Acupoint Guide

Tag: BL15

  • 5 Acupoints for Depression — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: Pressing 5 acupoints—Taichong, Baihui, Shenmen, Xinshu, and Ganshu—for just 5 minutes daily can naturally ease anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders caused by depression.

    Introduction

    Do you dread waking up in the morning and have no motivation to do anything? One in three modern people experience depressive feelings. While medication is important, there’s a hidden clinic in the acupoints of your fingertips and body that we often overlook. By stimulating just 5 acupoints—discovered from 2,000 years of traditional medicine wisdom—for 5 minutes daily, you can lighten the heaviness of your mind.

    5 Acupoints Effective for Depression

    1. Taichong — LR3 (Liver 3)

    Location: On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression anterior to the metatarsal junction between the big toe and second toe

    Benefits: Taichong is called the “gatekeeper of emotions,” easing suppressed anger, anxiety, and tension caused by stress. It activates liver function to enhance emotional regulation and improve sleep quality.

    Pressing Technique: Sit in a comfortable position and extend your legs. Locate the area between your big toe and second toe with your thumb, then slowly press and release 10-15 times. Mild tenderness when starting is normal. Apply the same technique to both feet.

    2. Baihui — GV20 (Governing Vessel 20)

    Location: The highest point of the crown of the head. The intersection point where a line connecting the tops of both ears meets a line running from the space between the eyebrows up to the crown

    Benefits: As the central point for the head and nervous system, it eases head heaviness, dizziness, and nervousness caused by depression. It promotes qi and blood circulation to enhance brain activity and improve cognitive function.

    Pressing Technique: Look in a mirror to locate the highest point of your crown. Overlap your middle or index fingers from both hands and press vertically, then release 20-30 times. You can also gently stimulate it by making circular motions like a massage. Performing this 2-3 times daily is most effective.

    3. Shenmen — HT7 (Heart 7)

    Location: On the wrist crease, about 5mm above the ulnar (pinky finger side) end of the wrist crease that appears when you clench your fist

    Benefits: Governing heart and mental function, it calms anxiety, restlessness, and heart palpitations. It improves sleep disorders and nightmares accompanying depression and stabilizes the mind.

    Pressing Technique: Extend your arm with your palm facing upward. Use your opposite thumb to locate and precisely press the ulnar end of the wrist crease. Press for 5-10 seconds until you feel a slight soreness, then release; repeat 5-10 times. Stimulating both hands 10 minutes before bed aids sound sleep.

    4. Xinshu — BL15 (Bladder 15)

    Location: On the middle of the back, one vertebra below the 5th thoracic vertebra (the prominent bone below the shoulder blade), about 1.5 finger widths lateral to the spine on both sides

    Benefits: Governing heart function and mental health, it resolves psychological instability, depression, and chest tightness. It improves blood circulation to promote oxygen supply to the brain and helps stabilize the nervous system.

    Pressing Technique: Lie flat on your back and have someone assist, or if doing it alone, place a tennis ball on your back and slowly press and massage. Since accurate point location is important, initially consult an acupressure specialist to confirm the location before starting self-massage. Stimulate 3-4 times weekly, 5 minutes each time.

    5. Ganshu — BL18 (Bladder 18)

    Location: On the middle of the back, below the 9th thoracic vertebra (at the level of the rib cage edge), about 1.5 finger widths lateral to the spine on both sides

    Benefits: Governing liver function and emotional stability, it improves emotional instability such as irritability and frequent mood changes. It relieves the stress and anger that cause depression and aids energy recovery.

    Pressing Technique: Standing or sitting upright, if you cannot reach your back by bringing both arms forward, use a tennis ball or massage stick. Slowly press and release using the second knuckle of your fingers, repeating 15-20 times. Performing this with deep breathing doubles the effectiveness.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Depression Relief Golden Timer
    In just 5 minutes during a busy morning or evening, follow these steps:

    Step 1 (1 minute): Press Taichong on both sides, 30 seconds each → Relieve stress and anger
    Step 2 (1 minute): Press Shenmen on both sides, 30 seconds each → Calm your mind
    Step 3 (1 minute): Press Baihui for 1 minute → Improve focus and activate the brain
    Step 4 (1 minute): Alternate stimulating Xinshu and Ganshu → Recharge body energy
    Step 5 (1 minute): Take 3 deep breaths and meditate → Settle the effects

    Tips to Maximize Results: By practicing once in the morning and once in the evening (especially 1 hour before bed), you can notice emotional changes within 3-4 weeks. Proceed step-by-step with warm hands.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before proceeding.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
  • 5 Acupoints for Palpitations — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    5 Acupoints for Palpitations — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: By stimulating 5 key acupoints on the wrist and chest, you can calm heart anxiety and nervousness that cause palpitations.

