Acupoint Guide

Tag: BL62

  • 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.

  • Houxi (SI3) vs Shenmai (BL62) — Which acupoint should you press?

    One-line summary: SI3 focuses on upper body pain and sensory symptoms, while BL62 focuses on sleep and lower body instability. It’s a choice between a hand acupoint vs. a foot acupoint.

    What’s the Difference Between SI3 and BL62?

    Both acupoints are frequently confused because they both improve headaches and are effective for nervous system stabilization. However, SI3 is the “upper body specialist” that solves problems in the upper body, especially the neck and head area, while BL62 is the “nervous system stabilization specialist” that helps those suffering from insomnia and dizziness. Since their locations are on opposite body parts—the finger and the ankle—you should approach them based on your specific body area.

    Understanding SI3 in Depth

    Exact Location

    The acupoint is located on the outer side of the little finger, in the depressed area at the boundary where skin color changes, right behind the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint (the second joint of the finger). When you make a light fist, a crease forms under the finger—use the end of this crease and the finger joint as reference points to locate it. Since it covers only about 0.1 cun (a very small area), precise location identification is important.

    Recommended For

    This acupoint is especially effective for those with stiff neck muscles or cervical disc discomfort, chronic headaches and migraines, frequent eye fatigue and eye pain, tinnitus or ringing sounds in the ears, text neck syndrome from smartphone and computer use, and lower back pain, particularly in the mid-to-lower lumbar region.

    Acupressure Method and Tips

    Using your thumb or the tip of a pen, press firmly for 3–5 seconds and release, repeating 10–15 times. Maintain a pressure level of “pleasantly painful,” but start with gentle pressure and gradually increase intensity. Stimulate twice daily—morning and evening—or up to 3–4 times daily during acute neck pain. Pressing both hands together, rather than just one side, helps balance your entire body.

    Understanding BL62 in Depth

    Exact Location

    The acupoint is located about 0.5 cun (approximately 1.5 cm) below the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone). Find the protruding bone on the outside of the ankle, then locate the depressed area about one finger width below it. When you gently bend your ankle inward, a more distinct hollow becomes visible, making acupressure more accurate in this position. Both feet have this acupoint.

    Recommended For

    This acupoint is excellent for those with insomnia—difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking—restlessness even when lying down, tension headaches with heavy head sensation, frequent dizziness or vertigo, ankle pain or frequent ankle sprains, nervousness, and psychological anxiety from stress. It also promotes blood circulation in the lower body and helps relieve cold hands and feet.

    Acupressure Method and Tips

    Lie down, bend one knee slightly, and apply gentle pressure with your thumb. Press for 3–5 seconds at a time, maintaining consistent medium pressure rather than excessive force. Repeat at least 10 times, and if you have insomnia, apply pressure 30 minutes before bed for best results. Stimulating between 10 p.m. and midnight is especially effective, as it regulates kidney energy and promotes deeper sleep. Press both feet, starting with the left side, which is technically easier.

    Key Comparison Summary

    Item SI3 BL62
    Primary Effects Neck pain, headaches, tinnitus, eye pain, lower back pain Insomnia, headaches, dizziness, ankle pain
    Body Area Upper body focus (neck, head, eyes, ears) Nervous system, lower body (ankle, legs)
    Location Difficulty Difficult (very small area) Moderate (clear bony landmarks)
    Pressure Intensity Strong pressure recommended Medium pressure recommended
    Best Time to Stimulate Morning/evening (immediately for neck pain) Before bed (10 p.m.–midnight)
    Repetitions Per Session 10–15 times 10–20 times
    Best For Acute headaches, neck stiffness Chronic insomnia, anxiety

    Combined Stimulation Creates Synergy

    When you stimulate both SI3 and BL62 together, you achieve a “yin-yang balancing” effect that regulates energy throughout your upper and lower body. This is especially effective for people whose upper body feels stiff from stress while their lower body feels unstable. The method is to first stimulate BL62 on both ankles for 3 minutes, then press SI3 on both hands for 3 minutes. This stabilizes your nervous system, releases upper body tension, and improves blood flow to the brain, simultaneously relieving headaches and insomnia. Practice this 15-minute routine 3–4 times weekly between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., and you’ll notice changes within a week.

    Conclusion: Selection Guide by Situation

    Choose SI3 when: Your neck and shoulders feel stiff, you experience a sudden headache, your eyes feel tired and heavy, or your head feels weighted down after computer work. Use SI3 when you need immediate pain relief.

    Choose BL62 when: You toss and turn all night unable to sleep, you feel dizzy or physically unstable during the day, your ankles frequently sprain or you have cold hands and feet. Use BL62 when you need nervous system stabilization and long-term improvement.

    Optimal combination: It’s ideal to awaken your upper body with SI3 in the morning and calm your nervous system with BL62 in the evening. These two acupoints complement each other’s opposite functions, so using them together provides complete body balancing.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as SP6, LI4, and LR3 may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, always consult a licensed acupuncturist or healthcare professional before performing acupressure.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational health purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, please consult a healthcare professional.