Acupressure

The Ultimate Beginners Guide to

Acupressure for Health & Healing

By Sarah Fredendell
Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: An Overview of Acupressure
Chapter 2: Knowing Acupoints

Chapter 3: Acupressure for the Joints

Chapter 4: Acupressure for the Head
Chapter 5: Acupressure for the Digestive System
Chapter 6: Acupressure for the Urinary System
Chapter 7: Acupressure for Mental Health
Conclusion
Copyright

By Sarah Fredendell

Copyright © 2016

All rights reserved.

This book or any portion thereof including images

may not be reproduced or used in any manner
whatsoever without the expressed written permission
of the publisher except for the use of brief quotation in
a book review.
Introduction

I want to thank you and congratulate you for purchasing the book,
“Acupressure The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Acupressure for
Health & Healing”.
This book is an elementary introduction to the ancient Oriental art of
acupressure. Throughout the years, many have turned to acupressure
to relieve symptoms and improve general wellness when conventional
medicine has failed them. As an ancient art, it has be studied,
developed, and mastered by multiple scholars, enthusiasts and
practitioners to realign the human body back to wellness.
I hope this book will be a good introduction for you and will lead you
to not only learn more about acupressure, but also start practicing it.
Additionally, I hope that the techniques listed within this book will
work for you and help you avoid sickness.
Thank you again for choosing this book. I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 1: An Overview of Acupressure

By the dawn of the 21st century, the concept of health has become
thoroughly researched and understood. Many aspects address it. The
first aspect, which is what this book is concerned with, includes
ancient aspects such as acupressure or acupuncture. These are mostly
Oriental or have originated from East Asia. The second aspect of our
understanding of health deals with exercise through sports science.
Sports science is a field that has allowed athletes to maintain their
prime and continually develop to become more effective athletes. The
third aspect is through nootropics. Many people have used chemicals,
be it natural or synthetic, to enhance their brain activities. This makes
them more alert, more focused, and capable of learning more
effectively. A last aspect is through general medicine. Psychiatry and
psychology as sciences have been expanded. We have come to know
more about the human body and have developed ways of surgeries and
other treatments that maintain the health of a human person.
Unlike the three latter aspects of our understanding of health, ancient
methods are not based on scientific research. Science as a field was not
yet developed when these practices were first created. Instead, science
is now being used to verify the effectiveness of ancient methods to
overall health and wellness. This is why ancient methods such as
meditation and chiropractic are now being studied in universities.
In developing ancient methods of wellness, the proponents had to look
into the human body as it naturally stood. Both Oriental and Western
methods advocated for self-care techniques aside from ingestion of
medicinal herbs or remedies. These techniques, acupressure being one
of them, are performed to quickly cure a person from whatever illness
he may have.
Ancient Oriental medicine believed in something called the chi (also
known as qi or ki, depending on the region). The chi is life energy. Its
continued flow is important for the establishment of health. Should
the chi be blocked or distorted, sickness falls upon the person in
question. The chi flows in unseen canals in the human body called
meridians. The flow of chi in the meridians is maintained by
appropriate intake of food, posture, breathing, body and mental
activity, environment and spirit. A balanced lifestyle is believed to be
the key to a fuller and healthier life.
Acupressure is a technique to support the continued and abundant
flow of chi through the meridians in the body. It is concerned with
using the hands and fingers to apply force over certain points in the
body called acupoints. Stimulating the acupoints lead to better flow of
chi in the meridians, overall supporting health and preventing
sicknesses. It is a technique that is over thousands of years old. It has
persisted because it is effective and it is affordable. No special
ointments, balms or equipment are necessary to perform acupressure.
To imagine the flow of chi in the body, think of your veins as the
meridians and your blood as your chi. All the veins are connected
through certain acupoints that are near the surface of the skin. The
acupoints are spread all across the body. In turn, your chi flows all
over your body as well. Each specific acupoint has a particular role in
acupressure. Generally, when you stimulate a certain acupoint, your
meridians adjust so that your body shifts into a new state. This is
helpful when you would want your body to shift into a specific state.
All that takes is the stimulation of specific acupoints.
In this book, I will teach you how to find these specific acupoints
through discussions of certain bodily systems or organs. The
techniques that I will show you can relieve a lot of common ailments
and symptoms, which will help you ease yourself or any other person
from many discomforts.
It is important to note that while acupressure is effective against
common problems and for general wellbeing, it cannot fully replace
treatment protocols for serious diseases. It can, however, be used to
complement the treatment to speed up the healing process or to
alleviate certain symptoms. At any rate, however, acupressure is most
effective in preventing disease. It is more difficult to apply acupressure
to restore wellness if the chi has already been damaged.
Accordingly, I will mostly discuss acupressure in this book in terms of
wellness and not as a tool for curing disease. There are, however, tips
on clearing minor problems. As a beginner guide, this book should
only be used as a minor tool. If you or any loved one is experiencing
any troubles, it is important to take them to a professional acupressure
therapist or to a medical doctor. Acupressure is a well-developed field
and this book will not be enough to make you an expert in the field.
Knowledge of acupuncture can be a very important skill especially in
today’s busy world. You can detect sicknesses early or before they even
form and you could readjust your chi to restore health and wellness.
Chapter 2: Knowing Acupoints

