One-Line Summary: Motion sickness can be relieved by acupressure on five acupoints including Neiguan, Fengchi, and Taiyang, reducing nausea within 30 seconds, and preventive acupressure before travel can reduce the occurrence of motion sickness by more than 70%.
Introduction
When you get in a car, dizziness hits you; 30 minutes after boarding a plane, nausea overwhelms you—motion sickness. Have you experienced taking medication only to feel drowsy or find the effect insufficient?
Motion sickness occurs from a mismatch between signals received by the inner ear (the organ responsible for balance) and signals received by the eyes. In traditional Chinese medicine, this is understood as a “reversal of qi (氣)”, and it’s believed that stimulating specific acupoints can quickly restore the body’s sense of balance. In particular, the Neiguan point (PC6) is even recognized by modern medicine as a “miracle acupoint for motion sickness,” making it the basis for motion sickness prevention bands.
Five Effective Acupoints for Motion Sickness
1. Neiguan (PC6, Neiguan) — “The Miracle Acupoint for Motion Sickness”
Location: On the inner side of the wrist (forearm) in the middle, about 5-6 cm above the wrist crease toward the elbow. It’s located exactly in the center between two tendons running front to back.
Acupressure Method: Press firmly with your thumb for 5-10 seconds, maintaining strong pressure that doesn’t cause pain. When you feel motion sickness, applying acupressure for 30 seconds to 1 minute produces quick results. For prevention, apply for 1 minute on each arm 15 minutes before traveling.
Effects: Reduces nausea, suppresses vomiting, and relieves chest tightness. It’s also used to alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women and is the most scientifically proven acupoint in modern medicine.
2. Fengchi (GB20, Fengchi) — “The Excellent Remedy for Dizziness”
Location: At the junction between the neck and head, on both sides of the back of the neck. Following the line from below the ear down the neck, you’ll find Fengchi in the hollow depression below the back of the head. There’s one on each side.
Acupressure Method: Place both thumbs in the hollow depressions on both sides of the neck and slowly push upward while applying pressure for 10-15 seconds. Gently rotating your neck left and right 10 times after acupressure doubles the effect.
Effects: Eliminates dizziness, relieves tension in the back of the head, and resolves headaches caused by motion sickness. It’s called “Fengchi” because it addresses diseases caused by “wind” (風).
3. Taiyang (EX-HN5, Taiyang) — “Cool Your Head”
Location: At the temple area. It’s located in a hollow depression about 1-2 cm to the side from the outer corner of the eye. There’s one on each side.
Acupressure Method: Using your index and middle fingers, massage both Taiyang points simultaneously in circular motions for 10-20 repetitions. During a flight, even gentle pressure alone produces an effect.
Effects: Relieves headaches and dizziness, improves blood circulation in the brain, and prevents migraines caused by motion sickness. You’ll feel a cooling sensation immediately after acupressure.
4. Kunlun (BL60, Kunlun) — “The Balance Sensor of the Ankle”
Location: On the outer side of both ankles, in the hollow depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. It’s easy to find by sitting down and crossing your legs.
Acupressure Method: Repeatedly press and release with your thumb or knuckle (finger joints, etc.) for 5-10 seconds, 5-10 times. For motion sickness prevention, apply for 1 minute on each foot.
Effects: Stimulates the vestibular system to restore balance, relieves heaviness in the legs, and reduces fatigue during long journeys. It’s excellent for stabilizing the nervous system.
5. Sanyinjiao (SP6, Sanyinjiao) — “The Meeting Point of Three Meridians”
Location: Above the inner ankle, about 10 cm (the width of four fingers) up from the ankle bone along the shinbone. It’s on the inner side of the shinbone.
Acupressure Method: Press with your thumb for 5-10 seconds, maintaining pressure that causes a slight tingling sensation. For prevention, apply for 1 minute on each foot.
Effects: Improves circulation throughout the body, stabilizes digestion, and relieves digestive discomfort accompanying motion sickness. It’s also excellent for recovering from fatigue.
🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Kunlun (BL60) may cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a professional before applying acupressure. Neiguan, Fengchi, and Taiyang are relatively safe.
Kunlun (BL60) — 1 minute (5-10 seconds × 5 times, alternating feet) Stabilizing the ankles to restore overall balance.
Sanyinjiao (SP6) — 30 seconds (5-10 seconds × 3 times, alternating sides) The finishing step to normalize circulation throughout the body.
Closing: 1 Minute Slowly open your eyes and drink a glass of water if possible. Minimize movement for 5-10 minutes after acupressure.
Motion Sickness Prevention Acupressure (15 Minutes Before Boarding)
When there are no symptoms, perform the above routine at 50% intensity in shortened form:
Neiguan (PC6) — 1 minute on each arm
Fengchi (GB20) — 30 seconds on each side
Kunlun (BL60) — 1 minute on each foot
Total time required: 5-7 minutes. Performing this routine 10-15 minutes before boarding a vehicle can reduce the occurrence of motion sickness by more than 70%.
Precautions When Applying Acupressure
Pressure Intensity: Maintain pressure at the level of “pleasantly painful.” Too light and there’s no effect; too strong and you may bruise.
Breathing: Don’t hold your breath while applying acupressure; breathe slowly instead. Holding your breath can actually worsen nausea.
Time Interval: When repeatedly applying acupressure to the same point, allow at least 3-5 hours between sessions.
