Acupoint Guide

Tag: skin problems

  • 5 Acupoints for Skin Problems — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line Summary: Recover your skin health with the precise locations and acupressure techniques of 5 acupoints that improve blood circulation and hormone balance.

    Introduction

    Endless skin concerns like acne, dryness, and inflammation. You may have tried skincare products and dermatological procedures, but sometimes they don’t provide fundamental solutions. Traditional Chinese medicine views skin problems as stemming from insufficient blood circulation in the body, hormone imbalance, and toxin accumulation. Without invasive procedures, investing just 5 minutes daily to stimulate acupoints can improve your constitution from the foundation.

    5 Acupoints Effective for Skin Issues

    1. Sanyinjiao (SP6)

    Location: About 9cm above the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone), on the posterior medial surface of the tibia. Following the inner edge of the tibia upward, you’ll find a slight depression where approximately three finger widths enter.

    Effects: It balances hormones to alleviate skin troubles before menstruation, and promotes whole-body blood circulation to enhance skin regeneration. As a representative acupoint for women’s health, it’s effective not only for skin but also for constitutional improvement.

    Acupressure Method: Sit on the floor with your legs bent, and repeatedly press firmly with your thumb for 3-5 seconds at a time. Apply moderate pressure until you feel a slight tenderness. Perform 2-3 times daily, ideally in the morning and evening.

    2. Quchi (LI11)

    Location: When the elbow is bent, it’s located at the outermost end of the elbow crease. When the arm is extended, you can find it on the outer end of the creases above the inner aspect of the elbow.

    Effects: It improves large intestine function to expel internal heat and toxins while strengthening immunity. It’s particularly effective for inflammatory skin conditions, acne, and calming red skin.

    Acupressure Method: Using the opposite thumb, slowly press in circular motions for 1 minute. Consistent stimulation until you feel warmth will speed up the skin-calming effects.

    3. Weizhong (BL40)

    Location: When the knee is bent, it’s located in the center of the popliteal crease on the back of the knee. It’s the exact midpoint between the left and right tendons.

    Effects: It’s one of the most powerful acupoints for promoting whole-body blood circulation. It reduces internal heat, expels toxins, and improves overall skin health.

    Acupressure Method: In a seated position, overlap your thumbs and repeatedly press gently for about 1 minute. A slight tender sensation indicates the appropriate pressure.

    4. Jianyu (LI15)

    Location: With the arm raised 90 degrees to the side, it’s the depression in front of the anterior deltoid. It’s the point that relaxes when you shrug your shoulder.

    Effects: It activates upper body blood circulation to improve facial skin tone and enhance skin elasticity. It also improves respiratory health, helping you regain comprehensive skin radiance.

    Acupressure Method: Gently tap with your fingers or press gently with your thumb in a semicircular motion. Perform 1-2 times daily, with concentrated stimulation in the evening for best results.

    5. Xuehai (SP10)

    Location: About 6cm (two finger widths) above the superomedial border of the patella, at the bulging point of the inner thigh muscle. Following the inner knee line upward makes it easy to locate.

    Effects: It generates blood and promotes circulation, effectively improving dull skin and wrinkles caused by blood deficiency. It also helps resolve skin troubles caused by hormone imbalance.

    Acupressure Method: Sit on the floor with your legs extended, and repeat pressing with your thumb for 3-5 seconds, 10-15 times. The effects double if you apply warm heat with a heat pack before acupressure.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning 2-Minute Routine (Improving Skin Clarity): SP6 (1 minute) → SP10 (1 minute). Promote blood circulation before heading out to brighten your complexion.

    Evening 3-Minute Routine (Promoting Skin Regeneration): LI11 (1 minute) → BL40 (1 minute) → LI15 (1 minute). Expel toxins accumulated throughout the day and support skin regeneration.

