Do you suffer from gas, bloating, or stomach pain? Are you looking for natural remedies to help with these issues?
Acupressure points are powerful tools that can help relieve many common gastrointestinal issues and stomach pains. Acupressure has been around for centuries as a natural remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
In this article, I'll share with you the most effective acupressure points for relieving gas, bloating, and stomach pain. I'll also explain how to find these acupressure points on your body and how to apply pressure and massage correctly.
5 Acupressure Points for Gas and Bloating
The following acupressure points have been proven to be extremely effective for reducing gas and bloating. Stimulating the pressure points involves applying firm pressure and massaging the various points.
Follow these steps to stimulate the pressure points:
- Use your thumb, index, and/or middle fingers to apply pressure. These are the fingers that usually offer the best leverage for applying pressure with.
- While breathing slowly and deeply, apply pressure on each point for 5 seconds.
- Gently massage using a slow, circular motion for 2 minutes.
- Repeat the cycle throughout the day as long as you're uncomfortable.
1. Stomach 36 (ST 36) - Zusanli or Three Mile Point
The Stomach 36 pressure point is located four finger widths below the kneecap and one finger width to the outside of your shinbone.
Stimulating this point will help with the gas and bloating from digestive issues. Other benefits include relieving nausea, stress, toothaches, and knee pain.
2. Spleen 6 (SP 6) - Sanyinjiao
The Spleen 6 acupressure point is 3 finger widths above the top of the inside of your ankle.
Applying pressure and massaging here will offer bloating and gas relief by stimulating the lower abdomen and parasympathetic nervous systems. That will help to improve gastrointestinal and digestive issues, as well as menstrual cramp relief.
3. Conception Vessel 6 (CV 6 or REN 6) Qihai or Sea of Qi
The Conception Vessel 6 pressure point is located three finger widths below the belly button, also known as the umbilicus.
This is one of the most important pressure points that can help strengthen and nourish your body's core. Stimulation at this point will help with bloating, gas, digestion and other gastrointestinal disorders. It's good for constipation and menstruation relief.
4. Conception Vessel 12 (CV 12) - Zhongwan
The Conception Vessel 12 acupressure point is four finger widths above the belly button (navel). This is a more sensitive point, so be more gentle here initially.
Pressure and massage on this point will help with gas and bloating by stimulating the abdominal organs. Gentle stimulation will offer relief from gastrointestinal and digestive issues.
5. Bladder 21 (B 21) - Weishu
The Bladder 21 pressure points are found 6 inches from the bottom of your back and 1.5 inches to either side of your spine.
Stimulating each point will help with gas, bloating, and stomach pains you're experiencing. These two points will help influence the abdominal organs for digestion and gastrointestinal relief.
Do Acupressure Points for Gas and Bloating Work?
Yes, acupressure on different pressure points on the body can help to relieve symptoms of gas and bloating. They can help reduce discomfort, ease stomach pain. One study showed relief from gas, bloating, and constipation in patients.
Are There Any Risks to Acupressure for Gas and Bloating?
There are no risks associated with acupressure for gas and bloating in healthy individuals. However, if you have any underlying medical conditions or pregnant, consult your doctor before trying it out. There are certain pressure points that may affect specific conditions or induce labor.
What Are Other Home Remedies to Relieve Gas and Bloating?
If you want to try other home remedies for gas and bloating relief, there are some things you can do:
- Drink plenty of water. Water helps flush toxins from your system. It also flushes excess gas through your intestines.
- Eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber helps to keep food moving through your digestive tract. It promotes regularity, so you'll feel less bloated.
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Try eating smaller meals throughout the day. Eating small amounts of food frequently will help prevent overeating.
- Eat more slowly. Eating more slowly will allow you to focus on chewing your food well before swallowing. Swallowing smaller pieces of food will ease digestion of the food to cause less issues.
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Drink ginger tea. Ginger has been used for centuries to treat nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
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Avoid caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which can cause gas and bloating. Coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks all contain caffeine.
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Regular exercise is a great way to get rid of gas and bloating. Exercising regularly will improve your overall health and wellness, including reducing gas and improving digestion.
12 Pressure Points for Stomachache
Stomach pain is a common problem among people who suffer from gas, bloating, and other gastrointestinal conditions. Acupressure therapy is one of the best ways to alleviate this type of pain.
When stimulating pressure points for stomachaches, follow the same steps above of applying pressure and using a slow, circular motion for massaging for the gas and bloating pressure points.
Here are the pressure points that can be used to relieve stomachaches:
1. Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) - Hegu or Union Valley
The Large Intestine 4 acupressure point is found between your thumb and index finger. When you bring those two fingers together, the bump that is created between the two is where the pressure point is.
This is a popular pressure point for reducing anxiety, headaches, and neck pain. The other benefit of this point is it will help for constipation and stomachaches.
If you are pregnant, this is not a point to stimulate as it can help induce labor.
