Acupoint Guide

Tag: BL12

  • 5 Acupoints for Back Pain — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: Applying acupressure 10 times daily to 5 acupoints including Dachu, Fengmen, Shenchu, and others is effective for back pain relief.

    Introduction

    Back pain experienced by over 70% of modern people. The main causes are prolonged sitting at work, poor posture, and muscle tension from stress. Acupoint acupressure, which costs nothing and can be done anywhere anytime, can be an effective solution. Today, we introduce 5 essential acupoints for back pain relief and science-based acupressure techniques.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Back Pain

    1. Dachu — GV14

    Location: Below the most prominent bone when bending the head forward (the 7th cervical vertebra), at the depression. Located at the boundary between the neck and upper back.

    Benefits: One of the most important acupoints in traditional Eastern medicine, regulating qi throughout the body and strengthening immunity. Particularly excellent for upper back pain and relieving stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles.

    Acupressure technique: Place your thumb at the back of the neck and apply circular acupressure 10 times slowly. Press for 3-5 seconds each time, adjusting the intensity just before pain occurs. Recommended twice daily, morning and evening.

    2. Fengmen — BL12

    Location: When bending the head forward, below the second most prominent vertebra (2nd thoracic vertebra), approximately 1.5 finger widths laterally from the center line of the spine (about 4cm).

    Benefits: An acupoint that strengthens lung function and supports respiratory health. Alleviates tightness and shortness of breath that appear with back pain. Also improves overall fatigue caused by chronic back pain.

    Acupressure technique: Since this point exists on both sides, press simultaneously with your middle fingers. Apply 10 times, pressing for 5 seconds each time, then releasing for 2 seconds. It’s more effective when done slowly in coordination with breathing.

    3. Shenchu — GV12

    Location: The depression below the third most prominent vertebra when bending the head forward (3rd thoracic vertebra). It is located approximately 2 vertebral segments below Dachu (GV14).

    Benefits: Promotes heart and lung function and improves blood circulation. An emergency acupoint that rapidly alleviates mid-upper back pain and sudden back cramps.

    Acupressure technique: Press vertically with your thumb, being careful not to apply too much deep pressure. Apply acupressure 10 times, then rest for 30 seconds, and repeat. Applying this 30 minutes before bedtime helps with muscle relaxation.

    4. Jingxiao — EX-B1

    Location: Approximately 1 finger width (about 1.3cm) directly lateral to Dachu (GV14). There are a total of 2 points, one on each side of the spine.

    Benefits: An extra point that directly alleviates localized back pain and muscle stiffness. Located more superficially than Dachu, it allows for stronger stimulation and provides rapid pain relief.

    Acupressure technique: Press both sides simultaneously using your middle fingers or index fingers. Apply circular acupressure 10 times while rotating slowly. Starting from the area where you feel pain, massage within a 3cm range by moving up and down.

    5. Xiaxie — EX-B2

    Location: Below the spinous processes of the vertebrae (from 1st thoracic to 5th lumbar vertebra), approximately 1 finger width (about 1.3cm) laterally from the center line of the spine. Multiple points are distributed on both sides of the spine.

    Benefits: Releases muscle knots throughout the back and lower back and promotes blood circulation. Fundamentally resolves muscle tension that appears with chronic back pain.

    Acupressure technique: Place a golf ball or massage stick against your upper back and apply acupressure by slowly moving it up and down. Alternatively, use your middle fingers to simultaneously press both sides of the spine while slowly moving from neck to lower back. Practice for 5 minutes every evening.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning routine (2 minutes): Upon waking, apply acupressure to Dachu (GV14) → Shenchu (GV12) in order, 10 times each while in bed. Stimulating the spine helps you start the day with energy.

    Midday routine (1 minute): During work break, apply acupressure to Jingxiao (EX-B1) simultaneously with both hands 10 times. This releases stiffness in the back before afternoon work.

    Evening routine (2 minutes): After work, lie on a bed or floor and stimulate Xiaxie (EX-B2) for 1 minute using a massage stick by slowly moving it up and down. Then apply acupressure to Fengmen (BL12) with your middle fingers 10 times. This promotes restful sleep.

    🤰 Pregnancy warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a Korean medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before applying these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Allergies — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line Summary: If you suffer from spring allergies and rhinitis, you can relieve symptoms with self-acupressure stimulating 5 key acupoints.

