Acupressure
Where it is: On the anteromedial wrist crease, in the depression radial to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and proximal to the pisiform.
Traditionally referenced for: Insomnia; anxiety; palpitations; poor memory; restlessness.
Caution: The ulnar artery and ulnar nerve lie adjacent to HT-7. Palpate the vessel, avoid direct puncture, and apply pressure if bleeding or bruising occurs.
Where it is: On the anterior forearm, between the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons, 2 cun above the palmar wrist crease.
Traditionally referenced for: Nausea or vomiting; chest tightness; palpitations; anxiety.
Where it is: On the palmar wrist crease, between the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons.
Traditionally referenced for: Palpitations; chest pain; anxiety or manic agitation; wrist pain.
Caution: Ultrasound research found that the PC-7 needle path can overlap the median nerve. Use superficial, anatomy-adjusted technique and stop if nerve-like pain occurs.
Where it is: On the dorsum of the foot between the first and second metatarsals, in the hollow just distal to their bases and over the dorsalis pedis artery.
Traditionally referenced for: Headache; dizziness; irritability; menstrual pain; hypochondriac discomfort.
Caution: LV-3 overlies the dorsalis pedis artery, which must be palpated and avoided. WHO also identifies LV-3 as a point that may provoke hypotension or fainting; first-time or vulnerable patients should be treated lying down with gentle stimulation and monitoring.
Acupressure is a self-care tradition, not a substitute for assessment. Seek medical care rather than pressing points if any of the following apply:
HT-7 (Shénmén), PC-6 (Nèiguān), PC-7 (Dàlíng), LV-3 (Tàichōng). Each point below links to its full reference page with the anatomical location and cited sources.
A common approach is firm but comfortable thumb pressure for 30 to 60 seconds per point, repeated a few times. Stop if pressure causes sharp pain, numbness, or tingling.
No. Acupressure uses finger pressure on the same point locations; acupuncture inserts needles and requires qualified training. This page describes pressure only and is not needling instruction.
No. It is a self-care tradition, not a diagnosis or a treatment. Any symptom that is severe, persistent, or unusual for you needs medical assessment.
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.