All the acupoints are located along a certain meridian. Because of this,
they are more sensitive than other points on your skin. Over 360
acupoints are currently known. Each acupoint directly affects a
specific organ or body part. Stimulation of some acupoints, however,
are more effective than others for a specific body part. They are named
simply by the number of the meridian they are in and the body part
they correspond to. It must also be noted that acupoints can come in
pairs such as those in both arms. These acupoints are called bilaterals
and must be stimulated together. Points that do not have pairs such as
those along the spine are called unilateral.

Acupoints usually occur in small depressions in the body such as in

between joints and are usually very soft when the body’s chi is not in
balance. At this point, you can already try tracing your index finger
along straight lines in your body to feel for any acupoints. I will discuss
relevant acupoints in further chapters, but some of them you can
discover and stimulate on your own.

There is, however, a technique on how to locate acupoints in your

body. Take your finger or your thumb and using the edge (sometimes
even using your fingernail), trace along your skin until you feel a
depression or a tenderness. Use your thumb or finger to gradually
press down on the site. Pressure is applied before pain is felt in the
site. The amount of pressure required depends on the person being
stimulated. Infants, the elderly, and those who are sick may be more
sensitive and thus require less pressure. The applied force must not be
too strong to avoid injury. In any case, the pressure must be sustained
for a couple of seconds before it is released. The point is allowed to
relax before it can be stimulated again.

Acupressure is basically the repetitive motions presented above. Slight

varieties could be done by using a gentle rotation of the pressure to
massage the area. The stimulation must end when it starts getting
painful. Some people experience an electrical jolt when their acupoints
are being simulated. The time when the jolt subsides can also be an
indication to release the pressure. When this happens, the chi has
already been realigned.

Not all acupoints are the same. You must become aware of each
acupoint to fully balance your chi. Always remember that if a point is
bilateral and occurs in both sides of your body (such as in the arms or
legs), you must stimulate them at the same time. Some parts are
difficult to massage together. If this is the case, alternate the sides that
you are massaging and carefully note the sensation or pain you
experience while stimulating the acupoints.

An instant painful sensation can mean that the acupoint has been
overused. These usually manifest as swelling and inflammation.
Alternatively, little to no sensation could mean that the specific point
is too weak or underdeveloped. These manifest as fatigue, weakness
and aching. There could be many reasons why excess or deficient
sensations are felt by the body. This is not a reason to stop the
stimulation, however. Acupressure can still help unless there is a
severe injury.

Breathing also plays a very important role in acupressure. You must be

in a very relaxed state whenever your acupoints are being stimulated.
If you are not, then it will be very easy for your acupoint to be in pain
even when your meridians have not yet been balanced. A rule of
thumb is to apply pressure to an acupoint when you have exhaled. This
will relax the body and loosen up the acupoints for better results.
However, if the acupoint is tender and is painful to the touch, applying
pressure while inhaling might become a better alternative. Doing this
allows you to resist any pain because your inhalation will counteract
some of the incoming pain.

