Relieve Heartburn with Acupoint Pressure
Heartburn is a common symptom among modern people. It occurs when stomach acid flows backward due to stress, spicy foods, and irregular eating habits. Rather than relying solely on medication, you can take an approach rooted in Eastern medicine to fundamentally improve your constitution. In traditional Chinese medicine, by stimulating specific acupoints responsible for stomach function, it is possible to strengthen digestive function and relieve heartburn. By consistently pressing the 5 acupoints introduced in this article, you can naturally improve heartburn symptoms.
Relieve Heartburn—Focus on These 5 Acupoints
1. CV12—Center of Stomach Function
Location: Located on the midline of the upper abdomen, approximately 8 cun (12cm) above the center of the navel. It is at the exact midpoint between the solar plexus and the navel.
Benefits: Normalizes stomach function and promotes digestion. Excellent for relieving heartburn, abdominal bloating, indigestion, and stomach pain. Known in traditional medicine as the “center of the stomach” and is the most important acupoint.
Massage Technique: Lie on your back, cross your thumbs over the CV12 acupoint, and slowly press for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
2. PC6—Digestion and Emotional Calm
Location: Located on the inner midline of the forearm, about 3 cun (5-6cm) from the wrist crease toward the elbow, between two tendons.
Benefits: Relieves nausea and queasiness while improving digestion. Also calms the mind and body, effectively relieving stress-related heartburn. Eases chest tightness.
Massage Technique: Place your opposite thumb on the PC6 acupoint and gently massage in circular motions. Continue for 1 minute.
3. ST36—Enhance Whole-Body Digestive Power
Location: Located on the outer side of the shinbone below the knee, about 4 cun (6-8cm) below the knee. When the leg is extended, it is slightly outward from the hollow spot directly below the knee.
Benefits: Strengthens stomach function and promotes digestion. Boosts immune function and enhances overall physical vitality. With consistent long-term stimulation, it improves the underlying cause of heartburn—poor stomach function.
Massage Technique: Sit and slowly press with your thumb, applying pressure for 3 seconds. Repeat 15 times on each leg.
4. SP3—Strengthen Spleen Digestive Function
Location: Located on the inner edge of the foot, about 1 cun from the joint crease beneath the big toe toward the heel.
Benefits: Strengthens the spleen’s digestive function and eliminates dampness. Frequently used in traditional medicine to improve indigestion and abdominal bloating. Promotes metabolism to relieve heartburn symptoms.
Massage Technique: Sit with your foot resting on your knee and press firmly with your thumb. Repeat 10 times on each foot.
5. LR3—Liver Function and Stress Relief
Location: Located on the top of the foot in the valley between the big toe and second toe, about 2-3 cun (3-5cm) toward the ankle.
Benefits: Normalizes liver function and relieves stress. Effective for stress-related heartburn and digestive problems caused by anxiety. Promotes emotional stability and aids food digestion.
Massage Technique: Sit and press firmly with your thumb, massaging in circular motions. Continue for 1 minute on each foot.
5-Minute Self-Massage Routine—Recommended 3 Times Daily
🔔 Recommended Times: Morning (after waking), Lunch (1 hour after eating), Evening (before bed)
- CV12 — Lying position, 1 minute (gently press with two fingers)
- PC6 — Sitting position, 1 minute (massage in circular motions)
- ST36 — Sitting position, 1 minute (30 seconds on each leg)
- SP3 — Sitting position, 1 minute (30 seconds on each foot)
- LR3 — Sitting position, 1 minute (30 seconds on each foot)
💡 Tip: It is most effective to warm your fingers before massaging. Do not press too hard; gentle stimulation without pain is important.
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