Introduction
Does your legs swell up in the evening, with deep sock marks left behind? Leg swelling that appears when you sit or stand for long periods is more than just fatigue. In Oriental medicine, the spleen (脾) is responsible for transporting fluids and nutrients throughout the body. When this function weakens, fluids and waste accumulate in the legs, causing swelling. The good news is that stimulating specific acupoints can significantly reduce swelling. This article introduces the 5 most effective acupoints for relieving leg swelling and easy acupressure techniques you can do at home.
5 Key Acupoints for Relieving Leg Swelling
1. Sanyinjiao (SP6, 三陰交)
Location: 4cm above the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus), on the inner side of the calf. Find it by placing 4 fingers vertically on the ankle and moving upward.
WHO Code: SP6 (Spleen 6)
Acupressure Technique: Press with your thumb for 3 seconds, release for 3 seconds. Apply to each leg for 1 minute each, 2 times daily. You may feel slight soreness at first, which is normal.
Effect: Sanyinjiao means “where three yin meridians meet” (spleen, kidney, and liver) and directly stimulates spleen function. It improves fluid metabolism and promotes blood circulation, making it exceptionally effective for relieving swelling.
2. Yinlingquan (SP9, 陰陵泉)
Location: Below the inner knee, in the indentation at the inner edge of the tibia. It’s easiest to find when your knee is bent.
WHO Code: SP9 (Spleen 9)
Acupressure Technique: Press steadily with your thumb or middle finger. Apply to each leg for 1 minute each, 2 times daily. You’ll know you’ve found it when you feel slight resistance while pressing.
Effect: Strengthens the spleen’s fluid-transporting function and improves lymph circulation. People with sedentary jobs particularly benefit from this point.
3. Zusanli (ST36, 足三里)
Location: Below the outer knee, slightly outward from the outer edge of the tibia. It’s located about 3 finger widths down from the knee toward the ankle.
WHO Code: ST36 (Stomach 36)
Acupressure Technique: Press with your thumb in an upward pushing motion. Apply to each leg for 1-2 minutes each, 2 times daily.
Effect: Known as “the samli of the legs,” it promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the entire leg and boosts immune function. It relieves not only swelling but also leg fatigue.
4. Kunlun (BL60, 崑崙)
Location: In the indentation between the outer ankle bone (lateral malleolus) and the Achilles tendon.
WHO Code: BL60 (Bladder 60)
Acupressure Technique: Press firmly with your thumb for 3-5 seconds at a time. Apply to each leg for 1 minute each, 2 times daily.
Effect: An important point on the bladder meridian that promotes qi and blood circulation in the lower body. It strengthens kidney function, improves fluid elimination, and rapidly relieves swelling.
5. Taichong (LR3, 太衝)
Location: On the dorsum of the foot, in the indentation between the big toe and second toe. Find it by following the space between the bones upward.
WHO Code: LR3 (Liver 3)
Acupressure Technique: Press slowly with your thumb and release. Apply to each foot for 1 minute each, 2 times daily.
Effect: Improves liver qi circulation to activate overall metabolic function throughout the body. It prevents swelling from worsening due to stress and promotes metabolism.
5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine
Best Time: 9-10 PM (1 hour before bed)
- Sanyinjiao (1 minute): 30 seconds each leg, with firm pressure
- Yinlingquan (1 minute): 30 seconds each leg, maintaining steady pressure
- Zusanli (1 minute): 30 seconds each leg, with an upward pushing motion
- Kunlun (1 minute): 30 seconds each leg, with deep pressure
- Taichong (1 minute): 30 seconds each foot, with gentle but firm stimulation
Tip: Press each acupoint until you feel a slight warmth. Be careful not to press too hard, as this may cause bruising.
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