In the following chapters, it is important to note that you do not

necessarily have to stimulate all the acupoints listed. Everybody’s chi
is different, and you might respond better to stimulation on specific
acupoints than the others. When performing acupressure on yourself,
always remember to be aware and vigilant on what works for you. Only
you can decide which of them is the best method.

However, when you are just starting out, it can be very helpful to
follow the steps that I will lay out in stimulating specific acupoints.
The order is based on the traditional understanding of the flow
between meridians, generally starting from the top and front of the
body to the bottom and the back. When you have already acquainted
yourself with the natural flow, you may come to realize that more or
less points to stimulate is better for you. Feel free to adjust the method
to suit your needs.
Chapter 3: Acupressure for the Joints

The joints are very important components since they support the
structure of the whole body. Without them, movement cannot occur.
We must always move our bodies or stimulate the relevant acupoints
so that our joints will not get stiff or will not develop pain.

Acupoints for overall joint health

Alongside the following techniques to improve your overall joint

health, it is important to practice regular exercise as well as maintain a
proper posture. You must also be keen to maintain a good amount of
calcium and other minerals in your diet to promote skeletal health.

Gall Bladder 39. Bilateral. The acupoints for Gall Bladder 39 are
located at the outer side of your legs. The points are located in the
depression between the tendons and the bone four fingers above the
ankle. Stimulating this strengthens the bones all over the body, mainly
those of the ankles and knees. To stimulate, anchor all of your fingers
except your thumb to the back of your leg and use your thumb to push
at an angle towards the feet.

Urinary Bladder 11. Bilateral. The acupoints are located at two

finger widths apart on the back of the neck in line with the shoulders.
Either point is on one side of the spine. This is the most important
acupoint for overall joint and bone health. To stimulate, reach to your
back using your index or middle fingers and press firmly on either
point alternately.
Gall Bladder 34. Unilateral. Similar to Gall Bladder 39, Gall Bladder
34 acupoints are still located at the outer side of the legs. However,
they are now located near the knee just beneath where your two leg
bones meet. This strengthens muscles and tendons instead of joints
located all over the body. This is vital whenever there is pain in the
knees or difficulty in walking. To stimulate, hold the outside of your
legs with your fingers and look for the point with your thumb. Apply
light pressure downwards.

Urinary Bladder 40. Bilateral. The acupoints are located at the

centers of the back of the knees or in between the tendons. This
acupoint is responsible for strengthening the lower back downwards to
the knees. To stimulate, slightly bend your knees and place your
fingers behind your knees. Anchor your thumbs to the side of your
knees for support. Press lightly on the spot in between the tendons and
carefully avoid pressing any varicose veins or the tendons themselves.

Acupoints for the jaw

The jaw is an important bone since it is used in eating and talking. It

may be irritated by teeth grinding especially when done unconsciously
while sleeping. There is only one general acupoint related to the jaw.
However, general facial massage and exercise by shaking it can help
relieve any pain. It is important to note any development of pain
throughout the day.

Stomach 6. Bilateral. To locate Stomach 6, clench your jaws and find

the depressions made on your cheek where the back teeth are located.
These acupoints can reduce pain and relieve spasms and stiffness in
the joints. To stimulate, anchor your thumbs beneath your jaws and
clench your teeth. Locate the points with your middle or index fingers
and release your teeth. Press lightly on the points in an upward
manner.

Acupoints for the neck and shoulders

The neck and shoulders are very common sites of pain and discomfort
usually due to improper posture. Not standing straight can put too
much force onto these sites, making them ache. Sometimes, it can also
be caused by anxiety, tension, poor heart activity, or simply by
uncomfortable pillows. Posture correction is the proper approach for
long-term relief for pain these areas, although orthopedic pillows have
shown to be effective depending on the person.

There are two main acupoints that could be stimulated to relieve neck
and shoulder pain.

Gall Bladder 21. Bilateral. To locate this acupoint, trace your finger
down your neck until you meet the interface between your neck and
your back. The acupoint is located halfway from this point to the
highest point of your shoulder. These points can also relieve stiffness
in the neck as well as pain in the back and shoulders. To stimulate,
place a hand on the opposite shoulder and find the point with your
index or middle finger. Apply pressure downwards.

