Acupoint Guide

Tag: BL60

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

    One-line summary: Accurately acupressing 5 major acupoints on the foot and ankle can rapidly relieve chronic foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and toe numbness.

    Introduction

    If you suffer from foot pain accumulated from walking and standing all day, don’t have time to get a massage, or can’t afford treatment costs, pay attention to self-acupressure. The feet contain 70% of the body’s nerves, so precise acupoint stimulation alone can provide rapid pain relief. In this guide, we introduce the 5 most effective acupoints for foot pain relief and scientific acupressure techniques.

    5 Acupoints Effective for Foot Pain

    1. Chongyang — ST42

    Location: On top of the foot, in the depression between the base of the second metatarsal bone and the intermediate cuneiform bone. This is the place where you can feel the pulsation of the dorsalis pedis artery when pressed with your finger.

    Benefits: Relieves swelling and pain throughout the entire foot, removes stiffness in the foot, and also helps improve digestive function.

    Acupressure Technique: Press your thumb vertically on the Chongyang acupoint and apply pressure slowly for 5-10 seconds. A moderate intensity where you feel some sensation is ideal. Repeat 3 times on both feet.

    2. Bafeng — EX-LE10

    Location: The webbing between each toe on the top of the foot, with a total of 8 points (between toes 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 on both sides).

    Benefits: Relieves toe numbness and cramps, promotes blood circulation on the foot, and eliminates pain around the toenails.

    Acupressure Technique: Pinch between the toes with your thumb and index finger and move up and down as if massaging. Repeat 5-10 times on each section for effectiveness.

    3. Taixi — KID3

    Location: On the inner ankle, located in the depression directly behind the medial malleolus.

    Benefits: Eliminates ankle pain and swelling, promotes recovery of fatigue in the entire foot, and strengthens kidney function.

    Acupressure Technique: After locating the Taixi acupoint with your thumb, repeat 3 seconds of pressure and 3 seconds of release. Apply acupressure approximately 10 times per session, 2-3 times daily.

    4. Kunlun — BL60

    Location: On the outer ankle, located in the depression directly behind the lateral malleolus.

    Benefits: Promotes ankle sprain recovery, relieves calf cramps, and improves overall body fatigue.

    Acupressure Technique: Press the Kunlun points located on both sides of the ankle simultaneously with both thumbs. Repeat 3 times for 5-10 seconds each.

    5. Taichong — LIV3

    Location: On top of the foot, in the depression between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.

    Benefits: Relieves tension in foot muscles, eliminates toe numbness, and relieves foot pain caused by stress.

    Acupressure Technique: Press your thumb vertically on the Taichong acupoint and massage in circular motions for 5-10 seconds. Apply acupressure slowly until the pain disappears.

    5-Minute Self Routine

    Perform after waking in the morning or before bed at night: (1) Massage Bafeng between the toes (1 minute) → (2) Simultaneous pressure on Chongyang and Taichong on the foot (2 minutes) → (3) Alternating acupressure on ankle Taixi and Kunlun (2 minutes). Repeat this routine daily and foot pain will significantly decrease within 1 week. When pain is severe, it’s safe to perform 3 times daily (morning, noon, evening).

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LIV3) may cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a TCM practitioner or medical professional before practicing.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for the purpose of providing health information and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a medical professional.

  • 5 Best Acupoints for Ankle Pain — Complete Guide to Self-Acupressure

    One-line summary: By precisely stimulating 5 major acupoints on the inside and outside of the ankle, you can alleviate inflammation, promote blood circulation, and fundamentally improve chronic ankle pain.

    Introduction

    Ankle pain is one of the most common types of pain experienced in daily life. Many people struggle with soreness and tightness in the ankle from prolonged standing, after exercise, or even without any specific reason. While Western medicine treatment is important, acupoint acupressure from traditional medicine is an effective self-treatment method that you can easily practice at home. In this article, I will introduce 5 verified acupoints for ankle pain relief and teach you a simple self-care routine that takes just 5 minutes daily.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Ankle Pain

    1. Jiexi Point (解溪穴) — ST41

    Location: The center of the crease on the front of the foot, in the depression between the extensor hallucis longus tendon (big toe tendon) and the extensor digitorum longus tendon (toe tendons).

    Effects: As a major acupoint of the Stomach meridian, it rapidly alleviates inflammation and pain on the front of the ankle. It is particularly excellent for resolving acute pain after an ankle sprain and stiffness on the front of the ankle.

    Acupressure method: Using the tip of your thumb, slowly apply pressure for 3 seconds, then rest for 1 second, and repeat 10 times. Press firmly to the point where you feel discomfort, while maintaining deep breathing. Performing this 2 times daily (morning and evening) is most effective.

