Acupoint Guide

Tag: PC8

  • 5 Acupoints for Hand Numbness — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: Self-acupressure stimulating 5 acupoints on the back of the hand and arm can quickly relieve hand numbness symptoms.

    Introduction

    Do your hands often feel numb from using smartphones, keyboards, and mice? Hand numbness occurs due to nerve compression, poor blood circulation, and muscle tension. Acupoint stimulation in traditional medicine is a natural therapy that improves meridian circulation and quickly relieves hand numbness. This guide introduces 5 clinically validated acupoints and a 5-minute self-acupressure routine you can practice at home.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Hand Numbness

    1. Eight Evils (八邪) — EX-UE9

    Location: The webbing between each finger on the back of the hand (a total of 8 points, from between the thumb and index finger to between the ring finger and pinky finger)

    Benefits: Promotes qi and blood circulation in the fingers and back of the hand, quickly relieving hand numbness, cold hands, and hand swelling. Excellent for improving circulation in the extremities.

    Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb, press each point firmly for 3 seconds, then release. Repeat this motion. Press all 8 points on both hands, 2 times each (approximately 1 minute total) for best results. Apply firm pressure until the area turns white, but avoid causing pain.

    2. Laogong (勞宮) — PC8

    Location: When fingers are bent, the point where the middle and ring fingers meet the palm, slightly below the center of the palm

    Benefits: An important acupoint on the Pericardium meridian that promotes mental and physical calm, relieves hand numbness, and reduces anxiety. Particularly effective for hand numbness caused by stress.

    Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb, facing the palm, apply firm vertical pressure for 5 seconds. Massage both palms for 1 minute each (approximately 2 minutes total) in circular motions for muscle relaxation benefits.

    3. Daling (大陵) — PC7

    Location: Slightly above the center crease on the inner wrist (distal wrist crease)

    Benefits: A stream point on the Pericardium meridian that relieves nerve compression in the wrist and hand. Very effective not only for hand numbness but also for wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

    Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb on the inner wrist facing upward, apply firm pressure for 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds. Repeat this pattern. Press both wrists for 1 minute each. Be careful not to press directly on bone.

    4. Waiguan (外關) — TE5

    Location: On the outer forearm, approximately 8cm above the wrist crease toward the elbow, between the radius and ulna bones

    Benefits: An important acupoint on the Triple Energizer meridian that relieves arm numbness, pain, and poor circulation. Particularly effective for numbness and fatigue throughout the arm from the wrist upward.

    Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb on the forearm facing upward, locate the space between the bones and apply firm vertical pressure. Press both forearms for 1 minute each, repeating 5-second pressure and 3-second release cycles.

    5. Quchi (曲池) — LI10

    Location: The outer end of the elbow crease that appears when the elbow is bent

    Benefits: An important acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian that promotes circulation throughout the arm and relieves hand numbness, arm numbness, and arm muscle tension. Also effective for relieving arm pain and elbow inflammation.

    Acupressure technique: Using the opposite thumb with the elbow bent, press the end of the crease. Massage both elbows for 1 minute each in circular motions for muscle relaxation benefits.

    5-Minute Self-Routine

    Perform the following routine in order every morning and evening:

    ① Eight Evils (EX-UE9) – 1 minute: Press the webbing between fingers on both hands, 2 times each
    ② Laogong (PC8) – 1 minute: Massage the center of both palms in circular motions
    ③ Daling (PC7) – 1 minute: Stimulate the inside of both wrists up and down
    ④ Waiguan (TE5) – 1 minute: Press between the forearm bones on both sides
    ⑤ Quchi (LI10) – 1 minute: Massage the elbow crease on both sides in circular motions

    Precautions: If you are pregnant or have serious nerve disorders, consult a medical professional. Avoid exposure to cold air within 2 hours after acupressure. If pain is severe, reduce pressure intensity. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, seek medical attention.

    FAQ

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain 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 a Korean medicine practitioner or medical professional before performing acupressure.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a medical professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Bad Breath — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: Bad breath is closely related to weakened digestive function, and stimulating key acupoints on the hands and feet can normalize digestion and effectively improve mouth odor.