    Introduction

    As spring arrives, if your nose itches, eyes itch, and sneezing won’t stop, you’re one of millions suffering from allergies. If you don’t want to rely on medication, acupressure on acupoints from traditional Chinese medicine can be a natural solution. This guide will show you 5 key acupoints that relieve allergy symptoms and the exact acupressure methods.

    5 Acupoints Effective for Allergies

    1. Quchi (LI11)

    Location: Located at the outer end of the crease that forms when you bend your elbow. Bend your arm naturally, then find the outer end of the elbow crease.

    Benefits: Quchi strengthens immune function and relieves inflammation from allergies. It is particularly effective for rhinitis and skin itching, and helps cool the entire body to calm allergic reactions.

    Acupressure Method: Gently stimulate with your thumb or finger joint in circular motions for 30 seconds. Start lightly and gradually increase pressure. Repeat 3-5 times daily.

    2. Yingxiang (LI20)

    Location: Located on the outside of the nostril, at the midpoint of the nasolabial fold (the crease between the nostril and upper lip). It is symmetrically positioned on both sides of the nostrils, so you can stimulate both sides simultaneously with your middle fingers.

    Benefits: Yingxiang is a specialized acupoint for nasal conditions, directly relieving nasal congestion from rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. It promotes blood circulation around the nose, reducing nasal swelling and making breathing easier.

    Acupressure Method: Use the middle fingers of both hands to gently stimulate the area beside the nostrils in circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Rather than pressing hard, it’s important to find the pressure point around the nostril and maintain medium pressure.

    3. Xuehai (SP10)

    Location: Located about two finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) above the inner upper edge of the kneecap. When sitting with legs extended, you can feel the protruding inner portion of the vastus medialis muscle above the inner knee, and the soft area above that is Xuehai.

    Benefits: Xuehai promotes blood circulation and regulates the immune system to suppress allergic reactions. As blood becomes clearer and circulation improves, skin itching, hives, and pruritis from allergies are relieved.

    Acupressure Method: While sitting, slowly press Xuehai with your thumb for 30-40 seconds. Moderate pressure is appropriate when you feel a bone-pressing sensation. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

    4. Fengshi (GB31)

    Location: On the outer side of the thigh, on the lateral surface of the femur. When standing upright with arms naturally at your sides, the point where your middle finger’s tip touches is Fengshi. Find the midpoint on the outer surface of the thigh.

    Benefits: Fengshi is the acupoint that eliminates “wind,” removing wind-pathogen (feng-xie), the primary cause of allergies in traditional Chinese medicine. It is highly effective for relieving allergic rhinitis, hives, and itching. It also improves circulation in the legs and strengthens the body’s resistance.

    Acupressure Method: While standing or sitting, stimulate Fengshi with your thumb in circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Start gently and gradually increase pressure. Repeat 3-5 times daily.

    5. Fengmen (BL12)

    Location: Located at the back of the neck, just below the prominent bone at the base of the neck (the 7th cervical vertebra, C7), on both sides. It is positioned approximately 1.5 cun lateral to the midline of the spine. When lowering your head, find the most prominent bone at the base of the neck and locate the points on both sides below it.

    Benefits: Fengmen is an important acupoint alongside Fengshi that removes wind-pathogen, and is excellent for preventing and relieving cold, rhinitis, and allergy symptoms. It alleviates neck muscle tension and improves upper respiratory circulation, immediately reducing nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

    Acupressure Method: When touching the back of the neck, be careful. Simultaneously stimulate both sides of the back of the neck with your middle fingers in gentle circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Avoid excessive pressure; a mild compression sensation accompanied by warmth is appropriate.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Follow this 5-minute routine every morning and evening:

    1. Yingxiang (beside nose) — 30 seconds, stimulate both sides simultaneously
    2. Quchi (elbow) — 30 seconds, each arm separately
    3. Fengshi (outer thigh) — 30 seconds, each leg separately
    4. Xuehai (above inner knee) — 40 seconds, both sides simultaneously
    5. Fengmen (back of neck) — 30 seconds, both sides simultaneously

    Tip: Morning acupressure prevents allergy symptoms, while evening acupressure relieves fatigue accumulated throughout the day. Drinking warm water after acupressure enhances its effectiveness.

    🤰 Pregnancy Caution: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before performing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational health purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult a healthcare professional.