Acupressure is not difficult
Have you been hearing a ringing sound like ‘whoosh~’ in your ears lately? Many people are experiencing this, and I want to tell you first that this is not a problem only you face. Acupressure is not a special medical technique. It’s very simple self-care that you do with your own fingers, with a calm mind, and by listening to the signals your body sends you. Let’s start together today.
What to know before you start
▪ Appropriate pressure is key It shouldn’t hurt. The right pressure feels like “Ah, this feels good?” – a gentle touch. Like gently patting a friend’s shoulder.
▪ Don’t forget to breathe Don’t hold your breath. Proceed slowly by inhaling and exhaling gradually.
▪ Keep your hands clean Washing your hands before starting feels good and is better for your skin.
▪ Comfortable posture is the foundation Whether sitting or lying down, choose whatever position feels most comfortable for you. Acupressure happens within comfort.
Just remember these 3 spots
First: Taixi (KI3)
How to find it: Look at the inside of your foot. Between the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus) and the Achilles tendon (the tendon above the heel), there’s a small hollow. If you slowly slide your thumb from the inside of the ankle toward the Achilles tendon, you’ll feel that moment of “Oh, here it is!” That spot is Taixi.
How to press it: Sit or lie down comfortably and lift your foot. Use the fleshy part of your thumb to press that hollow spot ‘slowly’. Start gently and gradually go deeper with your breathing. Press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds, and repeat this 5-6 times. Never press quickly or forcefully.
Good times to press: When tinnitus is bad around 3 PM, when you feel anxious before bed at night, or when your body feels stiff from stress.
Second: Fengchi (GB20)
How to find it: Feel the back of your neck. Follow the lower edge of the occipital bone (the round bone at the back of your head) and you’ll feel small hollows on both sides of your neck. Specifically, in the space between the sternocleidomastoid muscle (the thick muscle on the side of your neck) and the trapezius muscle (the muscle at the top of your shoulder) where your neck and shoulder meet – that’s Fengchi. It’s easy to find the symmetry if you look for it with both thumbs at the same time.
How to press it: Sit or stand comfortably and place your thumbs on those hollow spots. Press gently while tilting slightly upward (toward your head) – that’s the key feeling. Press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds, and repeat 6-8 times. At first, be very gentle, as if soothing a nerve. Press both sides with equal strength and balance.
Good times to press: In the evening when your neck feels stiff all day, when stress makes the back of your neck feel tense, or when you feel dizziness along with tinnitus.
Third: Baihui (GV20)
How to find it: Find the crown of your head. Imagine drawing a line connecting the tops of both ears across the top of your head. At the same time, imagine a midline running from the center of your nose toward the back of your head. The point where these two imaginary lines meet – the center of the crown – is Baihui. You’ll likely feel a slight hollow when you place your hand there.
How to press it: Sit or lie down and relax your head. Place the fleshy parts of three fingers (index, middle, and ring finger) on the crown and either ‘tap, tap’ gently, or slowly rotate in small circles. Light, repetitive stimulation is more effective than deep pressing. Proceed for about 1 minute.
Good times to press: When you feel foggy after waking up in the morning, when you feel tired along with tinnitus, or when tinnitus worsens as evening comes.
Beginner’s 3-minute routine
Invest just 3 minutes on a busy morning or evening.
Step 1. Taixi (1 minute) Sit first and lift your foot. Press the Taixi on both feet alternately, or one at a time. Slowly and deeply, following your breath.
Step 2. Fengchi (1 minute) Stay seated and place both hands behind your neck. Gently press both Fengchi points simultaneously with your thumbs. Notice the tension releasing from your shoulders.
Step 3. Baihui (1 minute) Finally, place 3 fingers on the crown and gently tap or stimulate.
Recommended timing: In the morning after a shower, or in the evening about 1 hour before bed. Once a day is enough, but if symptoms are severe, doing it twice a day—morning and evening—is fine too.
3 common mistakes
1. Thinking “pain means it’s working” This is the most common mistake. It’s absolutely not true. In fact, overstimulation can stiffen your body and worsen symptoms. The right answer is “Ah, this feels good?” – that’s it.
2. Doing it too often or for too long With acupressure, “more is poison.” About 1 minute per session, 1-2 times a day is appropriate. If you try to do too much from the start, you’ll become fatigued and symptoms may actually worsen.
3. Giving up without waiting Acupressure is not magic. You need to do it consistently for 2-3 weeks to feel changes. Expecting results within the first 3 days and then giving up is the most common reason people quit. Give yourself some time and patience.
Moving to the next level
Once you’re comfortable with these 3 spots, there are additional acupoints you can try. Sanyinjiao (SP6) is an acupoint located above the inside of the ankle, and it helps with overall circulation of qi, so it’s popular with people who have tinnitus along with sleep problems. Hegu (LI4) is on the back of your hand between your thumb and index finger, and it’s particularly effective for stress and tension relief. You can press these two spots using the same gentle principle as the first 3 spots.
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