What is the Dapo (大包) Acupoint?

Definition: Dapo belongs to the Spleen meridian (脾經), the meridian of the Spleen. The name means “to wrap and gather greatly.” It is an acupoint near the armpit that regulates qi and blood circulation in the chest and throughout the entire body.

Role in Qi and Blood Circulation: The Spleen meridian governs digestion and qi and blood production. Dapo is the point where this Spleen meridian reaches the chest, directly alleviating tightness and pain in the chest and hypochondrium (chest and side areas), while simultaneously improving fatigue caused by qi deficiency throughout the body.

Precise Location of the Dapo Acupoint

Summary: Located where the midline of the armpit intersects with the 6th rib (6th intercostal space) when the arm is raised. It is positioned approximately 2-3 cm in front of (toward the chest from) the armpit fold.

Detailed Anatomical Location

Reference Line 1 – Armpit Midline: When the arm is raised to 90 degrees, the armpit opens maximally. At this point, a vertical line passing through the deepest part (center) of the armpit serves as the reference.

Reference Line 2 – 6th Intercostal Space: Count downward starting from the first rib below the collarbone (1st intercostal space). The height of the 6th rib and the space below it (6th intercostal space) marks the horizontal line of Dapo. When the arm is lowered, this height typically aligns with the armpit level.

Front-Back Position: Located approximately 2-3 cm in front of (toward the chest from) the armpit midline. When you touch it with your finger, you will feel a slightly depressed area between the ribs.

Finding the Dapo Location — Step-by-Step Practice Guide

Key Point: Follow these 3 steps and anyone can find Dapo accurately. Take your time with the practice in front of a mirror at first.

Step 1: Set Arm Position

• Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
• Raise both arms out to the sides to 90 degrees (at shoulder height).
• Apply your fingertips while the armpits are maximally open.

Step 2: Find the Armpit Midline

• With your arm raised, gently press the deepest part (center) of the armpit with your fingertip.
• The vertical line formed is the “armpit midline.”
• Mark this line with a pen or finger from your other hand for easier reference.

Step 3: Confirm 6th Intercostal Space Height

• Lower your arm.
• Find the first rib below the collarbone (1st intercostal space, directly below the collarbone).
• Count downward step by step: 1st → 2nd → 3rd → 4th → 5th → 6th.
• The height of the 6th rib and the space below it marks the horizontal line.

Step 4: Confirm Intersection and Fine-Tune

• The point where the armpit midline marked in Step 2 intersects with the 6th intercostal height from Step 3 is approximately the location.
• From this point, move approximately 2-3 cm further toward the chest (forward).
• Place your thumb and slowly trace in a semicircle to find the depressed area.
• When found correctly, you should feel slight pain or a dull, aching sensation.

Effective Acupressure Method

Key: Correct posture, appropriate pressure, and consistent breathing are important. Following the method below, you can see results at home.

Basic Posture

• Upper Body Posture: Sit comfortably in a chair or stand with your back against a wall.
• Arm Position: Lower your arm slightly (but not completely). Use your thumb or middle finger from the opposite hand to apply pressure to Dapo.
• Full-Body Relaxation: Release tension from your shoulders and relax your entire body.

Choosing Your Pressure Finger

Acupressure Progression Order

1. Breathe Deeply: Slowly inhale through your nose over 4 seconds.
2. Apply Pressure: Slowly press the point while exhaling (3-5 seconds).
3. Maintain Pressure: Hold at 70-80% of pain level for 3-5 seconds.
4. Release Slowly: Gradually release pressure over 3-5 seconds.
5. Normalize Breathing: Breathe deeply again.
6. Repeat: Repeat the above process 10-15 times.

Common Acupressure Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Poor Pressure Control: Applying excessive pressure thinking “stronger is better” can cause muscle damage. → Use “8/10 pain” as your standard.
• ❌ Rapid Repetition: Quickly pressing and releasing repeatedly reduces effectiveness. → Invest 3-5 seconds in each movement.
• ❌ Irregular Breathing: Holding your breath during acupressure actually increases chest tension. → Always breathe along with the movement.
• ❌ Long Single Session: It’s more effective to divide sessions than to apply pressure for 30 minutes at once. → Recommended: 2-3 times daily, 3-5 minutes per session.

Acupressure Intensity and Frequency Guide

Key Point: Must be adjusted according to individual constitution and symptoms. Refer to the table below to choose the level that suits you.