2. Pericardium 6 (PC 6 or P 6) - Neiguan or Inner Frontier Gate
The Pericardium 6 pressure point is on the inside of your forearm and wrist, three finger widths from the wrist crease.
Stimulating the pressure point will help with stomach pains and indigestion from various gastrointestinal conditions. It can also help to calm your mind to reduce anxiety, insomnia, and nausea.
3. Large Intestine 11 (LI 11) - Quchi or Pool at the Crook
The Large Intestine 11 is located on the outside of the elbow. Find it by bending your arm and where the elbow crease ends on the outside is where the LI 11 pressure point is.
Applying pressure on this point will help with stomachaches and other abdominal pains. It can also help with diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and reducing high fevers.
4. Conception Vessel 6 (CV 6 or REN 6) - Qihai or Sea of Qi
The CV 6 pressure point is the same as above for gas and bloating. Stimulating this point will also help with stomach pains and aches from gastrointestinal conditions.
5. Conception Vessel 12 (CV 12) - Zhongwan
The CV 12 acupressure point was mentioned above as well for bloating and gas. Applying pressure and a gentle massage here will help with stomach pain relief.
6. Bladder 23 (B 23) - Kidney Shu
The Bladder 23 pressure points are on the small of your back. At the same horizontal level as your belly button, it is two finger widths on both sides of your spine. I usually find it's easiest to apply pressure and massage with your thumb or knuckles.
Stimulating these points will offer stomachache relief, as well as lower back pain and muscle stiffness.
7. Bladder 47 (B 47) - Will's Chamber
The Bladder 47 are located two finger widths to the outside of the Bladder 23 pressure points. In other words, the B 47 points are four finger widths from the spine on the same level as your belly button.
Pressure and massage here will also help with stomach pain, as well as lower back muscle stiffness and pain.
8. Stomach 36 (ST 36) - Zusanli or Three Mile Point
The ST 36 pressure point mentioned for gas and bloating is also good for relieving stomach pains and other digestive problems.
9. Spleen 4 (SP 4) - Gongsun or Grandfather Grandson
The Spleen 4 is on the inside of your feet in the middle of your arch. It's where the red and white skin meet at the base of the 1st metatarsal bone.
Stimulation here will help with stomach and abdominal pain, distension, gastric pain, diarrhea, dysentery, bloody stools, and vomiting.
10. Liver 3 (LV 3) - Taichong or Great Surge
The Liver 3 pressure points are in the gaps between your big toe and second toe, about two finger widths down on the top of your feet.
Massaging these points will help with abdominal distension, nausea, headaches, eye pain, and any weakness and pain in your legs.
11. Spleen 15 (SP 15) - Daheng or Great Horizontal
The Spleen 15 acupressure points are found to the right and left sides of the belly button (umbilicus). They are each four finger widths away.
Applying pressure to the points will help with the stomachaches, other abdominal pain and distension, constipation, and diarrhea.
12. Stomach 25 (ST 25) - Tianshu or Celestial Pivot or Heaven's Pivot
The Stomach 25 point is one of the key pressure points for many gastrointestinal conditions. The point is found two finger widths to the left and the right of the umbilicus (belly button), on the same horizontal level.
Stimulating the ST 25 points will help with stomach pain, abdominal distension, borborygmus (stomach rumbling), pain around the navel, diarrhea, constipation, and dysentery. It can also help with irregular menstruation and associated pains.
When to See a Doctor
If you're experiencing chronic stomach pain, gas, or bloating that doesn't go away after a few days, see your doctor. They will be able to run some tests to determine if there is an underlying condition. If they do find something wrong, they may recommend medication or other therapies.
Acupressure Points for Gas, Bloating, and Stomach Pain FAQs
Where Is the Poop Button?
The Poop Button is also known as the Conception Vessel 6 acupressure point. If you have constipation, applying pressure and massaging this point can help encourage a bowel movement. The CV 6 point is located three finger widths below the belly button.
How Do You Make Yourself Fart?
There are several ways to make yourself fart. One way is to drink a carbonated beverage like a soda or sparkling water. You can also try eating fiber-rich fruits, dairy products, or fatty or fried foods. Artificial sweeteners and chewing gum may also be able to help.
Why Is Gas Trapped in My Stomach?
Gas trapped in your stomach is usually caused by improper digestion of foods and drinks. Improper digestion is caused by a shortage of certain digestive enzymes and good gut bacteria. Another reason is eating and drinking too fast, which leads to air swallowing (aerophagia). Aerophagia is also caused by smoking and chewing gum, and leaves swallowed air in the stomach.
Sources:
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/acupressure-points-for-gas
- Credihealth: https://www.credihealth.com/blog/acupressure-points-for-gas-bloating/
- News Bytes App: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/use-acupressure-to-get-rid-of-gas-bloating/story
- Only My Health: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/acupressure-for-gas-and-bloating-how-does-it-help-and-its-types-1623735034
Very informative