5 Acupressure Points for Mouth Ulcers — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

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.

1. Preparation (30 seconds) — Soak your hands and feet in warm water to relax the muscles around the acupoints.
2. Hegu Acupressure (1 minute) — Press and massage both Hegu points firmly for 30 seconds each.
3. Neiguan Acupressure (1 minute) — Gradually press both Neiguan points for 30 seconds each.
4. Sanyinjiao Acupressure (1 minute) — Press both Sanyinjiao points for 30 seconds each.
5. Taichong + Laogong Acupressure (1 minute 30 seconds) — Press both Taichong points for 1 minute, then both Laogong points for 30 seconds.
6. 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.