    Introduction

    That unpleasant breath odor you notice when waking up in the morning, or the way someone’s expression changes when you’re talking to them. Bad breath is not simply a matter of oral hygiene. In traditional Chinese medicine, bad breath is viewed as a result of weakened digestive function, poor digestion, and problems with heat metabolism. This article introduces 5 effective acupoints for improving bad breath and self-massage techniques that you can easily practice at home.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Bad Breath

    1. Laogong — PC8

    Location: Center of the palm. When you make a tight fist, it’s the point where the tip of your middle finger touches the center of your palm.

    Benefits: Reduces excess heat in the heart and relieves anxiety. It regulates excessive heart heat that causes bad breath and is very effective in improving dryness in the mouth and mouth odor.

    Technique: Slowly press the Laogong acupoint with the thumb of the opposite hand. Maintain pressure for about 1-2 seconds, then release. Repeat this 10 times. Perform 3 times daily—morning, noon, and evening—stimulating both hands for best results.

    2. Hegu — LI4

    Location: On the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger. It’s at the center of the V-shaped valley that forms when you spread these two fingers apart.

    Benefits: Activates large intestine function and relieves intestinal heat. It improves bad breath caused by constipation and poor digestion while enhancing overall immune function.

    Technique: Slowly press the Hegu acupoint with the thumb of the opposite hand; a slight discomfort is ideal. Press for 5 seconds and release for 5 seconds, repeating 10 times. Perform this 2 times daily.

    3. Zusanli — ST36

    Location: About 10cm below the knee on the outer side of the shin. It’s located about four finger-widths below the hollow area underneath the kneecap.

    Benefits: Strengthens stomach function and enhances digestive ability. It improves weakened digestive function, which is the root cause of bad breath, while also being effective in relieving overall fatigue and boosting immunity.

    Technique: Sit in a chair with your legs extended and slowly press the Zusanli point with your thumb or acupressure stick. Press for 10-15 seconds and release, repeating 10 times. It’s recommended to perform this once daily in the evening.

    4. Zhongwan — CV12

    Location: About 5cm (three finger-widths) above the center of your navel. Find the area just below your xiphoid process and press accurately.

    Benefits: Normalizes stomach function and promotes digestion. It directly improves discomfort after meals, poor digestion, and the resulting bad breath—this is the most powerful acupoint for these issues.

    Technique: Lie down in a comfortable position. Place 3-4 fingers on the Zhongwan acupoint and massage in circular clockwise motions. Gently massage for 1-2 minutes. Perform this 1-2 times daily, 30 minutes after meals.

    5. Fengchi — TW17

    Location: On the line connecting the back of the neck’s hairline and the temple, inside the hairline. Find the hollow area at the back of the neck.

    Benefits: Removes heat and inflammation in the head and facial areas. Along with bad breath, it improves accompanying neck discomfort, dryness in the mouth, and lip inflammation.

    Technique: While looking in a mirror, slowly press the Fengchi acupoint with both thumbs. Press and hold for 3-5 seconds, repeating 8-10 times. Perform this 2 times daily—morning and evening—for faster results.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning routine (right after waking): Laogong on both hands (1 minute) → Hegu on both hands (1 minute). This routine helps relieve morning mouth dryness and activates metabolism as you start your day.

    Lunch routine (30 minutes after eating): Massage Zhongwan (2 minutes) in circular motions. This routine promotes digestion and prevents bad breath from occurring in the afternoon.

    Evening routine (around 8 PM): Zusanli on both sides (1 minute) → Fengchi on both sides (1 minute). This routine clears the digestive burden accumulated throughout the day and prepares you for restful sleep.

    By consistently practicing these three routines, you can notice improvements in bad breath within about 2-3 weeks. Performing them at the same time each day makes them even more effective.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain 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, please consult with a licensed acupuncturist or healthcare professional before performing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Toothache — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    Quick Summary: If you can’t wait for a dental appointment due to toothache, experience emergency pain relief with self-acupressure on acupoints you can do alone in just 5 minutes.

    Introduction

    Sudden tooth pain in the middle of the night, or tooth discomfort that strikes on a weekend morning when the dental office is closed. Everyone experiences these situations at least once, and when they happen, you can’t rely on medication alone. Acupressure on acupoints, which has been validated over centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an emergency remedy that allows you to relieve pain anytime, anywhere with just one finger. This article will introduce you to the 5 most effective acupoints for toothache relief and the correct techniques for applying pressure.