    2. Shangqiu Point (商丘穴) — SP5

    Location: Below the inner side of the ankle (medial malleolus), in the depression below the front of the malleolus. It is most easily palpated when the foot is inverted.

    Effects: As an important acupoint of the Spleen meridian, it is very effective at reducing swelling and inflammation on the inner side of the ankle. Because it is also connected to digestive function, it removes excess moisture from the entire body and fundamentally resolves edema.

    Acupressure method: Using your thumb or middle finger, gently press for 5 seconds and rest for 2 seconds, repeating 8 times. It is appropriate to feel a slight tingling sensation. Performing this in the morning, evening, and one additional time during the day is beneficial.

    3. Kunlun Point (崑崙穴) — BL60

    Location: The depression between the outer side of the ankle (lateral malleolus) and the Achilles tendon (calf tendon), behind the most prominent point in the middle of the ankle.

    Effects: As a key acupoint of the Bladder meridian, it promotes circulation throughout the ankle and rapidly alleviates pain. It simultaneously addresses chronic ankle pain, symptoms of frequent ankle swelling, and calf stiffness.

    Acupressure method: Using your thumb, gradually apply force and press for 5 seconds, then slowly release the pressure over 2 seconds. Repeat this 10 times. There may be initial tingling, so adjust the intensity accordingly.

    4. Shenmai Point (申脈穴) — BL62

    Location: Directly below the outer side of the ankle malleolus (lateral malleolus), approximately 0.5 cun (about 1.5 cm) below, in the depression. It is located below Kunlun point.

    Effects: As an eight confluent point of the Bladder meridian, it promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the entire body. It is particularly effective at improving pain and instability on the lateral side of the ankle and aids fatigue recovery.

    Acupressure method: Using the middle finger or thumb, gently stimulate for 30 seconds using circular massage motions. While massaging, slowly move the ankle in circular motions, which doubles the effect. This is particularly effective in the evening.

    5. Xuanzhong Point (懸鐘穴) — GB39

    Location: On the front outer side of the calf, approximately 3 cun above (about 9 cm) the top of the outer side of the ankle malleolus (lateral malleolus), at the front of the fibula (smaller leg bone).

    Effects: As an acupoint of the Gallbladder meridian, it restores elasticity to the ligaments and muscles of the ankle. It simultaneously improves ligament damage from ankle sprains, chronic instability, and calf pain.

    Acupressure method: Using your thumb, apply gradual pressure and press for 4 seconds, then rest for 2 seconds. Repeat this 8 times. Stimulate appropriately to the point where you feel discomfort, but avoid excessive pressure.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Daily ankle pain relief protocol to practice:

    [Preparation – 1 minute] Soak your feet in warm water for 5 minutes or warm your ankle with a hot pack for 5 minutes. The acupoints will relax, increasing the effectiveness of acupressure.

    [Acupressure – 3 minutes] Apply acupressure in the following order: Shangqiu (1 minute) → Kunlun (1 minute) → Jiexi (1 minute), spending 1 minute on each point. Performing this in the morning (after waking) and evening (1 hour before bedtime) is most effective.

    [Finishing – 1 minute] Slowly rotate your ankles 10 times in both directions. After that, massage both feet by rubbing them together to complete the blood circulation sequence.

    Additional tips: Drinking warm ginger tea after acupressure promotes circulation in the body and maximizes the effect. You must perform this consistently for at least 2 weeks or more to see improvement effects.

    🤰 Pregnancy Notice: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, you must consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before proceeding.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for the purpose of providing health information and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or in severe cases, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.

  • Kunlun vs Taixi Acupoints — Complete Comparison of Ankle Acupoint Location and Efficacy







    Kunlun (BL60) vs Taixi (KI3) — Ankle Acupoint Selection Guide

    Kunlun (BL60) vs Taixi (KI3) — Ankle Acupoint Selection Guide

    Quick Answer: For sudden headaches, neck pain, or lower back pain, press Kunlun (outer side). For insomnia, chronic fatigue, or tinnitus that keeps recurring, stimulate Taixi (inner side) consistently every day.

    At a Glance: Kunlun vs Taixi

    These two acupoints are located side by side on the ankle, but their meridians and benefits are completely different. Simply distinguishing the location makes the choice easy.

    Item Kunlun (BL60) Taixi (KI3)
    Location Outer side of ankle (behind outer bone) Inner side of ankle (behind inner bone)
    Meridian Bladder meridian (BL60) Kidney meridian (KI3)
    Primary Effects Headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, heat sensations Insomnia, tinnitus, sore throat, toothache
    Time for Effects Fast (tens of minutes to hours) Slow (days to 2 weeks)
    Recommended Intensity Strong stimulation recommended Gentle, consistent stimulation
    Acupressure Frequency Can be done whenever needed Daily and consistently (morning/evening)

    What Are Your Symptoms? Acupoint Selection Guide

    If you match any of the following symptoms, you can instantly see which acupoint to prioritize stimulating.

