Acupressure isn’t difficult
After eating, that uncomfortable feeling, that stuffy sensation in your stomach… many of us experience it. Acupressure becomes a truly good companion when you’re wondering if you need to see a doctor, or when you want to manage your health gently in everyday life. Acupressure isn’t a special technique. It’s a simple method anyone can do with their own hands. You don’t need to be as precise as an expert. Starting today, let’s learn how to care for indigestion together.
What to know before you start
The basics of acupressure are simple. First, it shouldn’t hurt. Apply moderate pressure, but the kind that doesn’t cause pain is best. Second, breathe. When you press, exhale, and when you release, inhale—breathing together with the pressure makes it more effective. Third, wash your hands and do it in a comfortable position. Not complicated, right? These three things are enough.
Remember just these 3 locations
First: Zusanli (ST36)
How to find it: Feel the outer side below your knee. When you kneel, there’s a protruding part on the front of the tibia (shin bone). Follow the line on the outer side and go down about three finger widths (about 10cm) below your knee. When you press with your finger, you’ll find a slight depression—that’s Zusanli. Both legs have it in the same location.
How to press it: Press slowly with your thumb, with the feeling that you’re touching deep into the bone. When you feel a comfortable stimulation without pain, that’s exactly the right pressure. You can press for 5-10 seconds at a time and release repeatedly, or massage by drawing circles continuously. About one minute is enough.
When to press it: After meals when you feel bloated, in the evening before ending your day when you want to aid digestion, and in the morning when you want to activate your intestines—these are the best times.
Second: Sanyinjiao (SP6)
How to find it: Look at the inner side of your ankle. You’ll see the most protruding bone on the inner ankle (medial malleolus). Measure up three finger widths (about 10cm) directly above that bone. The inner end of the shin bone, in a slightly depressed area, is Sanyinjiao. This acupoint is known to be especially beneficial for women.
How to press it: This area can be a bit sensitive, so approach it slowly. Using your thumb or index finger, press as if tapping, while feeling a comfortable stimulation. Repeat pressing for 3-5 seconds and releasing, or massage with very gentle circular motions. Again, about one minute is appropriate.
When to press it: When your intestines aren’t functioning properly, when digestion is affected by your menstrual cycle, and when there’s abdominal discomfort due to stress. Many people experience improved sleep quality when they focus on pressing this in the evening.
Third: Zhongwan (CV12)
How to find it: Let’s think in terms of your navel. Go straight up about four finger widths (about 12cm) from your navel, and you’ll find the epigastrium (the soft area below your chest). The exact midpoint between your navel and epigastrium, on the center line of your abdomen (the vertical line passing through your navel), is Zhongwan. You’ll feel it slightly depress when you press.
How to press it: It’s best when you’re lying down. Lie comfortably and bend your knees slightly to relax your abdomen. Press with your thumb as if gently shaking up and down, or massage in circular motions. Apply slightly less pressure than on Zusanli. A comfortable stimulation without pain works best. One minute, or a maximum of two minutes, is enough.
When to press it: The best time is 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating. It’s especially effective when you want to help food move down your digestive tract, when your epigastrium feels stuffy and you burp frequently, and when you feel discomfort after meals. Pressing it at night can help with digestion throughout the night.
Beginner 3-minute routine
The easiest way is to do this in order, one minute each. Start with Zusanli on both legs (1 minute), then press Sanyinjiao on both ankles (1 minute), and finally lie down on your belly and press Zhongwan (1 minute)—that’s exactly 3 minutes. This routine is enough once or twice a day. The best times are one hour after lunch or one hour after dinner. If you don’t have time in the morning before work, it’s important to do it consistently in the evening.
3 common mistakes
- Pressing too hard — Some people think it needs to hurt to be effective. But with acupressure, pain can actually have the opposite effect. About one level below what feels “right” is best.
- Doing it too often — Some people press more than 10 times a day hoping to see results. But once or twice is enough. Overdoing it can cause fatigue.
- Doing it anytime, anywhere — Pressing right after eating or while digestion is happening can interfere with the process. Wait at least 30 minutes, do it in a comfortable position, and breathe easily.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How consistently do I need to do this to feel results?
A. It varies by person, but most people feel changes after about 2 weeks of consistent practice. By 3 weeks to a month, there’s a high likelihood of experiencing clear improvements in daily life. Since everyone’s body responds at different speeds, it’s important not to rush and to keep practicing consistently.
Moving to the next level
Once you’re comfortable with these 3 locations, there are additional acupoints worth trying. Places like ‘Tianshu (ST25)’ on both sides of your navel and ‘Qihai (CV6)’ just below your rib cage. But at first, it’s enough to know these three—Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, and Zhongwan—thoroughly. Once you gain confidence, you can slowly expand to other acupoints.
