Acupressure Isn’t Difficult
Did you ever think you needed to know anatomy or special hand techniques to learn acupressure? You don’t. Acupressure isn’t complicated. It’s simply “slowly pressing a specific point.” I know many of you deal with dizziness these days and find it bothersome to visit hospitals, or prefer not to rely solely on medication. I was the same way. Let me share the 3 simplest and most effective points I’ve discovered. Starting today, follow along step by step.
What to Know Before You Start
First, “pain does not equal mistake.” When you do acupressure, you should feel something like “Ah, this feels refreshing!” Don’t press so hard that you can’t breathe. Slowly use your fingertip to press until you find a point where you think “Hmm, this is a bit tender.” That’s the right spot. Second, you must breathe deeply. Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This breathing amplifies the effects of acupressure. Third, wash your hands thoroughly before starting. Your hands are the best tool you have. Finally, find a comfortable position. You can sit in a chair or lie down. Comfort is what matters most.
Remember These 3 Locations
First: Zusanli (ST36)
How to find it: Look just below your knee. From the hollow part below the knee, move down about four finger-widths (approximately 3 cun). Press slightly on the outer side of that area (on the outer edge of the tibia). Both legs have the same point. It may be hard to find at first, but your hands will remember after a few tries.
How to press: Use your thumb to press slowly. A pressure that makes you think “Ah, this is a bit tender” is correct. Slowly press for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds, then slowly release for 3 seconds. Repeat this for about 1 minute. You’ll feel a refreshing sensation along with warmth rather than pain.
Press it when: It’s good when you wake up feeling dizzy in the morning and your body feels heavy, when you get tired around 3 PM, or when you’re worn out from evening work. This acupoint helps boost your overall vitality.
Second: Sanyinjiao (SP6)
How to find it: Find the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus). From that bone, move up about four finger-widths (approximately 3 cun). It’s in the hollow space between the tibia muscle and bone on the inner leg. As you slowly press with your fingers, you’ll find a spot that feels “Hmm, this is a bit tender.” That’s Sanyinjiao.
How to press: Use your thumb to press, but start with slightly less pressure than you use for Zusanli. If you press too hard, your body will tense up instead. A pressure where you think “Hmm, this feels a bit tender” is best. You can slowly repeat the pressing for about 1 minute. As you press, you’ll feel your leg become slightly heavy or warm.
Press it when: It’s especially effective when dizziness comes along with chest tightness or digestive discomfort. Try it in the evening lying in bed. It helps promote better sleep.
Third: Taichong (LR3)
How to find it: Look at the top of your foot. Follow the bone between your big toe and the next toe upward. Taichong is the hollow part in the middle of the top of the foot, slightly above where the toes meet. When you slowly press with your finger, you’ll feel a spot that makes you say “Ah, here it is!”
How to press: Use your thumb to press slowly. Rather than pressing straight down, it’s better to press at a slight angle toward the toes. Again, press with the degree of pressure that makes you think “Ah, this feels refreshing.” You can slowly press for about 1 minute. This point releases tension from your head and calms your mind.
Press it when: It’s effective when dizziness comes with stress or tension. Try it when you have lots of work, when you have things on your mind, or in the evening to release tension.
Beginner 3-Minute Routine
The best times are right after waking in the morning and before bed at night. This routine is really simple:
① Press Zusanli (1 minute) 1 minute on each leg, 2 minutes total. Start with the right side.
② Press Sanyinjiao (1 minute) 30 seconds on each ankle, 1 minute total.
③ Press Taichong (1 minute) 30 seconds on each foot, 1 minute total.
This takes exactly 3-4 minutes. Do this routine every morning and evening. After one week, you’ll feel the difference.
3 Common Mistakes
① Pressing too hard Beginners often think “It’s acupressure, so I should press firmly, right?” Absolutely not. Pressing too hard only tenses your muscles and can actually worsen dizziness. A gentle pressure that feels refreshing is enough.
② Rushing through it Pressing too quickly reduces effectiveness. Match your breathing and press slowly, release slowly. That’s the principle of acupressure. It’s better to go slowly and take longer.
③ Expecting results in a week Acupressure isn’t magic. You need to do it consistently for at least 2 weeks, and typically 3-4 weeks, before you notice changes. So don’t expect too much and just make it a comfortable habit.
Moving to the Next Level
Are you comfortable with those 3 acupoints? Now it’s time to learn 2 more. Hegu (LI4) is the hollow part above the bone between your thumb and index finger, and it’s excellent for overall pain relief. Fengchi (GB20) is the hollow part below where your neck and head meet, and it’s especially effective for head-related dizziness. You can press these two points the same way as the previous 3. Learn at your own pace, step by step.
Leave a Reply