    If You Have These Symptoms: Kunlun (Outer Side)

    Characteristics: Sudden, immediate, and strong discomfort

    • A headache or migraine that suddenly appears
    • Neck suddenly becomes stiff and difficult to turn
    • Lower back immediately becomes painful after a strain
    • Acute pain immediately after ankle sprain
    • Whole body fatigue from high fever
    • Sudden shoulder tension from stress

    Reason for Choice: Kunlun stimulates the bladder meridian and quickly activates the body’s defense function. It’s effective in emergency situations.

    If You Have These Symptoms Repeatedly: Taixi (Inner Side)

    Characteristics: Chronic, recurring, and constitutional issues

    • Insomnia every night (ongoing difficulty)
    • Constant ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
    • Frequent sore throat and recurring pharyngitis
    • Toothache that frequently recurs
    • Hands and feet always cold and fatigue that won’t go away
    • Easily catch colds whenever the season changes

    Reason for Choice: Taixi is a key acupoint on the kidney meridian that strengthens the body’s fundamental energy (kidney essence). It’s effective for constitutional improvement but requires consistency.

    Kunlun (BL60) Complete Guide

    Summary: An acupoint on the outer side of the ankle. Rapidly relieves acute pain and heat sensations.

    How to Find the Exact Location

    1. Find the outer ankle bone (lateral malleolus). This is the bony prominence on the outer side of your ankle.
    2. Behind that bone is the Achilles tendon. Taixi is located in the hollow space between the bone and Achilles tendon.
    3. Turn your foot slightly inward, and pressing with your thumb, you can feel the point where bone and muscle meet.
    4. This is Kunlun. At first, press about 5 times while learning the exact location.

    Tip: Compare both ankles. The side with more pain indicates Kunlun.

    Primary Benefits of Kunlun

    • Headaches: Responds quickly to migraines, tension headaches, and back-of-head pain (15-30 minutes)
    • Neck and Shoulders: Relieves neck stiffness, shoulder tension, and stress-related pain
    • Lower Back: Effective for acute pain immediately after straining, back pain (effective in emergency situations)
    • Ankles: Pain and swelling immediately after ankle sprain (if acupressure is difficult, use warm compress)
    • High Fever: Reduces whole-body fatigue when running high fever from colds
    • Motion Sickness and Dizziness: Effective when pressed if you feel nauseous while in a vehicle

    Correct Acupressure Method

    1. Position: Sit comfortably or lie down with legs extended.
    2. Intensity: Apply pressure with your thumb from the outer to inner direction. Strong stimulation is effective for Kunlun.
    3. Duration: Hold pressure for 3-5 seconds, then release.
    4. Repetition: Repeat 20-30 times per session. Once or twice daily is sufficient.
    5. Timing: Press immediately when symptoms appear for best effect. Pressing in the evening reduces pain the next day.

    Tip: When you have a headache, turning your foot slightly inward makes the acupoint more prominent.

    Taixi (KI3) Complete Guide

    Summary: An acupoint on the inner side of the ankle. Strengthens the body’s fundamental energy to improve chronic fatigue and constitution.

    How to Find the Exact Location

    1. Find the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus). This is the bony prominence on the inner side of your ankle.
    2. Behind that bone is the Achilles tendon. Taixi is located between the bone and Achilles tendon.
    3. Unlike Kunlun, since it’s on the inner side, turn your foot inward, then rotate your fingers inward to find it.
    4. When you press with your thumb, you should feel a heavy sensation to indicate the correct location.

    Tip: Finding it is slightly more difficult than Kunlun, but moving your finger slowly and exploring will help you discover the clear point.

    Primary Benefits of Taixi

    • Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking. Many report seeing results after 2 weeks of consistent practice.
    • Tinnitus: Constant ringing in the ears. Improves with kidney meridian recovery.
    • Sore Throat: Frequent sore throat and throat discomfort. Also effective in preventing recurring colds.
    • Toothache: Pain remaining after treatment or toothache that frequently recurs
    • Cold Hands and Feet: A constitutional condition where hands and feet remain cold no matter how warmly you dress. Produces fundamental improvement effects.
    • Chronic Fatigue: Fatigue that doesn’t improve even with adequate sleep
    • Immunity: Improves the pattern of catching colds every time the season changes

    Correct Acupressure Method

    1. Position: Sit comfortably or lie down with your foot turned inward.
    2. Intensity: Press with your thumb at moderate intensity. Gentler stimulation than Kunlun is recommended.
    3. Duration: Hold pressure for 3-5 seconds.
    4. Repetition: Repeat 10-15 times per session.
    5. Timing: Consistency is key. Do it once when you wake up and once before bed, consistently every day.
    6. Duration: You need to stimulate daily for at least 2 weeks or more to feel changes.

