Hives and the Effects of Acupressure
Hives suddenly appear with red patches and severe itching on the arms, legs, and torso. Once they start, they trouble you for days, and the stress of not knowing when they’ll return adds to the problem. In traditional Chinese medicine, hives are called ‘wind rash (風疹)’ or ‘skin heat,’ and are believed to be caused by excessive heat in the body, moisture, and immune imbalance.
Acupressure point massage helps regulate these imbalances and relieves symptoms. In particular, stimulating specific acupoints calms the nervous system, improves blood circulation, and helps cool the body’s heat. By consistently massaging the 5 acupoints introduced in this article, you can effectively manage hives symptoms at home.
5 Acupoints That Help Relieve Hives
1. LI11 (曲池)
Location: This point is located at the outer end of the elbow crease when your elbow is bent. You can feel it by straightening your arm and pressing slightly above the outer end of the forearm.
Effects: LI11 is a major point on the Large Intestine meridian and is most effective at cooling heat in the body. It removes heat and inflammation—the main causes of hives—and regulates the immune system to ease allergic reactions. It’s also excellent at soothing skin itching.
Massage technique: Find LI11 with your thumb, then slowly press and release for 3-5 seconds at a time, repeating 10-15 times. Press until you feel a slight warming sensation. It’s best to do this 3 times daily, about 20 minutes after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2. LI4 (合谷)
Location: This point is located between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand. It’s where the two bones meet when you spread your thumb and index finger apart—a slightly indented area when pressed with your finger.
Effects: LI4 is an important point on the Large Intestine meridian that boosts overall immune function and has anti-inflammatory effects. It quickly relieves itching from hives and calms the nervous system to prevent stress-related hive flare-ups. It’s also effective at easing symptoms in the face and head area.
Massage technique: Find LI4 with your opposite thumb, then massage in circular motions 10-15 times while maintaining steady pressure. It’s most effective when pressed with enough force to feel slight soreness. You can press this point frequently, especially when itching is severe.
3. SP6 (三陰交)
Location: This point is located about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, on the inside of the shin bone. Since both legs have this point at the same height, massage both legs.
Effects: SP6 is an important point where the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians meet. It improves blood circulation and restores skin health. It eases itching from hives and removes excess moisture in the body to prevent recurrence. It’s also effective at strengthening immunity and improving hormonal imbalances.
Massage technique: Find SP6 with your thumb, then press and release for 5-10 seconds at a time, repeating 10-15 times. You know you’ve found the right spot when you feel slight soreness with a sensation spreading through the entire leg. Massage both sides for 10 minutes each before bed to get better sleep while relieving symptoms at the same time.
4. SP10 (血海)
Location: This point is located on the inner side above the knee, about three finger-widths above the hollow area directly above the kneecap. You can find it by bending your leg and pressing along the bone on the inside of the thigh.
Effects: SP10 is an important point on the Spleen meridian, and as its name ‘Sea of Blood’ suggests, it improves blood circulation and removes heat from the blood. Since skin conditions like hives are a manifestation of blood heat on the skin, massaging SP10 addresses the root cause while easing symptoms. It also helps with hive flare-ups caused by irregular menstruation.
Massage technique: Find SP10 with your thumb or index finger, then press and release for 3-5 seconds at a time, repeating 15-20 times. Massage both legs alternately, applying enough pressure until you feel some soreness. Do this twice daily—morning and evening—for best results.
5. LR3 (太衝)
Location: This point is located between the first and second toes on the top of the foot, slightly above where the toe bones meet. It feels slightly indented when you press it with your finger.
Effects: LR3 is an important point on the Liver meridian and effectively relieves hives caused by stress and emotional instability. Since modern cases of hives are primarily caused by stress and unstable emotions, massaging LR3 helps move liver qi and restores emotional stability. It also calms the nervous system and balances immune function.
Massage technique: Find LR3 with your thumb, then press and release for 5-10 seconds at a time, repeating 10-15 times. Be gentle since this area between the toes is sensitive—use moderate pressure. You can massage this point even while wearing shoes, so feel free to press it frequently whenever you experience stress during work.
5-Minute Self-Massage Routine to Relieve Hives
This 5-minute routine is designed so you can do it consistently even in a busy schedule. It’s most effective when done twice daily—morning and evening.
- LI11 (1 minute) — Massage both elbows in sequence. Spend 30 seconds on each arm, repeating the massage about 15 times.
- LI4 (1 minute) — Massage both LI4 points simultaneously or alternately. Spend 30 seconds on each hand, pressing gently in circular motions.
- SP6 (1 minute) — Sitting down, massage both SP6 points alternately. Spend 30 seconds on each leg, slowly pressing and releasing repeatedly.
- SP10 (1 minute) — Sitting down, massage SP10 above the knees on both legs. Spend 30 seconds on each leg, applying sufficient pressure.
- LR3 (1 minute) — Massage both LR3 points alternately. Spend 30 seconds on each foot, stimulating the point between the toes precisely.
Extra tips: Taking deep breaths during massage helps you relax faster. Also, warming your hands and feet with warm water before massage improves blood circulation and enhances the effects.
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