Gall Bladder 20. Bilateral. The acupoints for Gall Bladder 20 are
located at the back of the head behind the ears in the depression where
the neck and skull meet. These points are important in relieving upper
back pain and stiffness in the neck. To stimulate, place your fingers at
the back of your head and find the points with your thumbs. Press on
the points in an upward angle.

Acupoints for the elbows

The elbows are easily injured during extreme physical activity such as
sports. This is the reason why warming up is necessary before
exercising to avoid overworking the elbows. Many people do not think
of their elbows when doing exercise, which usually leads to extreme
injury or discomfort.

Large Intestine 11. Bilateral. To locate this acupoint, bend your

elbows and press on the inside end of the crease formed. There should
be a depression at that point. This can be stimulated during warm-ups
to better improve flexibility during exercise. To stimulate, simply wrap
your fingers around your opposite arm and push your thumb upwards
on that point.

Triple Heater 5. Bilateral. To locate this point, press your index or

middle finger on your opposite wrist and move it three finger widths
toward your elbow. The acupoint is in the depression in between your
bones. Stimulating this point can also increase mobility similar to
Large Intestine 11. Additionally, this can relieve pain in the arms and
fingers. To stimulate, locate the point with your index finger and
anchor your thumb beneath your arm. Press downward.

Acupoints for the wrists

Like the elbows, the wrists can be easily strained whenever performing
heavy physical activity such as pushing or lifting weights. Moreover,
people who always use their hands, such as typists or pianists can
strain their wrists if their posture was incorrect.

People who frequently experience wrist strain should rest their hands
every so often by shaking them rapidly. Finger exercises may also help.
For those who types quite a lot on a computer, using a hand rest or
wrist supporter will help quite a lot.

There are two main acupoints related to the wrists. The first one is the
Triple Heater 5, which was discussed above, and the second is the
Pericardium 6.

Pericardium 6. Bilateral. The Pericardium 6 is very close to the

Triple Heater 5, being located only one or two finger widths above the
wrist. The acupoints for Pericardium 6 are located in between the
tendons. These can be stimulated to help relieve pain in the wrist and
even elbows while also releasing tension in the arms. To stimulate this,
locate the point with your thumb and anchor the rest of your fingers to
the back of your arm. Press firmly downwards.

Acupoints for the hands

The hands are the most specific out of the former two body parts
mentioned. Daily activities such as writing or cleaning can damage the
hands and cause mild discomfort. Hand and finger exercises are
helpful in relieving arm tension, as well as stimulating the following
points.

Large Intestine 4. Unilateral. This is a popular acupressure point.

The Large Intestine 4 is located at the hands, in the triangle formed
between the bones of the thumb and the index finger. It can release
tension and pain in the hands. To stimulate, hold your hand with your
fingers supporting beneath. Use your thumb to stimulate the point in
an angle pointing towards the arm.

Triple Heater 4. Bilateral. To find this point, stretch your hand

outward and feel the base on outside face of your hand. There should
be a depression in between the bones beneath your ring finger. This
can relieve any tension in your hands, fingers, or wrist. To stimulate,
hold your hand and use your thumb to press the point inward toward
your wrist.

Acupoints for the back

Back pain is one of the most common issues that people experience.
Most of the time, it is caused by poor posture such as slouching
whenever seated. Poor posture can cause permanent curvature of your
back which would lead to worse back pain. Additionally, scoliosis and
other disorders cause chronic pain that could be aided by pilates, yoga,
or chiropractic treatment. Also, kidney or liver problems could also
cause back pain. These last precursors can be addressed by
acupressure for the urinary track in Chapter 6.

Gall Bladder 21. See above in acupoints for the neck and shoulder.

Large Intestine 11. See above in acupoints for the elbows.

Urinary Bladder 60. Bilateral. To locate the acupoints for Urinary

Bladder 60, use a finger to touch the anklebone on the outside part of
your foot. The acupoint is located in the depression behind it.
Stimulating it can help relieve pain in the heels, feet, and lower back.
To stimulate it, take your fingers and rest them behind your foot. Take
your thumb and press it downwards on the acupoint.

