Introduction
Do your hands often feel numb from using smartphones, keyboards, and mice? Hand numbness occurs due to nerve compression, poor blood circulation, and muscle tension. Acupoint stimulation in traditional medicine is a natural therapy that improves meridian circulation and quickly relieves hand numbness. This guide introduces 5 clinically validated acupoints and a 5-minute self-acupressure routine you can practice at home.
5 Effective Acupoints for Hand Numbness
1. Eight Evils (八邪) — EX-UE9
Location: The webbing between each finger on the back of the hand (a total of 8 points, from between the thumb and index finger to between the ring finger and pinky finger)
Benefits: Promotes qi and blood circulation in the fingers and back of the hand, quickly relieving hand numbness, cold hands, and hand swelling. Excellent for improving circulation in the extremities.
Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb, press each point firmly for 3 seconds, then release. Repeat this motion. Press all 8 points on both hands, 2 times each (approximately 1 minute total) for best results. Apply firm pressure until the area turns white, but avoid causing pain.
2. Laogong (勞宮) — PC8
Location: When fingers are bent, the point where the middle and ring fingers meet the palm, slightly below the center of the palm
Benefits: An important acupoint on the Pericardium meridian that promotes mental and physical calm, relieves hand numbness, and reduces anxiety. Particularly effective for hand numbness caused by stress.
Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb, facing the palm, apply firm vertical pressure for 5 seconds. Massage both palms for 1 minute each (approximately 2 minutes total) in circular motions for muscle relaxation benefits.
3. Daling (大陵) — PC7
Location: Slightly above the center crease on the inner wrist (distal wrist crease)
Benefits: A stream point on the Pericardium meridian that relieves nerve compression in the wrist and hand. Very effective not only for hand numbness but also for wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb on the inner wrist facing upward, apply firm pressure for 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds. Repeat this pattern. Press both wrists for 1 minute each. Be careful not to press directly on bone.
4. Waiguan (外關) — TE5
Location: On the outer forearm, approximately 8cm above the wrist crease toward the elbow, between the radius and ulna bones
Benefits: An important acupoint on the Triple Energizer meridian that relieves arm numbness, pain, and poor circulation. Particularly effective for numbness and fatigue throughout the arm from the wrist upward.
Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb on the forearm facing upward, locate the space between the bones and apply firm vertical pressure. Press both forearms for 1 minute each, repeating 5-second pressure and 3-second release cycles.
5. Quchi (曲池) — LI10
Location: The outer end of the elbow crease that appears when the elbow is bent
Benefits: An important acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian that promotes circulation throughout the arm and relieves hand numbness, arm numbness, and arm muscle tension. Also effective for relieving arm pain and elbow inflammation.
Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb with the elbow bent, press the end of the crease. Massage both elbows for 1 minute each in circular motions for muscle relaxation benefits.
5-Minute Self-Routine
Perform the following routine in order every morning and evening:
① Eight Evils (EX-UE9) – 1 minute: Press the webbing between fingers on both hands, 2 times each
② Laogong (PC8) – 1 minute: Massage the center of both palms in circular motions
③ Daling (PC7) – 1 minute: Stimulate the inside of both wrists up and down
④ Waiguan (TE5) – 1 minute: Press between the forearm bones on both sides
⑤ Quchi (LI10) – 1 minute: Massage the elbow crease on both sides in circular motions
Precautions: If you are pregnant or have serious nerve disorders, consult a medical professional. Avoid exposure to cold air within 2 hours after acupressure. If pain is severe, reduce pressure intensity. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, seek medical attention.
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