    5 Acupoints Effective for Toothache

    1. Hegu — LI4

    Location: The depressed area between the thumb and index finger. More precisely, it is located at the midpoint of the 2nd metacarpal bone. It is the highest point you feel when you push your index finger inward between the thumb and index finger.

    Benefits: Hegu is known as the “universal acupoint” for its excellent pain-relieving abilities. It is particularly effective at rapidly relieving all facial and head pain—toothaches, migraines, and facial pain. It also simultaneously boosts immunity and relieves stress.

    Technique: Press Hegu deeply with the thumb of the opposite hand. Maintain strong pressure (7-8/10 intensity) for about 3 minutes, alternating 2 seconds of pressure with 1 second of release. Circular massage motions are also effective.

    2. Quchi — LI11

    Location: At the outer end (thumb side) of the crease that forms when you bend your elbow at 90 degrees. When the arm is extended, it is at the upper end of the centerline on the inside of the elbow.

    Benefits: Quchi is an important acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian that relieves not only toothaches but also jaw pain and neck stiffness. It promotes blood circulation to reduce inflammation and is particularly effective for toothaches caused by fever or colds.

    Technique: Press Quchi vertically with the thumb of the opposite hand. Press firmly for 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds, and repeat this cycle for 1 minute. Warming the elbow with lukewarm water before applying pressure increases effectiveness.

    3. Taixi — KI3

    Location: On the inside of the ankle, in the depressed area between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. When you trace the inside of the ankle with your finger, you can feel a depression about 1 cm deep between the bone and tendon.

    Benefits: As the source point of the Kidney meridian, it replenishes the body’s yin energy. It is particularly effective for chronic toothaches, especially those caused by hormonal changes in women. It also relieves stress-related teeth grinding and helps with toothaches worsened by insomnia.

    Technique: Gently press Taixi with your finger or acupressure tool. Begin with light pressure (4-5/10 intensity) and gradually increase the strength. Apply pressure 3 times a day for 3 minutes each session, with pressure before bedtime being especially effective.

    4. Neiting — ST44

    Location: On the dorsum of the foot, in the webbing between the 2nd and 3rd toes. It is the firm point you feel when you push between the toes toward the middle.

    Benefits: An important acupoint on the Stomach meridian, it reduces stomach heat, a primary cause of toothaches. It rapidly relieves pain from gum swelling and oral ulcers. It is particularly excellent for toothaches worsened by poor digestion.

    Technique: Press Neiting firmly with your thumb (6-7/10 intensity). Repeat cycles of 3 seconds of pressure followed by 2 seconds of release, applying pressure for 2-3 minutes per session. For severe pain, a warm compress applied before pressure application increases effectiveness.

    5. Yifeng — TE17

    Location: Behind the ear, in the depressed area between the mastoid process (the bony protrusion behind the ear) and the mandibular ramus. When you trace down behind the ear with your finger, you find the point where the temporal bone and jaw bone meet.

    Benefits: An acupoint on the Triple Burner meridian that directly stimulates the nerves of the ear and face. It relieves not only toothaches but also jaw joint pain (TMJ) and facial neuralgia. It also improves seborrheic dermatitis and facial swelling.

    Technique: Massage Yifeng with your middle or ring fingers on both sides in circular motions. Apply moderate pressure (5-6/10 intensity) for 2 minutes. Gently moving your jaw side to side while applying pressure also relieves jaw muscle tension.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Emergency Acute Toothache Relief Routine (Pain relief time: 10-20 minutes)

    Step 1 (1 minute): Press Hegu deeply for 3 minutes. Alternating between both hands makes the pressure more effective.

    Step 2 (1 minute): Apply pressure to Quchi on the same side for 1 minute. Immersing your arm in warm water before applying pressure doubles the effectiveness.

    Step 3 (1 minute): Apply pressure to Neiting for 30 seconds on each foot alternately.

    Step 4 (1 minute): Massage Yifeng on both sides simultaneously in circular motions with both hands.

    Step 5 (1 minute): Slowly press Taixi while taking deep breaths.

    Repeating this routine 3-4 times a day can reduce pain to a manageable level until you can visit the dentist.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain 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, be sure to consult with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before applying these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with 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.