Urinary Bladder 20. Bilateral. The points for Urinary Bladder 20

appear at the back where your last rib should go. These relieve pain in
the abdomen as well as in the middle of the back. To stimulate them,
lie down on your back with your knees bent. Position your knuckles or
place two tennis balls so that when you gradually lower your torso,
there is weight pushing against the acupoints.

Urinary Bladder 23. Bilateral. The locations for Urinary Bladder 23

lie on the lower back in line with the waist. You can stimulate them to
relieve pain in the lower back. To do that, anchor both of your thumbs
on your waist while you use your middle finger to press firmly onto the
site. You may also do a technique similar to Urinary Bladder 20.

Urinary Bladder 18. Bilateral. The points lie two ribs above the
points of Urinary Bladder 20. They help also relieve middle back pain
but they can relieve tension in the ribs. The technique for stimulating
Urinary Bladder 18 is similar to Urinary Bladder 20.

Urinary Bladder 40. Unilateral. This acupoint is easy to locate as it

could be found directly behind the knee in between the tendons.
Stimulating it can relieve pain in the legs as well as in the lower back.

Acupoints for the hips

The hips may experience stiffness and difficulty of moving out of place
because of poor physical activity. Regular walking and even standing
can alleviate minor hip pain. The following acupoints can help in
relieving hip pain.

Gall Bladder 30. It is located on the depression in the buttocks

beneath the thigh. To locate it, feel around the bone leading to your leg
bone. The acupoint should be located at the junction of the two. This
acupoint is effective in relieving any discomfort and improving
movement in the hips and in the lower back.

Acupoints for the knees

Similar to the hips, you can maintain the health of your knees using
regular physical activity. Knee injury is likely, however, when the
physical activity requires immediate jumps, stops, or if you are
carrying something extremely heavy. Do not overstrain your knees as
knee surgery is often very expensive and very painful. In times of
ordinary discomfort, application of a hot compress as well as
stimulation of the following points can help in the treatment.

Knee Acupoints. Bilateral. The knees feature two depressions just

above and two just below the center of the kneecaps. Stimulating them
can improve joint pain in the knees as well as cure any stiffness that
might be experienced. To stimulate the points, use the fingers of both
of your hands to hold one of your knees. Simultaneously use both
thumbs to apply pressure to either the top pair or the bottom pair of
acupoints. Adjust the location of your hands accordingly when you
move on to the next pair.
Acupoints for the ankles

To make sure that your ankles are in good shape, rotate your ankles
regularly to avoid any stiffness. Acupoints for the gall bladder may
help with ankle pain because the meridians for the bladder align with
those of the ankles.

Gall Bladder 40. Bilateral. To locate this acupoint, use your finger to
trace the tendon starting from your smallest toe upward toward the leg
bone. You should come to a point just outside your anklebone where
the tendon meets with the other tendons of the feet. This is where Gall
Bladder 40 is located. Stimulating this can help with reducing pain,
swelling and lack of strength in the ankles. To stimulate, anchor your
fingers behind your foot while you use your thumb to press
downwards on the point towards the toes.

Acupoints for the feet

To relieve of discomfort in the feet, avoid standing for extended

periods. You might find it effective to raise your feet for ten minutes by
placing them against the wall or by elevating them with soft objects
such as pillows. Some specialized shoes have points that may stimulate
acupoints in the feet to relieve pain. The following acupoints can help
in relieving foot pain.

Kidney 1. Bilateral. To locate this acupoint, imagine that you are

dividing your foot into three equal spaces crosswise. Kidney 1 is
located at the center of the first imaginary division that you created.
This acupoint can lift discomfort in the feet or in the sole. To
stimulate, raise your foot upwards or sideways so that you can wrap
your fingers around it. Use your thumb to press on the point
perpendicularly. You may need to use both thumbs.

Gall Bladder 40. This has been discussed above in Acupoints for the
Ankles.

