Acupressure is not difficult
You know those days when your neck feels stiff while working, your mind feels anxious before bed at night, or something keeps bothering you? I experience that often too. In these moments, going to a hospital feels burdensome, and I don’t always feel like taking medicine. But acupressure is really simple. You don’t need any special tools—just your own fingers and body. It’s like when a friend gently taps your shoulder. In this article, I’ll introduce just 3 acupressure points that truly anyone can do. Try them right now.
What to know before starting
The most important thing about acupressure is finding that feeling of “pleasant without being painful.” It’s like when we massage our shoulders with our hands. If you press too lightly, it won’t be effective, but you shouldn’t press too hard either. And breathing is really important. Breathe out slowly while pressing. Start with clean hands, in a comfortable sitting or lying position. Avoid pressing right after eating snacks or fatty foods, and it’s fine to rest well in between sessions.
Remember just these 3 points
First: Sanyinjiao (SP6) — a special remedy for stress and anxiety
How to find it: Find your inner ankle (the ankle bone on the inside of your leg). Place four fingers stacked on top of the bone. Four finger-widths make up approximately 3 cun (the measurement unit in traditional Chinese medicine). From that location, find the area directly behind the shinbone (between the bone and the calf muscle). It’s okay if you’re not exact. As you press around that area, you’ll get that “Ah, here it is!” feeling.
How to press: Slowly press with your thumb. You should feel something pleasant without pain. Maintain the pressure for 3-5 seconds while slowly exhaling, then release the pressure while slowly inhaling. Repeat this 5 times, taking about 1 minute total.
Press it in these situations: When you feel nervous before a meeting, when you feel anxious 30 minutes before bedtime, when your heart sinks during your Monday morning commute.
Second: Taichong (LR3) — the magic button for mood change
How to find it: Look at the top of your foot. There’s a hollow indentation between your big toe and second toe. Follow the space between them from your toes toward your heel, and find the point just before where the foot bones meet (in front of where the toe bones connect). At first it might be a bit confusing, but as you press around the area, you’ll feel that sensitive point that says “Ah, here it is!”
How to press: Slowly press using your thumb. It might feel slightly painful at first—that’s normal. Press for 3-5 seconds while exhaling, then release while inhaling. Repeat 5 times, taking about 1 minute total. Do both feet.
Press it in these situations: When you’re angry or feel frustrated, when you need a mood change, when fatigue has made your spirit sink.
Third: Hegu (LI4) — the liberator of fatigue and tension
How to find it: Open your palm and look at the back of your hand. Between your thumb and index finger, there’s a hollow indentation like a pool. Precisely, it’s where the index finger bone and thumb bone meet. This one is really easy to find—you can feel it right now if you like. When you bring your fingers together, the highest point in that space is Hegu.
How to press: Press with the thumb of your opposite hand. You’ll feel a slightly sharp, refreshing sensation. Press while exhaling (3-5 seconds), then release while inhaling. Repeat this 5 times. You must do both hands. It takes about 1 minute.
Press it in these situations: When your head throbs and you feel tired, when your neck and shoulders are stiff, when your body feels heavy after a full day of work.
Beginner 3-minute routine
It’s best to do this either in the morning (30 minutes after waking) or evening (1 hour before bed). Here’s the order: First minute: Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both sides for 1 minute → Second minute: Taichong (LR3) on both sides for 1 minute → Third minute: Hegu (LI4) on both hands for 1 minute. Do this in a comfortable position (sitting or lying down), breathe deeply, take your time, and never rush. Consistency is what brings results. Start by doing it daily, and once you’re familiar with it, you can do it as needed.
3 common mistakes
1. Pressing too hard: The idea that “the more it hurts, the better” is a misconception. You shouldn’t press so hard that you can’t feel your pulse. The right pressure is when you feel “Ah, there it is” with a refreshing sensation. If your fingers start to hurt, alternate with your other hand or reduce the pressure.
2. Forgetting to breathe: Many people hold their breath while doing acupressure. This actually creates tension in your body instead. The key is to consciously breathe slowly while pressing. Listening to music while doing this can help your breathing feel more natural.
3. Doing too much too soon in the first week: It’s good to commit to “starting this daily from now on,” but if you overdo it from the start, you’ll quit quickly. Start with 3-4 times a week, 3 minutes a day, to build the habit. Before long, you’ll naturally find yourself doing it daily.
Moving to the next level
Once you become familiar with these 3 points (usually after 2-3 weeks), there are additional acupressure points you can try. Shenmen (below the heart, on the inside of the arm) deals with anxiety more deeply, and Fengchi (the hollow area at the back of the neck) is especially effective for headaches and fatigue. But there’s no rush. You’ll definitely feel changes with just the 3 points you’ve learned now. If your symptoms are severe or persist for a long time, consult with a traditional Chinese medicine doctor or medical professional. Acupressure is a supplementary tool, not the complete treatment itself.
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