    2-3 Times Weekly Intensive Routine (Comprehensive Improvement): Stimulate SP6 → LI11 → BL40 → LI15 → SP10 in order, each for 1 minute. Practicing on Sunday evenings or when your skin is troubled will show quick improvement.

    🤰 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, be sure to 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.

  • Quchi (LI11) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Technique

    One-line summary: Quchi (LI11) is an acupoint located at the outer end of the elbow crease, which is excellent for relieving fever and high blood pressure, and improving skin problems and allergy symptoms.

    What is Quchi?

    Quchi (LI11) is the 11th acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian, located on the yang aspect of the arm meridian. It is one of the most important acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine, with the ability to clear heat from the body and promote the circulation of qi and blood. It is particularly frequently used for managing fever, high blood pressure, and skin conditions.

    How to Find the Exact Location

    Step 1: Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle.
    Step 2: Find the crease of your elbow (elbow crease).
    Step 3: Locate the outer end of the elbow crease (on the thumb side).
    Step 4: When you press that point, you will feel a slight depression between the bone and tendon, which is Quchi.
    Tip: The exact location is where you feel slight soreness or tenderness when you press with your finger.

    Acupressure Method

    Basic Acupressure Technique:
    1. Sit in a comfortable position and bend your elbow.
    2. Find the location of Quchi using the thumb of your opposite hand.
    3. Apply pressure slowly, massaging in circular motions.
    4. Press for about 10-20 seconds, then slowly release the pressure.
    5. Repeat this motion 3-5 times.
    Intensity: A slight soreness that is tolerable (a dull aching sensation) is appropriate.
    Duration: Perform for about 1-2 minutes per session, 2-3 times per day.

    Main Benefits

    • Fever Relief: Quchi is the most effective acupoint for clearing heat from the body, rapidly alleviating high fever from colds or heat sensations in summer.
    • High Blood Pressure Management: It promotes the circulation of qi and blood to stabilize blood pressure, and sustained long-term acupressure helps improve symptoms of high blood pressure.
    • Skin Problem Resolution: It is effective for improving inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and eczema.
    • Allergy Symptom Relief: It suppresses allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
    • Elbow Pain Relief: It directly alleviates tennis elbow and elbow pain.
    • Immune System Enhancement: Regular acupressure strengthens the immune system.

    When is the Best Time to Practice Acupressure?

    Optimal Time: Acupressure is more effective when performed in the afternoon between 3-5 PM (when the Large Intestine meridian is most active).
    Situational Recommendations:
    – When experiencing high fever: Perform immediately for fever-reducing effects
    – When skin is irritated: Practice acupressure consistently twice daily
    – When stressed: It helps calm the mind and body
    – For prevention: Regular acupressure 3-4 times weekly is effective for maintaining health

    Precautions

    When to Avoid: Avoid acupressure when there are wounds or infections on the skin.
    Avoid Excessive Pressure: Applying excessive pressure can cause tissue damage, so press only to the point where you feel tenderness.
    Pregnant Women Caution: Pregnant women should consult with a professional before proceeding.
    Professional Consultation: If you have chronic conditions or are taking long-term medications, consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.
    Hygiene Management: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after acupressure, and use clean hands during the practice.

    🤰 Pregnant Women Warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or potentially pregnant, you must consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or healthcare 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, please consult with a healthcare professional.
  • 5 Acupoints Beneficial for Cough and Skin Problems Simultaneously

    5 Acupoints Beneficial for Cough and Skin Problems Simultaneously

    One-line Summary: By consistently stimulating 5 acupoints that strengthen lung function, boost immunity, and promote skin regeneration, you can simultaneously relieve cough and skin problems.

    Introduction

    If you’ve been experiencing persistent cough and your skin has also deteriorated, this is because your respiratory system and skin are closely interconnected. In traditional medicine, it’s understood that weakened lung function leads to reduced skin cell turnover, which causes acne, dryness, and inflammation. In this article, we introduce 5 powerful acupoints that simultaneously relieve cough symptoms and restore skin health.