Urinary Bladder 60. This has been discussed above in Acupoints

for the Back.
Chapter 4: Acupressure for the Head

Headaches, tension, or migraines are very common occurrences in

day-to-day life. Stimulating the head not only can relieve these
problems, it can also contribute to better concentration, fairer skin
and other positive effects.
To make use of the acupoints of the head, follow these 20 techniques
in the order shown. However, if you have high blood pressure, be
careful not to overstimulate your head. It would be better to forego the
exercises that require you to press your head firmly.
The following steps will exercise your head muscles as well as relax
them:
1. Governor Vessel 20. Unilateral. This acupoint is located at the
middle of the top of the head, in between your ears and in line with
your nose. Stimulating this can allow you to think more clearly as well
as contribute to better skin fairness and improve your nasal and eye
health. To stimulate, locate the point and press it down with your
index or middle finger. The spot will feel tender, but this is normal. If
additional force is necessary, use your thumb from your free hand to
push down the nail of your initial finger.
2. Governor Vessel 23. Unilateral. This point is located one finger
inward your scalp from your hairline in line with your nose. This also
improves eye health and gives clarity of thought. To stimulate, anchor
your thumb on the side of your head and press down on the spot using
your index or middle finger.
3. Stomach 8. Bilateral. Stomach 8 acupoints are located on the side
of your forehead about one finger width inward the hairline.
Stimulating this can help improve eye function and relieve tension in
the head and eyes. To stimulate this, anchor your thumbs on the side
of your cheeks for support while you use both your index or middle
fingers in stimulating the points.
4. Gall Bladder 14. Bilateral. Gall Bladder 14 points are located one
thumb width above both of the eyebrows. This is a more general
acupoint since it could clear the general area of the forehead including
the eyes. To stimulate this, anchor your thumbs to your temples. Use
your index or middle fingers to find the point and press on it upwards
towards your hair.
5. Forehead. This is not an acupoint but rather can help relieve
tension and clear the nasal passages.
6. Urinary Bladder 2. Bilateral. The points for Urinary Bladder 2 lie
on the inside ends of the eyebrows. This also helps the eyes and
sinuses. To stimulate them, anchor your thumbs on your jaw and use
your middle fingers to press upwards against the points.
7. Eyebrow. Like the forehead, the Eyebrow is also not an acupoint.
However, many people feel relief in their eyes when their eyebrows are
stimulated. The technique in stimulating the eyebrows requires you to
rest your thumbs beneath the chin and use your index or middle
fingers to apply pressure against the sockets on the outside ends of the
eyebrows. If you feel a depression, you are actually stimulating Triple
Heater 23. Make sure that you are pressing the sockets.
8. Triple Heater 23 Bilateral. As mentioned above, the points for
Triple Heater 23 lie on the depressions on the edges of the eyebrows.
They can help improve blood circulation around the eye. It has also
been noted to improve the tone of the skin around the eyes. To
stimulate it, simply follow the technique presented in the Eyebrow
point.
9. Gall Bladder 1. Bilateral. The Gall Bladder 1 rest on the
depressions on the outside ends of your eye socket. Similar to many
points in this general area, the Gall Bladder 1 helps relieve forehead
pain. To stimulate the points for Gall Bladder 1, rest your thumbs on
your jaw while you use your index or middle fingers to press on the
sites simultaneously.
10. Stomach 1. Bilateral. Moving downwards from the general area
of the forehead, the points for Stomach 1 allow you to tone the muscles
of your cheeks and the skin around that area. The points lie on the
bone directly beneath your eyes in the middle. To stimulate them, rest
your thumbs on your jaw and press on the points using your index or
middle fingers simultaneously.
11. Triple Heater 21. Bilateral. This acupoint and the next three all
lie on the ears. To locate the points, open your mouth and feel for the
depression in front of the notch at the top of your ear. Triple Heater 21
improves hearing and contributes to overall tooth health. To stimulate,
anchor your thumbs on your jaws while you stimulate the points with
your index or middle fingers.
12. Small Intestine 19. Bilateral. The points for Small Intestine 19
are in the middle of the ear, slightly below Triple Heater 21. You can
find this as a depression when your mouth is only slightly open. The