Skin Condition: Avoid areas with cuts, inflammation, or swelling.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If motion sickness persists or is severe, or if dizziness may be caused by another condition, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional. Pregnant women, children, and those with chronic conditions are especially recommended to practice acupressure under professional guidance.
One-line Summary: Learn the exact locations and acupressure techniques of five key acupoints—Hegu (LI4), Neiguan (PC6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR3), and Laogong (PC8)—that effectively relieve canker sore symptoms and manage them yourself.
Introduction
Canker sores in your mouth that sting every time you eat and cause pain when brushing your teeth. Though they’re small wounds, they make daily life uncomfortable. Canker sores develop from various causes: viral infections, bacterial growth, nutritional deficiencies, and weakened immunity due to fatigue and stress.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views canker sores as “excess heat in the mouth (stomach heat) and insufficient qi and blood.” Acupoint acupressure is effective at boosting immune function, reducing inflammation, and promoting regeneration of damaged mucous membranes. In particular, it smooths the overall flow of qi in your body to maximize your body’s natural healing ability. It offers fewer side effects than medication while helping to improve your constitution fundamentally.
Five Acupoints, One by One
1. Hegu (LI4) — The Key Acupoint for Immunity Boost and Inflammation Relief
Location: The most prominent area of muscle between the thumb and index finger. It’s the indented area on the thumb side when the back of your hand faces upward.
Acupressure Technique: With your opposite thumb, press the Hegu point firmly for 3–5 seconds, rest for 2–3 seconds, and repeat 10 times. Alternatively, you can massage it in circular motions.
Benefits: As the primary acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian, it significantly boosts immunity. It effectively relieves mouth inflammation, prevents colds, alleviates headaches, and reduces stress. It’s the first acupoint you should stimulate from early to mid-stage canker sores.
2. Neiguan (PC6) — Relieving Stress and Digestive Imbalance
Location: In the center of the inner forearm, about three finger-widths above the wrist crease toward the elbow. It’s the indented area between two tendons.
Acupressure Technique: With your opposite thumb, press the Neiguan point firmly enough to feel slight discomfort for 3–5 seconds each time, and repeat 10 times. Stimulate both arms.
Benefits: As the primary acupoint of the Pericardium meridian, it’s especially effective for stress-related canker sores. It normalizes digestive function, reduces mouth heat, and alleviates insomnia and anxiety. Patients with stress-related canker sores should prioritize stimulating this point.
3. Sanyinjiao (SP6) — Enhancing Immunity and Blood Circulation
Location: On the inner side of the leg, about four finger-widths above the ankle bone. It’s the indented area behind the shin bone (tibia).
Acupressure Technique: Press the Sanyinjiao point with your thumb for 3–5 seconds with enough pressure to feel slight tenderness. Repeat 10 times on both legs.
Benefits: As the intersection point of three meridians—Spleen, Liver, and Kidney—it’s one of the most important acupoints for enhancing whole-body immunity. It promotes blood circulation, helping rapid regeneration of mucous membranes damaged by canker sores. It’s also effective for canker sores caused by hormonal imbalance.
4. Taichong (LR3) — Clearing Stress-Related Heat and Improving Liver Function
Location: On top of the foot, in the indented area between the bones of the big toe and second toe. It’s the most depressed area when your toes are spread.
Acupressure Technique: Slowly press the Taichong point with your thumb for 3–5 seconds while breathing deeply. Repeat 10 times on both feet.
Benefits: As the starting point of the Liver meridian, it’s very effective for canker sores caused by stress and heat. It clears heat from your body, improves liver function, and promotes toxin elimination. You should definitely stimulate this point if your mouth feels bitter or you have bad breath.
5. Laogong (PC8) — Clearing Mouth Heat and Calming Mind and Body
Location: In the center of your palm, at the point where your middle finger and ring finger touch when you make a fist.
Acupressure Technique: With your opposite thumb, slowly massage the Laogong point in circular motions. Massage each hand for 1–2 minutes, stimulating both hands.
Benefits: As a Pericardium meridian acupoint, it quickly cools excess heat in your mouth. It calms your mind and body while immediately relieving mouth pain. It’s also useful as an emergency remedy when canker sores are severe and it’s difficult to close your mouth.
5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine
Time Allocation: Here’s the efficient sequence to complete in 5 minutes.
Preparation (30 seconds) — Soak your hands and feet in warm water to relax the muscles around the acupoints.
Hegu Acupressure (1 minute) — Press and massage both Hegu points firmly for 30 seconds each.
Neiguan Acupressure (1 minute) — Gradually press both Neiguan points for 30 seconds each.
Sanyinjiao Acupressure (1 minute) — Press both Sanyinjiao points for 30 seconds each.
Taichong + Laogong Acupressure (1 minute 30 seconds) — Press both Taichong points for 1 minute, then both Laogong points for 30 seconds.
Cool Down (30 seconds) — Take three deep breaths and relax your entire body.
Important Notes: It’s best to practice this after waiting 30 minutes following meals. Repeat twice daily, morning and evening, and you should notice significant relief from canker sore symptoms within 3–5 days.
🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Among the acupoints above, Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions. If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, please consult with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner before practicing. Pregnant women can safely stimulate only Neiguan (PC6) and Laogong (PC8).
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If canker sore symptoms persist for more than two weeks, pain is severe, or eating is difficult, please consult with a healthcare professional (doctor, dentist, or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner). Consultation with a professional is also recommended if you have an existing medical condition or are taking medications.
