Chronic Fatigue Self-Acupressure Introduction — If You’re New, Start with These 3 Points

Acupressure, it’s not difficult

When fatigue accumulates in your body, it weighs down your mind too. Taking medicine is one approach, but what if you could calm both body and mind with just a finger? Acupressure doesn’t require special techniques or expensive tools. All it takes is knowing the right location and gently pressing it. Starting today, you can absolutely do it too.

What to know before you start

There are three most important principles of acupressure. First, the pressure should be at the level of “Ah, this feels a bit refreshing,” not “This is so painful I can’t bear it.” Second, you should breathe slowly and naturally without holding your breath. Third, keep your hands clean and start when your body is in a comfortable position, either lying down or sitting.

Remember just these 3 locations

First: Zusanli (ST36)

How to find it: Feel below the knee. Place three fingers lined up just below the kneecap and move downward. From that position, move one finger more toward the outer side of the leg (opposite to the big toe side). When pressed, the correct location feels slightly sore.

How to press: With your thumb, slowly increase pressure over 3 seconds, then press at the same intensity for 3 seconds, then release pressure over 3 seconds. Do this 10 times per session, morning and evening.

Try pressing this when: It’s especially effective when your energy drops throughout the morning, when you’re still tired even after eating, or when your legs feel heavy.

Second: Sanyinjiao (SP6)

How to find it: Locate the protruding bone on the inner side of the ankle (medial malleolus). From that bone, move up three finger-widths and locate the position along the back inner side of the tibia. It may be a bit difficult to find at first, but when pressed, you’ll feel a heavy sensation that says, “Ah, this is it.”

How to press: Press with your thumb using the 3-3-3 rhythm like Zusanli. Since this point can be a bit sensitive, start gently at first and gradually increase the intensity. About 5-10 times per session is appropriate.

Try pressing this when: It’s effective when fatigue doesn’t seem to ease even while sleeping at night, when your body feels heavy and stuffy before or after menstruation, or when you have digestive issues.

Third: Taixi (KI3)

How to find it: Look between the protruding bone on the inner side of the ankle (medial malleolus) and the Achilles tendon. Taixi is the soft, slightly indented area right in the middle. When you place your finger there, you’ll get a sense that “this is it.”

How to press: Press slowly with your thumb, but since many nerves pass through this point, handle it most gently. Press for 3 seconds, rest for 2 seconds, and repeat about 5 times.

Try pressing this when: It’s especially helpful when you can’t sleep at night, when your body feels tense from stress, or when you feel lethargic throughout the afternoon.

3-Minute Beginner Routine

Before work or in the evening after work, just press these three points in order. First, slowly press Zusanli for 1 minute (30 seconds each side). Next, press Sanyinjiao for 1 minute (30 seconds each side). Finally, gently press Taixi for 1 minute (30 seconds each side). 3 minutes total is enough. During this short time, you’ll feel your body gradually relax.

3 Common Mistakes

1. Pressing with too much pressure Many beginners think “pressing hard is more effective.” However, excessive pressure can damage the skin. Remember the intensity of “refreshing without pain.”

2. Giving up after one or two tries Acupressure doesn’t work miracles overnight. You need to do it consistently for at least 2 weeks to feel changes in your body. Try to do 3 minutes daily as a habit.

3. Obsessing over finding the exact acupoint It’s difficult to find the exact location at first. You can find it by pressing around the approximate area. With repetition, you’ll be able to sense the exact location on your own body.

Moving to the next level

Once you’re comfortable with these 3 points, there are additional acupoints worth trying. Yintang between the two eyebrows can relieve headaches caused by stress and fatigue, and Neiguan on the inner wrist can address both anxiety and fatigue. However, for now, mastering these three points perfectly is enough.