    Tip: If the goal is to improve insomnia, acupressing 30 minutes before bed is most effective.

    Using Kunlun and Taixi Together?

    You can stimulate both acupoints simultaneously. In fact, doing them together gives you both short-term benefits (Kunlun) and long-term benefits (Taixi) at the same time.

    Recommended Combination

    • Morning: Press Taixi first 10-15 times to charge daily energy
    • Evening: Press Kunlun 20-30 times to release daily pain and stress
    • Before Sleep: Press Taixi again 10 times to induce sound sleep

    Caution: Pressing each acupoint 1-2 times in the same day is safe. However, if you have skin conditions or swelling, consult a healthcare provider first.

    Combination with Other Acupoints

    Besides Kunlun and Taixi, there are several other important acupoints around the ankle. You can find additional information at [Learn more about other ankle acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Fuxi (BL62)].

    Precautions When Acupressing

    Situations to Avoid

    • Skin Conditions: Avoid acupressing if you have eczema, wounds, or inflammation. It can worsen these conditions.
    • Severe Swelling: If swelling is severe, consult a healthcare professional first.
    • Blood Clot Risk: Should be avoided if you have blood clots or varicose veins.
    • During Pregnancy: Especially during early pregnancy, it’s best to avoid pressing Kunlun.
    • Right After Alcohol: Avoid acupressing right after drinking. It can cause blood flow changes.

    How to Control Intensity

    • Beginning: Start with gentle stimulation and gradually increase intensity.
    • Appropriate: A feeling of “the kind of pain that feels good” is ideal. Avoid severe pain.
    • Sensitive Areas: Since blood vessels and nerves are nearby, excessive stimulation must be avoided.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I press both Kunlun and Taixi on the same day?

    Yes, there’s no problem. In fact, it’s recommended. Charge your energy with Taixi in the morning and release daily fatigue with Kunlun in the evening. It’s safe to press each about 1-2 times per day.

    Which acupoint is easier for beginners?

    Kunlun is easier. Since it’s on the outer side of the ankle, it’s easy to access, and strong stimulation is fine, so there’s less room for error. Taixi is located on the inner side and is slightly more difficult to find, but you can find it easily by exploring slowly with your finger.

    Is the effect better if I press both acupoints simultaneously?

    Yes, it’s better. Since Kunlun provides immediate pain relief (short-term) and Taixi provides long-term constitutional improvement (long-term), pressing them together gives you both short-term and long-term benefits simultaneously. You can press both ankles at the same time or alternate.

    What should I do if there’s pain during acupressing?

    While acupressure has the saying “the kind of pain that feels good,” severe pain should be avoided. Start with gentle stimulation and gradually increase intensity. If you have skin conditions, swelling, or inflammation, avoid acupressing as it can worsen skin damage. Stop immediately if uncomfortable.

    How often and for how long should I press?

    Once or twice daily, about 1-3 minutes per session is sufficient. Kunlun can be pressed frequently whenever needed, but Taixi requires consistency, so pressing at the same time every day is recommended. You need to continue for at least 2 weeks to feel the effects.

    What if I can’t find the exact location?

    It may be difficult at first. Stand in front of a large mirror, observe your ankle closely, and explore slowly with your finger. When you find the acupoint, you’ll feel a “thudding” heavy sensation. With repetition, you’ll learn the location quickly. Consulting online anatomical diagrams is also helpful.

    Can I see results in a few days?

    It varies by acupoint. Kunlun responds quickly, relieving headaches or neck pain within tens of minutes to a few hours. Taixi works slowly, requiring daily pressing for 1-2 weeks before you feel improvements in insomnia or fatigue. There are individual differences depending on constitution.

    Can I press it together with other acupoints?

    Yes, it’s possible. For example, if you have a headache, press Kunlun + [Learn more about Taiyang acupoint]; if you have insomnia, press Taixi + [Sanyinjiao acupoint information] together for synergistic effects. However, start with one or two acupoints and try combinations after becoming familiar with them.

    When is it most effective to press?

    Kunlun: Press immediately when symptoms appear. Pressing in the evening reduces pain the next day. Taixi: Pressing when you wake up in the morning (start of day) and before bed (to induce sleep) is most effective. Consistency is key.

    Is it not allowed during pregnancy?

    It’s best to avoid Kunlun acupressure during early pregnancy. This acupoint can affect the uterus. If you want to stimulate acupoints during pregnancy, always consult with a healthcare professional first.


    Pregnant Women Warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, be sure to consult a traditional medicine practitioner or medical professional before proceeding.
    Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a medical professional.