Acupressure
Where it is: On the back of the hand, beside the radial aspect of the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone.
Traditionally referenced for: Headache; toothache; facial pain; nasal obstruction; sore throat.
Caution: Pregnancy: traditionally avoided except for a specific obstetric indication under qualified clinical care; current evidence does not establish that LI-4 reliably induces labour or miscarriage.
Where it is: Below the occipital bone, in the hollow between the upper attachments of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius, level with GV-16.
Traditionally referenced for: Occipital headache; dizziness or vertigo; stiff neck; eye or ear symptoms.
Caution: GB-20 has been involved in reports of subarachnoid haemorrhage, with excessively deep posterior-neck insertion suspected in serious injuries. Use only controlled, anatomy-specific direction and depth by a trained practitioner.
Where it is: At the vertex, 5 B-cun above the anterior hairline on the midline, at the midpoint of the line connecting the two auricular apices.
Traditionally referenced for: Reference uses include vertex headache, dizziness, poor concentration, insomnia, and prolapse patterns.
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:
LI-4 (Hégǔ), GB-20 (Fēngchí), GV-20 (Bǎihuì), 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 — not without qualified supervision. This combination includes points traditionally avoided in pregnancy because they are associated with uterine activity. Ask a qualified practitioner or your midwife or doctor first.
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.