points for Small Intestine 19 can improve ear health and hearing as
well as help avoid ear infections. The technique of stimulation is
similar to Triple Heater 21.
13. Gall Bladder 2. Bilateral. This is the last of the three ear
acupoints, being located in the depression behind the jaw but in front
of the ear lobe. This acupoint improves hearing and contributes to
tooth and gum health. To stimulate it, rest the thumbs against the jaw
and press on the points with your middle or index finger. The force
must be perpendicular to the jaw bone.
14. Stomach 3. Bilateral. The Stomach 3 is located directly on the
cheeks below the eyes and aligned with the outer side of the nostrils.
This acupoint can help improve the skin on the face as well as the
gums and teeth. To stimulate, anchor your thumbs on your jaws and
use your index or middle finger to press perpendicularly on the point.
15. Large Intestine 20. Bilateral. The Large Intestine 20 is formed
by your nostrils and is found as the space created behind it.
Stimulating the points for Large Intestine 20 can promote healthy
complexion and could significantly clear the nasal pathways. To
stimulate, rest your thumbs against your jaw and apply pressure
against the bone of the nose on either side.
16. Governor Vessel 26. Unilateral. The Governor Vessel 26 is
found in the middle of the grooves in between your nose and lips. This
is a sensitive point for people with high blood pressure, so be careful if
you have any complications. This point can tone the facial muscles,
stimulate the gums and incite mental alertness. To stimulate it, find
the point with the nail or tip of your index or middle finger and anchor
your thumb on your chin. Press lightly and perpendicularly against the
gums underneath the skin.
17. Stomach 4. Bilateral. Stomach 4 is on the edges of your mouth if
you smile slightly and directly below Stomach 3. It can stimulate the
skin around the mouth as well as promote oral hygiene. To stimulate
this acupoint, anchor your thumbs on your jaw and press lightly on the
point against the teeth and gums beneath the skin.
18. Stomach 6. Bilateral. This point has already been discussed in
Chapter 3 in the section Acupoints for the Jaw. It is located in front of
the lower curve of the jaw.
19. Conception Vessel 24. Unilateral. This point is formed in the
space between your lips and your chin. Stimulating it can exercise the
facial muscles and the skin all over your face. It can also significantly
improve the health of the teeth and gums and promote salivation for
dry mouths. To stimulate it, place your thumb on your chin for
support and press on the point using your index or middle finger.
20. Gall Bladder 20. The last point in the facial exercise has already
been discussed in Chapter 3 in the section Acupoints for the Neck and
Shoulders. It is located at the back of the head between your skull and
neck.
Acupoints for headaches
It can be very easy to obtain a headache or a migraine because there
are many possible causes. These include poor posture, problems in the
eyes, spine, digestive track, or hormones, stress, poor dietary choices,
allergies, and dehydration. If you are sensitive and find yourself
constantly experiencing headaches, it would benefit you to take note of
every circumstance that lead you to discomfort in your head. This will
allow you to avoid these problems in the future.
Other possible techniques to avoid headaches and migraines is to
practice yoga, exercise regularly (some forms of relaxation exercises
may be effective), change your diet, or meditate.
If, however, you are already experiencing some discomfort in your
head, some specific acupoints mentioned above can be stimulated to
relieve yourself from further pain.
Governor Vessel 20. This can be effective in relieving tension in the
head especially when you feel localized concentrations of pain.
Urinary Bladder 2. Stimulating this can allow you to relax the
general area of your forehead and your eyes. This is important as you
will be able to think more clearly when pain from these areas are
eliminated.
Gall Bladder 1. This is a general point for mild head aches and
overworked eyes.
Large Intestine 4. The effects of Large Intestine 4 are similar to
those of Gall Bladder 1. Stimulate this in connection with the other.
Gall Bladder 20. Stimulate this point if, aside from having a
headache, you also experience stiffness in your neck. This acupoint can
address both.
Gall Bladder 14. If you feel that your headache is concentrated at
the front, this can help you. It will also clear up blurry eyesight.
Governor Vessel 23. The effects are similar to Gall Bladder 1 but is
more focused on relieving pain in the front area of the head.
Chapter 5: Acupressure for the Digestive
System

