankle. Press each point for 10 seconds, repeating 10-15 times on both feet.

Step 4 – Zusanli (ST36) Finish (0.5 minutes): Press the Zusanli point below the knee vertically, pressing and releasing 10 times. This improves whole-body circulation and enhances the acupressure effect.

💡 Tip: Practicing just 5 minutes twice daily, morning and evening, can improve pain within a week. On days with severe pain, a brief additional stimulation during lunch is also beneficial.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If ankle pain persists or is severe, especially with significant swelling, bruising, or limited mobility, be sure to seek professional evaluation from an orthopedist or traditional medicine practitioner.

🤰 Pregnancy Caution: Among the acupoints above, Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Taichong (LR3) may induce uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before practice. For pregnant women, it’s recommended to focus on Kunlun (BL60), Taixi (KI3), and Zusanli (ST36).

March 9, 2026
5 Acupoints for Acid Reflux — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide
One-Line Summary: Acid reflux symptoms can be relieved through self-acupressure on five acupoints—Zhongwan, Zusanli, Neiguan, Sanyinjiao, and Taichong—and regular practice can improve digestive function.

Introduction

Have you ever experienced acid reflux at night or a burning sensation in your chest area? Acid reflux is a common digestive issue in modern life, increasing due to stress, irregular eating habits, and consumption of irritating foods. While medication is important, acupoint acupressure in traditional medicine activates the body’s natural healing abilities to fundamentally relieve acid reflux symptoms. Self-acupressure is particularly popular because it can be performed anytime, anywhere, and without cost. This article explains in detail the five most effective acupoints for acid reflux relief and the correct acupressure techniques.

Five Effective Acupoints for Acid Reflux

1. Zhongwan (中脘) — CV12

Location: Approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm or the width of four fingers) directly above the umbilicus. It is located at the midpoint between the end of the sternum and the umbilicus.

Benefit: Zhongwan is the central acupoint for digestive function, normalizing gastric acid secretion and promoting gastric peristalsis. It immediately relieves acid reflux, indigestion, and abdominal bloating, and consistent acupressure improves long-term gastric health.

Technique: Sit or lie in a comfortable position, then place the tip of your thumb vertically on Zhongwan. Slowly press for 5 seconds and release for 5 seconds, repeating about 10-15 times per session. Start gently and gradually increase pressure.

2. Zusanli (足三里) — ST36

Location: About 4 cun (approximately 12 cm) below the outer side of the knee. It is located at the point where the muscle beside the tibia begins when moving downward from the depression below the knee toward the toes.

Benefit: Zusanli is known as the “immunity acupoint” and strengthens overall immune function as well as improves digestive function. It restores digestive function weakened by acid reflux and addresses the root cause of digestive symptoms by enhancing bodily energy.

Technique: Sit comfortably with your legs extended and slowly apply pressure to Zusanli with your thumb. Repeat pressing for 3-5 seconds and releasing 15-20 times, performing on both legs for the same duration.

3. Neiguan (內關) — PC6

Location: On the inner side of the wrist, approximately 3 cun (about 6-7 cm) from the fingers toward the elbow. It is located between the two tendons visible when the wrist is flexed (in the depression between the tendons).

Benefit: Neiguan rapidly relieves nausea and vomiting by stabilizing the nervous system and improving stress-related gastric symptoms. It normalizes digestive function by alleviating discomfort from acid reflux and regulating autonomic nervous system imbalance.

Technique: Extend one arm, locate Neiguan using the thumb of the opposite hand, and press slowly to feel slight tenderness. Repeat pressing for 3-5 seconds 10-15 times and perform on both arms. It is effective to stimulate this point frequently before going to work or when stressed.

4. Sanyinjiao (三陰交) — SP6

Location: About 4 cun (approximately 12 cm) above the inner ankle bone. It is located at the point where you meet when moving upward along the inner edge of the tibia.

Benefit: Sanyinjiao is an important acupoint that regulates the spleen and digestive function, strengthening gastric function and improving digestive absorption. It shows excellent effects in relieving not only acid reflux but also chronic indigestion and abdominal discomfort.

Technique: From a seated position, bend one leg and place it on the opposite knee, then locate Sanyinjiao with your thumb. Repeat pressing for 5 seconds 15-20 times, performing on both legs with the same pressure.

5. Taichong (太衝) — LR3

Location: Between the big toe and the second toe on the top of the foot, above the joint at the base of the toes. It is located approximately one bone length above where the two bones meet.

Benefit: Taichong regulates the liver’s qi and fundamentally resolves stress-induced acid reflux. It calms digestive symptoms worsened by nervous instability and normalizes gastric function by improving the body’s qi circulation.

Technique: Sit comfortably with one leg placed on the opposite knee, then locate Taichong with your thumb. Repeat pressing deeply for 3-5 seconds 10-15 times, performing on both feet with the same pressure.

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine

Here is a 5-minute acid reflux relief acupressure routine that can be easily performed even in a busy schedule.

Total Time Required: About 5 minutes
- Step 1 (1 minute): Zhongwan acupressure — Slowly press 10-15 times with your thumb in a comfortable position
- Step 2 (1 minute): Neiguan acupressure (both arms) — Press 10-15 times for 30 seconds on each arm
- Step 3 (1.5 minutes): Zusanli acupressure (both legs) — Press 15-20 times for 45 seconds on each leg
- Step 4 (1 minute): Taichong acupressure (both feet) — Press 10-15 times for 30 seconds on each foot
- Step 5 (0.5 minutes): Sanyinjiao acupressure (both legs) — Press 5-10 times for 15 seconds on each leg
Recommended Timing: Perform 1-2 times daily in the morning on an empty stomach, before bed, or when acid reflux symptoms appear. You can experience noticeable results with consistent practice for at least 2-4 weeks.

🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some of the above acupoints, including Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR3), and Hegu (LI4), may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before performing acupressure.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, or if a digestive tract condition is suspected, please consult a healthcare professional. Acupoint stimulation may not be appropriate depending on your individual health condition, so guidance from a healthcare professional is recommended.
March 9, 2026