Dealing with a stomachache and looking for relief? Many seek out pressure points for a stomachache to ease discomfort from gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. Acupressure offers a way to tackle these problems right at home, using the body's natural healing abilities.
This guide will walk you through the essential acupressure points that can help soothe your stomach. You'll learn the steps to apply pressure correctly, ensuring you get the most benefit. We'll cover points like the Large Intestine 4 for pain relief and Conception Vessel 6 for digestive health, among others.
Ready to find comfort without medication? Discover how these ancient techniques can bring you relief from stomachaches.
Steps and Precautions
Before diving into the different pressure points, let's go over how to do acupressure for stomachaches correctly:
Find Your Spot - Look for a quiet place where you can relax. Sit or lie down, whatever feels best for you.
Locate the Points - Get to know where the pressure points are in the section below.
Press and Breathe - Use your thumb, index, or middle finger to deliver firm pressure on the point. Remember to keep it gentle. Keep pressing for about five seconds as you breathe slowly and deeply.
Massage Time - After pressing, massage the point in a slow circular motion for one to two minutes. Keep the pressure steady.
Now, a few precautions when doing acupressure for stomachaches:
Press firmly but not so hard that it hurts or leaves a bruise
If you're pregnant, especially in later stages, check with your doctor before doing acupressure
Avoid self-treating with acupressure if you're experiencing severe digestive symptoms
These steps and precautions will help you get the most out of acupressure safely and effectively.
13 Pressure Points for Stomachache
Stomach pain from gas, bloating, and other gut issues are things many deal with. A great way to ease this discomfort is through acupressure therapy.
To help with stomachaches, press on specific points while gently moving in circles. This method is effective for relieving gas and bloating too.
With that, let's move on to the key points to press for stomachache relief.
1. Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) - Hegu or Union Valley
Acupressure Point
Large Intestine 4 (LI 4)
Location
Located in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger
In the dip at the base of the second metacarpal bone
Benefits
Alleviates stomach pain and indigestion
Helps with constipation and stomachaches
Reduces anxiety, headaches, and neck pain
2. Pericardium 6 (PC 6 or P 6) - Neiguan or Inner Frontier Gate
Acupressure Point
Pericardium 6 (PC 6)
Location
With the palm facing you, place three fingers across your wrist at the base of your palm
PC 6 is about three finger widths below the wrist crease
Located between the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons
Benefits
Relieves nausea and vomiting (including motion sickness and digestive issues)
Reduces anxiety and stress
Eases abdominal discomfort and pain
3. Large Intestine 11 (LI 11) - Quchi or Pool at the Crook
Acupressure Point
Large Intestine 11 (LI 11)
Location
Located at the outer crease of the elbow
Bend the elbow at a right angle
LI 11 is halfway between the outer elbow bone and the end of the crease
Benefits
Eases stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation
Clears "heat" related to inflammation and digestive issues
Boosts the immune system, helping with stomach issues from infections or inflammation
4. Conception Vessel 6 (CV 6 or REN 6) - Qihai or Sea of Qi
Acupressure Point
Conception Vessel 6 (CV6)
Location
Located on the midline of the abdomen
1.5–2 inches (about 3 cun) below the navel
Benefits
Regulates intestines, alleviating diarrhea and constipation
Relieves abdominal pain
Strengthens Qi, improving digestive health
Clears dampness, reducing bloating and discomfort
5. Conception Vessel 12 (CV 12) - Zhongwan
Acupressure Point
Conception Vessel 12 (CV12)
Location
Located on the midline of the abdomen
4 cun (approximately 4 thumb widths) above the navel
Midway between the xiphoid process and the navel
Benefits
Regulates the stomach and spleen, strengthening and harmonizing their functions to alleviate digestive issues
Relieves abdominal discomfort such as epigastric pain, bloating, and acid regurgitation
Promotes digestion, improving digestive function and relieving nausea and vomiting
Clears dampness, resolving dampness and heat in the digestive tract to reduce discomfort
6. Bladder 23 (B 23) - Kidney Shu
Acupressure Point
Bladder 23 (B2 or BL 23)
Location
Located on the lower back
About 1.5 inches away from the spine
Just below the second lumbar vertebra (L2)
Start at the bottom of the rib cage and move down and out about an inch from the spine on both sides
Benefits
Strengthens the lower back and kidneys, known as the "Sea of Vitality"
Eases lower back and stomach pain, especially if related to kidney issues
Boosts sexual health, improving sexual function and fertility in both men and women
Regular stimulation improves vitality and well-being
7. Bladder 47 (B 47) - Will's Chamber
Acupressure Point
Bladder 47 (B 47 or BL 47)
Location
Located on the back
About 3 finger widths out from the spine
Below the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9)
Count down from the base of your neck to T9 and move 3 finger widths out from the spine
Benefits
Helps liver energy flow smoothly, easing digestive issues caused by liver tension
Reduces back pain and discomfort in the side area, which may be related to digestion problems
Supports emotional well-being by relieving stress and frustration that can affect digestion
8. Stomach 36 (ST 36) - Zusanli or Three Mile Point
Acupressure Point
Stomach 36 (ST 36)
Location
Located on the front of the lower leg
Measure about four finger widths below the kneecap
Move one finger width outward from the bony front part of the leg
Benefits
Improves digestion, easing bloating, gas, and indigestion
Boosts energy and overall well-being
Helps with constipation and promotes regular bowel movements
Strengthens the immune system for better health
9. Spleen 4 (SP 4) - Gongsun or Grandfather Grandson
Acupressure Point
Spleen 4 (SP 4)
Location
Located on the inner side of the foot
In the dip at the base of the big toe
Sit down and place your hand on the inner side of your foot
It’s just past the ball of your foot, where it starts to arch
Benefits
Helps with nausea and digestive issues from stomach problems
Relieves gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort
Can help regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestion
10. Liver 3 (LV 3) - Taichong or Great Surge
Acupressure Point
Liver 3 (LV 3)
Location
Located on the top of the foot
In the dip between the first and second metatarsal bones
Sit down and place your foot flat
Locate the space between your big toe and second toe
Move your finger down into the dip just below where these bones meet
Benefits
Helps relieve liver tension that can cause stomach issues
Reduces bloating and gas by improving liver function
Calms stress and anxiety, which can help with digestive problems
Supports overall digestion by boosting energy and blood flow
11. Spleen 15 (SP 15) - Daheng or Great Horizontal
Acupressure Point
Spleen 15 (SP 15)
Location
Located on the abdomen
About 6 finger widths to the side of the navel
Measure out from the navel to the side
On the outer side of the rectus abdominis muscle
Benefits
Helps with constipation and regular bowel movements by improving intestinal movement
Reduces various types of abdominal pain
Removes excess moisture from the intestines, useful for diarrhea
Boosts blood flow in the abdomen, supporting overall digestive health
12. Stomach 25 (ST 25) - Tianshu or Celestial Pivot or Heaven's Pivot
Acupressure Point
Stomach 25 (ST 25)
Location
Located on the abdomen
About 2 inches (2 cun) to the side of the navel
Measure 2 inches out from the navel on either side
Along a horizontal line through the center of the navel
Benefits
Helps regulate bowel movements and treat diarrhea, constipation, and dysentery
Reduces various types of abdominal pain
Removes excess moisture and heat from the lower abdomen, helping with digestive issues
Supports the stomach and spleen, promoting overall digestive health
13. Spleen 6 (SP 6) - Sanyinjiao
Acupressure Point
Spleen 6 (SP 6)
Location
Located on the inner side of the lower leg
About 3 inches (4 finger widths) above the bony part of the ankle
Place the pinkie edge of your hand against the high point of the ankle bone
SP 6 is in line with the center of the bone, at the index-finger edge of your hand
Benefits
Improves digestion and helps with bloating and gas
Can help with menstrual cramps and other gynecological issues
Calms the mind, reducing stress and anxiety for better digestion
Supports the spleen and kidneys, important for digestion and overall energy
When to See a Doctor
Knowing when to see a doctor for stomach pain is important, especially if you're exploring options like Chinese medicine and gentle pressure techniques. Here are clear signs that you shouldn't wait:
Severe Pain - If your stomach pain hits hard and fast, it's time for immediate medical help.
Lasting Over 24-48 Hours - No improvement after a couple of days? Consult a healthcare provider.
Fever - A temperature over 100.4ºF (38ºC) signals a possible medical condition.
Vomiting - Ongoing nausea or vomiting needs attention.
Bowel Changes - Severe diarrhea or constipation, especially with blood, is serious.
Weight Loss - Losing weight without trying is a red flag.
Abdominal Swelling - Noticeable bloating should be checked out.
Worsening Symptoms - Pain getting worse or other symptoms like chest pain or trouble breathing require urgent care.
Pregnancy - Any abdominal pain during pregnancy needs a doctor's advice.
Urgent situations include:
Bleeding - Blood in your stools or urine is critical.
Can't Pass Gas - Not being able to urinate or have a bowel movement is an emergency.
Severe Bloating - A very swollen abdomen needs immediate attention.
If you notice these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek medical evaluation. It's essential to rule out serious underlying conditions and ensure your health.
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