8 Acupressure Points

Ive put together a list of 8 of my most commonly used acupoints for you to try at home. Were talking
about some of the most popularly used of over 350 commonly used acupuncture points in the human
body. Point location itself is complex and takes many years to master, but there are some points that can
be used successfully with basic acupressure techniques. The points that follow have quite common
purposes and don't solely rely on an in-depth diagnosis to prove beneficial. Of course it's preferable to visit
your acupuncturist first to determine the best course of treatment for your particular condition.
To apply acupressure, youll need to simply apply light pressure and use a gentle circling motion with your
index finger or middle finger over the point highlighted in green on our pictures. Aim to spend around 5
minutes, or less where indicated, massaging each point.

Caution: Do not use the following points if pregnant, or if you think you could be pregnant.
Paul Adkins Lic.Ac., BA(Hons), 1st Dan, FEA, MBAcC, MCAUK, MMNTUK
Member of the British Acupuncture Council


Give Yourself a Boost

Stomach 36

Known as Zu San Li, the Stomach 36 point translates as Three Leg Mile. This is one of my favourite
points, as it can give your energy levels a much needed boost.

Its unusual name gives us a clue to its use; it's believed to come
from the practice, in ancient China, of foot soldiers stopping
every three miles to rub the point to give them more energy to
continue.

As this is a Stomach point, it's also great for strengthening and
regulating the digestive system. Incidentally, ancient physicians
believed this point could be used to 'treat all diseases'!

ST36 can also be a very relaxing point as it helps to calm the
mind, plus your acupuncturist may use it to tonify blood and Qi
deficiencies.

It's a little tricky to locate at about 'four fingers' width below the kneecap, in the dip between the shinbone
and the leg muscle. Ask me next time you're at The Mitchell Hill Clinic for treatment, if you have any
difficulty. Once located, this point can be gently massaged with your index finger or middle finger for a
couple of minutes to give you a burst of energy.







Remember, this point is useful for a boost, but don't use it purely to keep forging ahead, when what you
really need is a good night's sleep!

Headaches
In my experience, the following acupressure points are effective for helping to alleviate headaches. Simply
apply light pressure and use a gentle circling motion with your index finger or middle finger over the points
described in more detail below. Try to spend at least 5 minutes on each.
Yin Tang
If youre one of my regular acupuncture patients, its likely that you will have
experienced the effects of this wonderful extra point, known as Hall of Seal in
English; this point calms the spirit.
Its located between the eyebrows in whats commonly considered to be the third
eye. Alongside its use for frontal headaches, Yin Tang can also help to relieve
sinus problems.
Many of my patients love this one and have likened the sensation to the
switching off of a computer, as their mind begins to quieten and they relax into
the couch.
Large Intestine 4
This is one of the better known acupressure points for relieving
headaches; found in the fleshy area where your index finger and thumb
bone meet.
Its Chinese name is He Gu, which in English means Union Valley.
Especially good for headaches at the front of the head, this is a point I
use for a range of facial issues.
Do not use if pregnant.
Gallbladder 14
The Chinese name for this point is Yang Bai, meaning Yang White in English. Its
located around an inch above the middle of your eyebrows; you can use
acupressure simultaneously on both the left and right side of your head.
Use this point in conjunction with the two above to bring relief from headaches.
This is also a good one to try if youre suffering from a twitching eyelid!
Caution: Always consult your GP if your headaches persist and youre in
any way concerned.





Insomnia

Heart 7

Cant sleep? Feeling nervous or anxious? Heart 7 is known in Chinese as
Shen Men and translated as Spirit Gate or Mind Door, this acupoint is often
used to strengthen the mind and to reduce heart palpitations. Its located on the
wrist crease, in line with the little finger, and in my experience is very effective
for calming the mind, soothing anxiety and combating insomnia due to an over-
excited mind.

Simply apply light pressure and use a gentle circling motion with your index
finger or middle finger over the point highlighted in green on our picture. This
can be done quite discreetly during times of anxiety or nervousness, perhaps during an event or function.
Also, as mentioned above, if you wake in the middle of the night, try this to help you rest and relax. Aim to
spend at least 5 minutes massaging Heart 7, but use only when needed.


Nausea

Pericardium 6
As a Zita West Affiliated Fertility Acupuncturist Im fortunate to regularly support
women throughout the early stages of their pregnancy. Therefore, with around
50 to 80 per cent of all pregnant women experiencing nausea or vomiting,
something Im often called upon to help with is morning sickness.