    5 Acupoints for Cough and Skin Problems

    1. Sanyinjiao — SP6

    Location: Located 3 cun (approximately 4 cm) above the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus) along the inner edge of the tibia, in the depression on the inner side of the shinbone.

    Effects: Activates spleen and liver function to improve the body’s water metabolism. This allows the skin to absorb moisture more effectively, while simultaneously promoting lung fluid secretion to alleviate dryness from cough. This is a key acupoint for strengthening immunity.

    Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb joint, slowly press for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating this pattern. Apply this technique to both legs for 2 minutes each. Performing this in the evening also helps promote better sleep.

    2. Quchi — LI11

    Location: Located at the outer end of the elbow crease on the inner arm when the arm is bent. When the elbow is fully flexed, it’s at the end of the vertical crease, on the side toward the thumb.

    Effects: Clears heat from the large intestine and regulates immune function. It cools throat heat caused by cough and simultaneously alleviates skin inflammation (acne, pimples) caused by intestinal heat. This is an important acupoint for balancing respiratory and digestive health.

    Acupressure Technique: Using the thumb of your opposite hand, apply firm pressure for 10 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating this pattern. Apply this technique to both arms for 1.5 minutes each. Splitting the practice between morning and evening yields better results.

    3. Dazhui — GV14

    Location: Located in the depression directly below the most prominent bone when you lower your head (the 7th cervical vertebra), at the center of the line between the neck and upper back.

    Effects: Supplements the body’s yang qi and strengthens lung function. Improves weakened lung function, the root cause of chronic cough, and boosts overall immunity to strengthen the skin’s resistance. It’s particularly effective for respiratory systems sensitive to cold air and recurring skin issues.

    Acupressure Technique: Since it’s on the back of the neck, direct pressure may be difficult. Use the joint of your thumb or massage in circular motions with warm fingers. Apply this technique twice daily, 1 minute each time. Combining it with warm compress therapy doubles the effectiveness.

    4. Shanzhong — CV17

    Location: Located at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples, on the breastbone (sternum) at the 4th intercostal space, in the center between both breasts.

    Effects: This is the most important acupoint for regulating lung and heart qi. It immediately relieves chest pain and tightness from cough, deepens breathing, and restores lung function. It also improves skin problems caused by hormonal imbalances from stress.

    Acupressure Technique: Massage gently in circular motions with your fingers, or press with warm hands for 5 seconds and rest, repeating this pattern. Placing four fingers from both hands together on the center of the chest and applying acupressure while taking deep breaths calms both body and mind. Apply this technique 3 times daily.

    5. Lieque — LU7

    Location: Located 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) above the wrist crease, above the radial styloid process (wrist bone) on the thumb side, in the depression between the radius and the radial styloid process.

    Effects: The most important acupoint of the lung meridian, it improves weakened lungs, the direct cause of cough. It keeps the nasal and throat mucous membranes moist to address cough symptoms at their root, and restores skin’s shine and elasticity. It shows immediate effects for acute cough.

    Acupressure Technique: Using the tip of your opposite hand’s thumb, slowly press for 10 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating this pattern. Apply this technique to both arms for 2 minutes each. When cough is severe, it’s fine to apply this technique 4-5 times daily. It’s more effective if you soak your wrist in warm water before the treatment.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning (Right After Waking): First, stimulate Lieque (LU7) on both arms for 1 minute each to awaken your lungs. Then massage Shanzhong (CV17) for 1 minute while taking deep breaths.

    Midday (2-3 PM): Press Quchi (LI11) on both arms for 1 minute each to clear heat.

    Evening (Before Bed): Stimulate Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both legs for 2 minutes each, and finally massage Dazhui (GV14) for 1 minute. Following this sequence allows the meridians stimulated during the day to slowly recover throughout the night, so you’ll notice significant improvement in symptoms the next day.

    🤰 Pregnant Women 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, be sure to consult a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before performing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult a healthcare professional.