Introduction
Do you experience a persistent bitter taste in your mouth when you wake up in the morning? If food tastes off and fatigue continues, it could be a signal your body is sending you. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, bitter taste in the mouth is referred to as “kou ku” (口苦), and it’s believed to originate from heat imbalance between the gallbladder and liver. Before taking medication, try improving it with self-acupressure.
5 Effective Acupoints for Bitter Taste
1. Ganshu (肝俞) — BL19
Location: On the back, 1.5 cun (about the width of your thumb) lateral from the midline, located below the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra.
Benefits: Regulates gallbladder function and clears gallbladder heat. This is a key acupoint for improving bitter taste, rib-side pain, and fatigue.
Acupressure Technique: In a supine position, press firmly with your thumb for 5 seconds and release, repeating 10 times. You should feel mild discomfort to ensure you’re pressing the correct spot.
2. Laogong (勞宮) — PC8
Location: In the center of the palm, at the point where the tip of your middle finger touches when you make a fist.
Benefits: Clears heart and small intestine heat, soothing bitter taste and oral inflammation. Especially effective for stress-related bitter taste.
Acupressure Technique: Press the center of your palm firmly with your opposite thumb for 5 seconds and release, repeating 10 times. Alternate between both hands.
3. Taichong (太衝) — LV3
Location: On the top of the foot between the first and second toes, approximately one finger-width above the webbing at the base of the toes.
Benefits: Relieves stagnant liver heat and promotes qi and blood circulation. Beyond bitter taste, it also improves fatigue, headaches, and eye strain.
Acupressure Technique: Press downward on the top of your foot with your thumb, holding for 5 seconds and releasing, repeating 8 times. Alternate between both feet.
4. Zusanli (足三里) — ST36
Location: One finger-width below the outer edge of the kneecap, then three finger-widths downward along the outer edge of the tibia (shinbone).
Benefits: Strengthens the entire digestive system and boosts immunity. Fundamentally improves bitter taste caused by weakened stomach and spleen function.
Acupressure Technique: Press firmly on the outer edge of the bone with your thumb, holding for 5 seconds and releasing, repeating 10 times. Alternate between both legs.
5. Fengchi (風池) — TE17
Location: In the hollow area at the top of the mastoid process (the bony prominence behind the ear).
Benefits: Releases tension in the back of the neck and clears heat from the head. Improves stress-related bitter taste along with neck stiffness and migraines.
Acupressure Technique: Place both thumbs in the hollow area behind the ears, pressing firmly for 5 seconds and releasing, repeating 8 times.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning upon waking (7am): Laogong 10 times + Taichong 8 times (You should feel discomfort when pressing to ensure effectiveness. Approximately 2 minutes)
After lunch (1pm): Zusanli 10 times + Fengchi 8 times (Can be done even while sitting at a computer. Approximately 2 minutes)
Before bed (9pm): Ganshu is difficult to do alone, so ask your partner or family member if possible. If not possible, repeating the other 4 acupoints is also beneficial. Approximately 1 minute
With just a 5-minute investment, you can achieve up to 70% improvement in bitter taste.
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