Introduction
Have you ever stayed up at night due to sudden skin itching or found it difficult to concentrate on daily tasks? Skin itching is not just a simple symptom—it’s a signal from your body. In traditional Chinese medicine, skin itching is diagnosed as “heat from dampness” or “qi and blood deficiency.” When the body’s qi and blood become stagnant or heat accumulates due to stress, dry environments, or poor eating habits, skin itching appears. By consistently stimulating specific acupoints, you can promote blood circulation and strengthen immune function to relieve itching. This article introduces the 5 most effective acupoints for improving skin itching and how to perform self-acupressure.
5 Acupoints Good for Skin Itching
1. Quchi (LI11) — The Acupoint That Clears Heat and Boosts Immunity
Location: Located at the end of the inner crease of the arm when the elbow is bent. Using the thumb of the opposite hand, follow the centerline on the inner side of the arm and find the point where it touches the inner elbow crease.
Technique: Using your thumb, press slowly and deeply for 3 seconds, then slowly release over 3 seconds. Repeat this 10 times.
Effects: Quchi is an acupoint on the “Large Intestine Meridian” that clears heat from the body and reduces inflammation. It is particularly effective for improving skin conditions such as skin itching, eczema, and hives, and also helps prevent colds by strengthening immunity.
2. Xuehai (BL55) — The Acupoint That Promotes Blood Circulation
Location: Located on the center of the back of the calf, about 3-4 cm below the knee. It is slightly to the inner side of the center of the calf muscle (gastrocnemius).
Technique: Press vertically using your thumb or a knuckle joint. Apply pressure strong enough to feel slight discomfort for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times on each leg.
Effects: As its name suggests, Xuehai is an acupoint related to “blood.” It activates blood circulation to supply nutrients and oxygen to the skin and promotes toxin elimination. It is effective not only for skin itching but also for improving skin tone and recovering from fatigue.
3. Sanyinjiao (SP6) — Boosts Immunity and Improves Skin Tone
Location: Located about 4 cm (4 finger widths) above the highest bone on the inner ankle (medial malleolus). Follow the inner edge of the tibia bone upward.
Technique: Using your thumb, press deeply while breathing slowly, then release. Repeat 15 times on each ankle, twice daily.
Effects: Sanyinjiao is where three meridians meet—the Spleen Meridian, Liver Meridian, and Kidney Meridian—which is why it is named “three yin.” It strengthens immunity, balances hormones, and improves skin tone and texture. By activating qi and blood circulation throughout the body, it addresses the root cause of skin itching.
4. Hegu (LI4) — The Versatile Acupoint That Regulates Whole-Body Function
Location: Located in the deep space between the thumb and index finger, at the point where the finger bones meet. You can find this sensitive area by slowly pressing with the opposite thumb.
Technique: Using the opposite thumb, press vertically and deeply. You may feel slight discomfort. Press for 5 seconds and release for 3 seconds, repeat 10 times.
Effects: Hegu is called the “universal acupoint” because it affects the whole body. In addition to skin health, it is effective for stress relief, immune enhancement, and promoting metabolism. It is particularly helpful for relieving stress-related symptoms that occur together with skin itching.
5. Fengshi (GB31) — The Specialized Acupoint for Relieving Skin Itching and Eczema
Location: Located on the outer side of the leg, about 10-12 cm above the knee (in the center of the thigh). It is at the point where your fingertips touch when your arms hang naturally at your sides.
Technique: Overlap the middle and index fingers of both hands and press vertically. Gradually increase the pressure and press for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times on each leg.
Effects: Fengshi is a specialized acupoint for “skin itching caused by dampness.” It shows quick results especially for itching caused by eczema, hives, and allergic dermatitis, and improves skin condition while preventing recurrence.
5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine
Recommended Time: It is most effective to perform this routine twice daily—morning and evening—for 5 minutes each.
Acupressure Order and Time Allocation:
- [1 minute] Both Quchi (LI11) — 30 seconds × 2 rounds
- [1 minute] Both Hegu (LI4) — 30 seconds × 2 rounds
- [1 minute] Both Sanyinjiao (SP6) — 30 seconds × 2 rounds
- [1 minute] Both Xuehai (BL55) — 30 seconds × 2 rounds
- [1 minute] Both Fengshi (GB31) — 30 seconds × 2 rounds
Precautions: After acupressure, drink warm water and avoid exposure to cold air for at least 30 minutes. When starting out, begin with light pressure and observe how your body responds before increasing intensity. If you have wounds on your skin or severe inflammation, consult a healthcare professional before performing acupressure.
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