That Monthly Pain Can Be Reduced
Once a month, like clockwork, menstrual pain arrives. The lower abdomen feels like it’s being wrung out, and the lower back seems about to break, right? There’s a way to reduce pain even without painkillers — acupoint acupressure!
1. Sanyinjiao (SP6) — The Premier Acupoint for Women’s Health
Where Is It?
Four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone. Feel just behind the shinbone.
How to Press
- Use your thumb to find the depression just behind the shinbone
- Press for 3-5 seconds → rest for 3 seconds, repeat 10 times
- Do both legs. A slightly achy sensation means you’ve found the right spot
Benefits: The “queen of women’s acupoints.” Effective for menstrual pain, irregular periods, and cold sensitivity. A special point where three meridians converge.
2. Guanyuan (CV4) — Warming the Lower Abdomen
Where Is It?
Four finger-widths below the navel. It’s the midpoint between the navel and the pubic bone.
How to Press
- Overlap your fingers and place them on Guanyuan
- Gently press for 3-5 seconds → rest for 3 seconds, repeat 10 times
- Rubbing in clockwise circles also works well
Benefits: Warms the lower abdomen and promotes blood circulation. Addresses the root cause of menstrual pain — cold sensitivity.
3. Taechung (LR3) — Unblocking Qi and Blood Flow
Where Is It?
Follow the gap between the big toe and second toe upward to where the two bones meet. It’s in the V-shaped split.
How to Press
- Press firmly in the depression between the bones with your thumb
- Press for 5 seconds → rest for 3 seconds, 10 times on each foot
- A slightly achy yet refreshing sensation means you’ve found the right spot
Benefits: Stimulates the Liver meridian to promote smooth qi and blood circulation. Especially effective for stress-related menstrual pain.
4. Diji (SP8) — The Special Point for Acute Menstrual Pain
Where Is It?
Four finger-widths below the inner side of the knee. Find it by following the inner edge of the shinbone downward.
How to Press
- Press the depression on the inner edge of the shinbone with your thumb
- Press somewhat firmly for 3-5 seconds → rest for 3 seconds, 10 times
- Do both legs
Benefits: An acupoint that responds quickly to acute menstrual pain. As the Xi-cleft point of the Spleen meridian, it reduces pain rapidly.
5. Zusanli (ST36) — Restoring Overall Condition
Where Is It?
Four finger-widths below the outer side of the kneecap. It’s on the muscle on the outer side of the shinbone.
How to Press
- Press the depression on the outer side of the shinbone with your thumb
- Press for 3-5 seconds → rest for 3 seconds, 10 times on each side
- A slightly tingling sensation spreading to the toes means you’ve found the right spot
Benefits: Aids digestion to reduce bloating during periods. Replenishes overall energy to help relieve period fatigue.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Acupoint | Location | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanyinjiao SP6 | 4 fingers above inner ankle | All-around women’s health | Easy |
| Guanyuan CV4 | 4 fingers below navel | Lower abdominal cold relief | Easy |
| Taechung LR3 | Between toes on foot | Qi-blood flow, stress-related | Easy |
| Diji SP8 | 4 fingers below inner knee | Acute pain relief | Medium |
| Zusanli ST36 | 4 fingers below outer knee | Digestion + energy boost | Easy |
Synergistic Combinations
- Sanyinjiao + Guanyuan: Warms the lower abdomen while reducing pain. The fundamental combination for menstrual pain acupressure.
- Taechung + Sanyinjiao: Unblocks qi and blood flow, effective for stress-related menstrual pain.
- Diji + Zusanli: Stimulates the Spleen-Stomach meridians simultaneously to also address indigestion during periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to do acupressure during my period?
Yes, it’s actually more effective during your period. Press the points right when the pain starts.
When should I start acupressure for menstrual pain?
Starting 3-5 days before your period has a preventive effect. Of course, it still helps after the pain has begun.
Does warmth make acupressure more effective?
Yes! Applying acupressure with warm hands or placing a heat pad on the Guanyuan (CV4) area while pressing doubles the effect.
My menstrual pain is severe — is acupressure enough?
Acupressure is a complementary therapy. If your menstrual pain is severe enough to disrupt daily life, please see a gynecologist first.
Can men also press these acupoints?
Absolutely! These acupoints help with abdominal blood circulation and qi-blood regulation, so they can be used by everyone.