Acupressure
Where it is: On the medial leg, immediately posterior to the medial border of the tibia, 3 cun above the prominence of the medial malleolus.
Traditionally referenced for: Menstrual irregularity; pelvic discomfort; digestive weakness; urinary difficulty; insomnia.
Caution: Traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy because it is used to influence the uterus and labour. Pregnancy evidence is mixed, so this point should not be presented for self-treatment.
Where it is: On the lower abdomen, 3 B-cun below the center of the umbilicus on the anterior midline.
Traditionally referenced for: Reference uses include fatigue, cold-type abdominal pain, menstrual irregularity, urinary disorders, and reproductive deficiency patterns.
Caution: CV-4 is a lower-abdominal point traditionally avoided before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and deep insertion may enter a full bladder. Published evidence has not demonstrated point-specific obstetric harm, but treatment still requires individualized pregnancy assessment.
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.
Where it is: On the medial leg, immediately posterior to the medial border of the tibia and 3 cun below SP-9, at the junction of the upper one third and lower two thirds of the line from the patellar apex to the medial malleolus.
Traditionally referenced for: Acute menstrual pain; irregular bleeding; abdominal pain; diarrhoea.
Acupressure is a self-care tradition, not a substitute for assessment. Seek medical care rather than pressing points if any of the following apply:
SP-6 (Sānyīnjiāo), CV-4 (Guānyuán), LV-3 (Tàichōng), SP-8 (Dìjī). 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.