A 2009 review from The Cochrane Collaboration (See 1.) showed that the
classical acupuncture point Pericardium 6 (Neiguan or Inner Gate), significantly
reduces the symptoms of nausea and vomiting following surgery.

Further trials have shown that acupuncture can also treat nausea, associated with morning sickness and
chemotherapy. Have you seen those wrist bands that people wear if they suffer from motion sickness?
Well, P6 is the point that they're working on.

The Pericardium channel runs from the middle finger, making its way through the chest and into the
stomach. Stimulating P6 helps the qi to flow downwards and calm the digestive tract.

So, its well worth visiting your acupuncturist to help alleviate the problem. I create a unique treatment plan
based on the reasons behind your symptoms and tend to use a combination of points depending on the
patient. However, if youre looking to maximise the effects between treatments, using this acupressure
point can be beneficial.






N.B. P6 is considered safe during pregnancy however, as your acupuncturist will be able to locate the
exact position, I recommend that my patients consult with me before using any acupressure points once
pregnant.
The point is located a sixth of the way between your wrist and elbow. So, if you visually divide this section
in half, P6 will be a third of the way from your wrist crease (see picture). If you feel between the two
tendons that run down the centre of the inside of your arm, it will be a little tender at the acupressure point.

Press down lightly with your index or middle finger and use a gentle circling motion over the point
highlighted in green on our picture. Do this for between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Get the Qi Moving

Liver 3

Tai Chong or Supreme Rushing is another common acupuncture point that I regularly
use at The Mitchell Hill Clinic.

Liver 3 is among my favourite points as it's one of the Four Gates, so great for
enabling Qi to move more freely around the body. This relieves pain and upset, as the
Qi isn't allowed to stagnate.
LV3 is a very calming point, for those who've read posts about the Chinese 5
Elements on our blog, you'll remember that the Liver is Wood and the latter's emotion is anger.
Fertility acupuncture patients may have noticed that I often use this point during your treatment. This is
because one function of the Liver is to store blood so this, in part, relates it to the menstrual cycle. I also
like to use LV3 for eye problems and headaches too.
N.B. LV3 is also considered safe during pregnancy however, as your acupuncturist will be able to locate
the exact position, I recommend that my patients consult with me before using any acupressure points
once pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant.
You can try this point yourself by using acupressure at its location between the first and second
metatarsals on the top of the foot. If you run your finger along the space between the big toe and the
second toe, you'll find a slight dip where the metatarsals meet.Press down lightly with your index or middle
finger and use a gentle circling motion over the point highlighted in green on our picture. Do this for
between 30 seconds to 2 minutes to get the Qi moving.








Back Pain
Bladder 23
This point is also known as Sea of Vitality (I love the names of some of these
points) and its a Back Shu point that's associated with the Kidneys so, going off
on a slight tangent, if you've been suffering from e.g. tinnitus, your acupuncturist
may needle this point, as this condition can be related to Kidney deficiency. The
latter can relate to auricular issues hence, an acupuncture point on your back
can help your ears!

In general, Bladder 23 is used to strengthen the core and reduce lower back
pain. Its located at the waist on the lower back between the second and third
lumbar vertebrae two finger widths from the spine. A good way to find it is to
trace a line from the bottom of your rib cage and press down lightly with your
index or middle finger on both sides approx. an inch out from the spine (see
picture). Use a gentle circling motion over the points. Do this for between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
As I say, there are many useful points for back pain that your acupuncturist may select depending on your
case history, but this is one of the most common points - I hope it helps. If you're suffering from chronic
back pain, I would always recommend a visit to your GP.
Information displayed in this article is not to be considered diagnostic for any condition, nor considered as preventative or cure for any illness or disease.
The Mitchell Hill Clinic cannot be held responsible for any claim made against them.

In no circumstance should the information contained in this article be used as a guide for medical practise or purpose. If a medical condition is suspected
then you are advised to consult a medical practitioner, particularly if you are on orthodox medication or pregnant.

So there you have it, 8 of my favourite acupoints! I hope you find them useful and if you have any
questions or concerns, please send me an email via enquiries@themitchellhillclinic.co.uk or call us on
01872 274774 to book an appointment at The Mitchell Hill Clinic in Truro, Cornwall.
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I look forward to seeing you at the Clinic or online soon!
Paul Adkins Lic.Ac., BA(Hons), 1st Dan, FEA, MBAcC, MCAUK, MMNTUK
Member of the British Acupuncture Council