Pain Intensity 10-Point Scale

• 1/10: Slight touch with fingertip, almost no pain
• 3-4/10: Mild soreness, comfortable yet slightly noticeable
• 6-7/10: Definitely felt pain, but tolerable
• 8/10: “Good pain” (therapeutic pain), effective yet not uncomfortable
• 9-10/10: Difficult-to-tolerate pain, avoid this level

Sample Weekly Acupressure Schedule

Key Benefits of Dapo Acupressure

Summary: Dapo improves qi and blood circulation in the chest and throughout the body, relieving various symptoms. The following effects are based on real-world experience and traditional Chinese medicine theory.

Effects Organized by Symptom

Detailed Explanation of Each Effect

1. Relief of Chest Pain and Tightness
Dapo directly stimulates the chest and hypochondriac region, relieving qi and blood stagnation in this area. Chest tension from stress or fatigue rapidly relaxes, and you can feel your breathing ease during or immediately after acupressure.

2. Fatigue Recovery and Energy Enhancement
The Spleen meridian governs digestion and energy generation. Dapo activates the Spleen’s functions to allow qi and blood to flow throughout the body. With consistent acupressure, chronic fatigue gradually improves, and vitality during the day increases.

3. Relief of Shoulder and Neck Stiffness
Improves blood circulation in muscles near Dapo (chest and shoulder muscles), directly relieving neck and shoulder stiffness. Particularly effective for people who work at desks for long periods.

4. Improved Respiratory Function
Supports lung function and respiratory health, helping to relieve asthma symptoms and deepen breathing. This effect requires several days of consistent acupressure.

5. Stress Relief and Better Sleep
The parasympathetic nervous system activates during acupressure, relaxing body and mind. Evening acupressure especially promotes restful sleep.

Optimal Acupressure Timing and Situations

Key: When you apply acupressure is as important as the technique itself. Apply acupressure strategically according to situation and time of day.

Optimal Times of Day

• Morning (30 minutes to 1 hour after waking): Activates energy. Start your day with vigor using light intensity. Recommended: 6-8 AM
• Midday (1-2 hours after eating): Promotes digestion and prevents afternoon fatigue. Recommended: 1-3 PM
• Evening (1 hour before bedtime): Relaxes muscles and promotes restful sleep. Avoid right before bed. Recommended: 9-10 PM

Recommended Timing by Symptom or Situation

Times and Situations to Avoid

• ❌ Immediately After Eating (within 1 hour of meals): When digestive function is active, strong stimulation can impair digestion.
• ❌ After Alcohol Consumption: When blood circulation is already accelerated, acupressure may cause low blood pressure or dizziness.
• ❌ State of Extreme Fatigue: When the body is severely fatigued, the stress of acupressure can backfire.
• ❌ High Fever (38°C or above): Avoid acupressure during high fever from infectious illness.
• ❌ Immediately After Severe Stress: When emotions are heightened, wait about 30 minutes to calm down before acupressing.

Precautions and Contraindications

Key Point: Dapo acupressure is safe self-care, but should be avoided in certain situations. Be sure to check the following.

Situations to Absolutely Avoid

• Heart Disease: If you have been diagnosed with angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, or similar conditions, you must consult with a cardiologist before proceeding.
• Rib Fracture or Acute Trauma: Absolutely avoid direct stimulation on fracture sites or areas of acute inflammation.
• Acute Pneumonia or Lung Inflammation: Avoid stimulation during chest infections.
• Immediately After Chest Surgery: Proceed only after 4-6 weeks of recovery and with doctor’s approval.
• During Pregnancy (especially 1st-2nd trimester): Although Dapo itself is not a strong contraindicated point, if pregnant, you must consult with a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. Do not confuse it with other uterus-contracting points like Sanyinjiao (SP6) or Hegu (LI4).

Points to Note During Acupressure

When Discomfort Occurs After Acupressure

• Muscle Stiffness or Pain: You may have applied pressure too strongly. Apply warm compress to relax, and reduce intensity next time.
• Bruising: Can occur as blood circulation increases. This is a normal reaction, but if bruising appears, reduce intensity.
• Dizziness or Nausea: You may have held your breath during acupressure or continued too long. Stop and rest lying down.
• Worsening Chest Tightness: Rare, but may indicate your constitution doesn’t suit this point. Stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional.