The points traditionally used for constipation are ST-36, ST-37, TE-6 and ST-25. They sit on the lower leg, forearm and abdomen, and are worked with steady thumb pressure rather than needles.
ST-36 · ST-37 · TE-6 · ST-25
By symptom
Acupressure Points Chart and Symptom Guide
Full-body acupressure point charts (free PDF)
Acupressure presses the same mapped locations an acupuncturist would needle, so these printable point charts serve both. Each opens with an inline preview and a free PDF.
Front-of-body point chart Anterior anatomical view with every mapped point. Back-of-body point chart Posterior view covering the Bladder and Governing lines. Side-of-body point chart Lateral view for the Gallbladder and shoulder points. 14 meridian overview One-page index of every meridian and its point count.
HT-7, SP-6, GV-20 and BL-62 are the points traditionally used for insomnia. HT-7 at the wrist crease and GV-20 at the crown are the easiest to reach on yourself.
HT-7 · SP-6 · GV-20 · BL-62
PC-6 on the inner forearm is the point most associated with nausea, usually combined with ST-36 below the knee. PC-6 is the point behind commercial travel-sickness wristbands.
PC-6 · ST-36 · PC-5 · LU-4
LI-4 in the web of the hand is the point most used for headache, together with GB-20 at the base of the skull, GV-20 at the crown, and LV-3 on the foot. LI-4 is avoided in pregnancy.
LI-4 · GB-20 · GV-20 · LV-3
HT-7 at the wrist, PC-6 and PC-7 on the inner forearm, and LV-3 on the foot are the points traditionally used for anxiety, restlessness and palpitations.
HT-7 · PC-6 · PC-7 · LV-3
BL-40 behind the knee is the classical point for lower back pain, used with GV-3 on the lumbar midline and BL-23 either side of it.
BL-40 · GV-3 · BL-23 · BL-25
SP-6 above the inner ankle, CV-4 on the lower abdomen and LV-3 on the foot are the points traditionally used for period pain. All three are avoided in pregnancy.
SP-6 · CV-4 · LV-3 · SP-8
LI-4 in the web of the hand and ST-44 between the toes are the points traditionally used for toothache. Acupressure does not treat the cause — dental infection needs a dentist.
LI-4 · ST-44 · LI-2 · ST-6
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?
Both use the same mapped point locations. Acupuncture inserts fine needles and requires qualified training; acupressure applies finger pressure to the same spots and is used as self-care. These pages describe pressure only.
Are these point selections sourced?
Yes. A point only appears under a symptom if that symptom is already recorded in this atlas's audited reference text for the point. Every point links to its full page with visible citations.
Which points should be avoided in pregnancy?
LI-4, SP-6, BL-60, BL-67 and GB-21 are the points traditionally avoided in pregnancy. Pages that include them carry a pregnancy caution at the top.
How hard should I press?
Firmly enough to feel a dull ache, never sharp pain. Stop if you feel numbness, tingling, or if the skin is broken, bruised, swollen, or infected.