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: On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third toes, just behind the web margin at the border of red and white skin.
Traditionally referenced for: Upper toothache; sore throat; nosebleed; deviation of the mouth.
Where it is: On the radial side of the index finger, in the depression just distal to the second metacarpophalangeal joint at the junction of palmar and dorsal skin.
Traditionally referenced for: Toothache; sore throat; red or painful eyes; fever; swelling of the face.
Where it is: One middle-finger breadth anterosuperior to the angle of the mandible, at the masseter prominence when the teeth are clenched.
Traditionally referenced for: Jaw pain or spasm; difficulty opening the mouth; lower toothache.
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), ST-44 (Nèitíng), LI-2 (Èrjiān), ST-6 (Jiáchē). 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.