5 Acupoints for Arthritis — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

The Relationship Between Arthritis and Acupoint Pressure

Arthritis is a persistent problem affecting many middle-aged and older people. Pain and stiffness in various joints—knees, wrists, ankles, shoulders—greatly limit daily activities. In traditional Chinese medicine, arthritis is viewed as resulting from “insufficient qi and blood circulation” and “blocked meridians.” By stimulating specific acupoints, you can unblock the meridians and allow qi and blood to flow smoothly, reducing inflammation and pain. In particular, self-acupressure has the advantage of being performed at home anytime without visiting a hospital.

Five Effective Acupoints for Arthritis Relief

1. Pool at the Bend (LI11) — The All-Purpose Elbow Acupoint

WHO Code: LI11 (Large Intestine Meridian 11) | Location: At the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent

Pool at the Bend excels at relieving overall pain and stiffness in the arm. It is particularly effective for arm, elbow, and shoulder pain caused by arthritis. For acupressure, press with your thumb for 3–5 seconds, release, and repeat; or apply circular pressure in a clockwise direction 20–30 times. The ideal intensity is “tender but pleasantly sore” (a comfortable pressure sensation). With consistent stimulation, you’ll gradually notice relief in arm stiffness and an increased range of motion.

2. Union Valley (LI4) — The Acupoint for Full-Body Pain Relief

WHO Code: LI4 (Large Intestine Meridian 4) | Location: In the hollow between the thumb and index finger

This acupoint is so famous that there’s a traditional medicine saying: “If you know only Union Valley, you need not fear a hundred ailments.” Union Valley is excellent at promoting qi and blood circulation throughout the body and reducing pain. It helps not just with arthritis in the fingers and wrists, but with inflammatory pain throughout the body. Press firmly with the thumb of the opposite hand, alternating between both hands for even greater effect. It is recommended to stimulate each hand for 2–3 minutes, three times daily.

3. Committee Middle (BL40) — The Remedy for Leg Arthritis

WHO Code: BL40 (Bladder Meridian 40) | Location: At the center of the crease behind the knee

If you have knee arthritis, this is the first acupoint you should stimulate. Committee Middle improves blood circulation throughout the leg and quickly relieves knee inflammation and pain. It’s also effective when your legs feel stiff from prolonged sitting. Press both knees’ Committee Middle points with both thumbs continuously for 3–5 minutes. If you follow up by slowly bending and straightening your knees 5–10 times, the effect will be even greater. If you have knee discomfort due to arthritis, acupressure daily is recommended.

4. Three Yin Crossing (SP6) — The Intersection Point of Full-Body Qi and Blood Circulation

WHO Code: SP6 (Spleen Meridian 6) | Location: Four finger widths above the inner ankle bone (on the inner side of the shin bone)

Three Yin Crossing is where the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians meet, making it an important point for promoting qi and blood circulation throughout the body. It is particularly effective for relieving arthritis pain in the legs and ankles while also strengthening overall body immunity. Press firmly with your thumb and apply circular pressure for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stimulate both legs alternately, two times daily, for best results. Consistent stimulation contributes to reducing inflammatory responses throughout the body.

5. Yin Spring at the Mound (SP9) — The Specialized Acupoint for Knee Joints

WHO Code: SP9 (Spleen Meridian 9) | Location: In the hollow on the inner side of the shin bone below the knee

This acupoint shows excellent results for knee arthritis, particularly for inner knee pain. As the convergence point of the Spleen meridian, Yin Spring at the Mound excels at removing moisture and inflammation around the joint. If you experience swelling and stiffness due to knee arthritis, this acupoint can help. Using your thumb, press until you feel tenderness, hold for 5–10 seconds, then slowly release; repeat 10 times. Stimulate this point twice daily for 5 minutes each time, and you should notice changes within 1–2 weeks.

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine

For the best results, perform acupressure in the following order at the same time each day.

1. Warm-up (30 seconds): Sit in a comfortable position and take 3 deep breaths.
2. Union Valley (LI4) Stimulation (1 minute): Alternate between both hands, pressing Union Valley for 1 minute total.
3. Pool at the Bend (LI11) Stimulation (1 minute): Press Pool at the Bend on each arm for 30 seconds in turn. (Total: 1 minute)
4. Committee Middle (BL40) Stimulation (1 minute): Stimulate Committee Middle on both knees for 30 seconds each. (Total: 1 minute)
5. Yin Spring at the Mound (SP9) Stimulation (45 seconds): Stimulate Yin Spring at the Mound below both knees for 20 seconds each.
6. Three Yin Crossing (SP6) Stimulation (45 seconds): Stimulate Three Yin Crossing on the inner sides of both ankles for 20 seconds each.
7. Cool-down (15 seconds): Take 2 slow, deep breaths and finish.

Tip: The best results come from performing this routine twice daily—after waking in the morning and before bed at night. Drinking warm water right after acupressure further promotes qi and blood circulation.