Feeling Bloated After Eating?
You enjoyed a delicious meal but now your stomach feels stuffed, your upper abdomen is tight, and you’re gassy — sound familiar? Indigestion is one of the most common complaints. Before reaching for medicine, why not wake up your stomach with acupressure?
1. Zusanli (ST36) — The King of Digestion, the All-Purpose Stomach Point
Where is it?
About 4 finger-widths below the kneecap on the outer side. Press the muscle on the outer edge of the shinbone and you’ll feel a dull ache.
How to press
- Press Zusanli firmly with your thumb
- Press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 15 times
- Do both legs
Benefits: Stimulates stomach movement and enhances digestive power. Also great for boosting stamina and immunity, earning it the title of ‘all-purpose acupoint.’
2. Zhongwan (CV12) — The Central Stomach Point
Where is it?
The exact midpoint between the xiphoid process (bottom of breastbone) and the navel. Press the upper center of your abdomen to find it.
How to press
- Place your index and middle fingers together and press gently
- Massage in clockwise circles for 2-3 minutes
- Press deeply while exhaling slowly
Benefits: Located at the exact center of the stomach, it directly relieves bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea. It’s the representative acupoint of the stomach.
3. Neiguan (PC6) — Stops Nausea
Where is it?
From the inner wrist crease, measure 3 finger-widths toward the elbow. Press between the two tendons in the center.
How to press
- Press vertically between the two tendons with your opposite thumb
- Press for 3-5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 10 times
- Do both wrists
Benefits: Especially effective for nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. Also helps with stress-related indigestion.
4. Gongsun (SP4) — Cares for the Stomach and Spleen Together
Where is it?
Slide along the inside of the big toe toward the arch of the foot until you feel a protruding bone. The hollow spot just behind that bone is Gongsun.
How to press
- Press the hollow spot behind the bone firmly with your thumb
- Press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 10 times
- Do both feet
Benefits: Supports both the stomach and spleen simultaneously. Effective for abdominal pain, diarrhea, and appetite loss.
5. Tianshu (ST25) — Activates Intestinal Movement
Where is it?
About 3 finger-widths to each side of the navel. There’s one on both the left and right sides of the navel.
How to press
- Place both index and middle fingers together and press both sides of the navel simultaneously
- Press for 3-5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds — repeat 10 times
- Gentle clockwise circular rubbing also works well
Benefits: Activates large intestine function. Especially effective when you’re gassy or your stomach feels distended.
Quick Comparison!
| Acupoint | Location | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zusanli ST36 | Below knee, outer side | Overall digestive strength | Easy |
| Zhongwan CV12 | Midpoint sternum-navel | Bloating, stomach pain | Easy |
| Neiguan PC6 | 3 fingers above wrist | Nausea, motion sickness | Easy |
| Gongsun SP4 | Inner foot, behind bone | Stomach pain, diarrhea | Medium |
| Tianshu ST25 | Both sides of navel | Gas, intestinal movement | Easy |
Synergy Combinations!
- Zusanli + Zhongwan: Stimulating both the upper and lower stomach simultaneously boosts digestive power significantly.
- Neiguan + Gongsun: A famous ‘Eight Confluent Points’ combination in traditional Chinese medicine. Governs the entire digestive system.
- Zhongwan + Tianshu: Pressing upper and lower abdomen together promotes both gas release and digestion simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do acupressure right after eating?
It’s better to wait about 30 minutes after eating. Doing it immediately may interfere with digestion.
How often should I do acupressure for indigestion?
2-3 times a day, 30 minutes after meals is ideal. 5-10 minutes per session is sufficient.
Can I do acupressure on children?
Yes, acupressure is safe for children. Just press more gently and softly than for adults. Pressure control is important.
Is moxibustion or acupuncture more effective than acupressure?
Moxibustion and acupuncture are also effective but require a professional. For self-care, acupressure is the safest and most convenient option.
What if indigestion continues for more than a week?
If it persists for more than a week, please see a doctor. It could be gastritis or another digestive condition.
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