    Introduction

    Do you experience sudden heart palpitations where your heart feels like it’s sinking, with irregular pulse that worsens when stressed or anxious, disrupting your daily life? In traditional Chinese medicine, these symptoms are viewed as an imbalance in heart qi (vital energy) and blood circulation. Fortunately, simply stimulating specific acupoints on the wrist and chest can calm your nerves and stabilize your heartbeat. As a complementary therapy after consulting with a medical professional, I’ll introduce you to these 5 acupoint pressure techniques.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Palpitations

    1. PC6 (Neiguan)

    Location: Approximately 2 cun (about twice the width between the thumb and index finger, roughly 6cm) up from the wrist crease toward the elbow. It’s located in the depression between the two tendons on the inner wrist (palmaris longus tendon and flexor carpi radialis tendon).

    Benefits: Stabilizes an unstable heart rhythm and calms palpitations caused by nervousness. In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s regarded as an “acupoint for calming the heart and spirit,” and is especially effective for heart palpitations caused by anxiety and stress.

    Pressure Technique: Find PC6 with the thumb of your opposite hand and apply pressure in slow circular motions for 1 minute (intensity 7/10, slightly uncomfortable but tolerable). Perform this while exhaling slowly, and practice 3 times daily: morning, noon, and evening.

    2. HT7 (Shenmen)

    Location: On the finger side of the wrist crease, in the depression on the inner ulnar side of the wrist (pinky side). It’s located at the radial edge of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.

    Benefits: This acupoint, which means “Gate of the Spirit,” cools the heart and calms the spirit. It’s very effective for relieving palpitations caused by heart and mental unrest, insomnia, and anxiety disorder symptoms.

    Pressure Technique: Since this is an easily accessible area with your fingers, find HT7 with the index finger of your opposite hand and repeatedly press and release gently for 30 seconds (intensity 5/10, gentle pressure). It’s especially effective in the evening and when palpitations are severe.

    3. CV17 (Danzhong)

    Location: Located on the sternum in the center of the chest, at the point where a line connecting both nipples meets the sternum (at the level of the 4th intercostal space). To find it clearly, think of it as one space up from the nipple level.

    Benefits: Called the “Sea of Qi,” it regulates the central function of the heart, improves qi circulation in the chest, and directly relieves heart stress. Not only are palpitations relieved, but chest tightness and anxiety are also resolved together.

    Pressure Technique: Sit in a comfortable position and lightly press with about one finger while making slow circular motions (intensity 4/10, lightly). Don’t press too hard and continue for about 1 minute with deep breathing. It’s best to practice in the evening or before sleep.

    4. BL15 (Xinshu)

    Location: Below the 5th thoracic vertebra (at the height of the middle chest spine), approximately 1.5 cun (about 4.5cm) outward from the spine on both sides. It’s located symmetrically on both sides of the spine.

    Benefits: As a cardiac reflex point on the upper back, it directly regulates heart qi and calms an excited nervous system. For fundamentally improving chronic palpitations and heart instability, it exerts the most powerful effect.

    Pressure Technique: Since self-pressure is difficult, if possible, get help from a family member or partner and receive pressure while lying down. You can also use a massage tool or acupoint stick and slowly apply pressure to both sides for 1 minute each (intensity 6/10). Practicing 3-4 times per week is effective.

    5. PC7 (Daling)

    Location: At the center of the wrist crease, located at the exact center point of the crease visible when the wrist is bent. It’s located in the depression between the two tendons where the palmaris longus tendon and flexor carpi radialis tendon meet.

    Benefits: As the source point of the Pericardium meridian connected to the heart, it cools the heart, clarifies the spirit, and eliminates anxiety. When used together with PC6, the palpitation relief effect synergizes and becomes even more powerful.

    Pressure Technique: Find PC7 precisely with the thumb of your opposite hand and repeat slow, vertical pressing motions (intensity 6/10, slightly uncomfortable). Practice 30 seconds at one point, alternating 1 minute on each wrist, 2 times daily.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    This is an “emergency 5-minute routine” to perform immediately when you feel palpitations.

    Step 1 (1 minute): Sit in a comfortable position, place your hand on CV17, and practice slow abdominal breathing. Use 4 seconds of inhaling and 6 seconds of exhaling to calm your nervous system.

    Step 2 (2 minutes): Alternately apply pressure to PC6 and PC7. Left wrist PC6 for 30 seconds → Right wrist PC6 for 30 seconds → Both PC7 for 30 seconds.

    Step 3 (1 minute): Gently apply pressure to HT7 on both wrists. Massage each side for 30 seconds and feel your heart becoming calm.

    Step 4 (1 minute): Close your eyes, relax your shoulders, and practice abdominal breathing again. Feel your heartbeat normalizing.

    Tip: You can also perform this routine daily in the morning once a day for prevention, and the frequency and intensity of palpitations will significantly decrease.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as SP6, LI4, and LR3 may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.