A healthy digestive system is key to a fully functional life. However, it

can easily be damaged by ordinary day-to-day activities or by bacteria
that are abundant in the environment. This chapter shall focus on
targeting acupoints that address digestive problems and improve
overall digestive wellness.
Acupoints for overall digestive wellness
One of the most important aspects of a healthy digestive tract is to
have regular bowel movement. Another is to properly digest food in
order to These following acupoints can help with these by generally
improving digestive health.
Stomach 36. Bilateral. To locate this point, place a finger on the
outer side of your knee and trace four finger widths downward on the
side. It can help relieve indigestion as well as generally help you digest
food better. To stimulate the points, place your fingers behind your leg
and press down on the point with your thumb.
Stomach 25. Unilateral. This point is located three finger widths
from the navel on either side. Pressing on this acupoint can stimulate
the stomach and large intestine which could help in digestion. To
stimulate, simply find the point and press perpendicularly on the site
with your index or middle finger.
Several issues with regards to digestive problems are only minor and
could be easily remedied by acupressure and a change in diet and
exercise. The following acupoints can be stimulated to address some
common minor digestive issues.
Acupoints for constipation
Large Intestine 4. This acupoint has already been discussed in
Chapter 3 in the section Acupoints for the Hands. It can also help with
constipation and improve the functions of the large intestine. It is
located at the triangle formed in between the index finger and the
thumb.
Large Intestine 11. This acupoint has already been discussed in
Chapter 3 in the section Acupoints for the Elbows. This acupoint can
relieve constipation by stimulating the large intestine. The point is
located in the depression at the end of your bent elbow’s crease.
Urinary Bladder 25. Bilateral. To locate this acupoint, feel the
bones on your back. The acupoint is located two finger widths on
either side of the spin leveled with the waist before the hip bone. It can
relieve constipation and blockage in the abdomen as well as clear any
pain in the abdominal area. To stimulate, place your thumbs around
your hips and use your middle fingers to find the point and apply
pressure inwards.
Acupoints for diarrhea
Diarrhea is a fairly common condition caused by improper
consumption of food, anxiety, or by many other possible reasons.
Watery stool can lead to dehydration which could be dangerous. It is
important to drink more fluids when experiencing diarrhea to avoid
this problem.
The following acupoints may be stimulated alongside medication to
better relieve diarrhea.
Stomach 25. This has been discussed above in Acupoints for Overall
Digestive Wellness.
Stomach 34. Bilateral. To locate this point, sit down on the floor and
extend your legs. The point is located three finger widths above the
kneecap in the depression at the outer side of the leg. It is surrounded
by muscle. Stimulating this point can relieve many sorts of digestive
discomforts and it can also help in curing diarrhea. To stimulate,
anchor all of your fingers on your knee cap and use your thumb to find
the point. Press downward toward the knee.
Acupoints for stomach cramps
Abdominal pain is very common among women because of the effects
of the menstrual cycle. However, almost anybody can experience pain
or discomfort in the abdominal area because of improper diet. Stress
or several diseases may also cause discomfort. The following acupoints
may help in relieving stomach cramps and abdominal pain.
Stomach 34. See above in Acupoints for Diarrhea.
Urinary Bladder 20. This has already been discussed in Chapter 3
in the section Acupoints for the Back. It can relieve swelling in the
abdomen, indigestion and discomfort. It can also stimulate the
stomach. It is located two finger widths around the spine where your
last spine should be.
Spleen 8. Bilateral. It is located on the inside of the leg about four
finger widths below the knee. The depression is located beneath the
bone. It can help relieve abdominal pain or swelling as well as improve
digestion. To stimulate, wrap your fingers around your leg and use
your thumb to apply pressure angled towards the knee.
Acupoints for appetite
In acupressure, there is a way to normalize the appetite so that you are
not eating too much or you recover from eating too little or even from
anorexia. This is important to make sure that the body receives the
right amount of nutrition that it needs for the day. Problems may arise
if the appetite is not normal, which is why the following acupoints are
important to stimulate.
Conception Vessel 12. Unilateral. To locate this point, place a finger
above your navel and move it upwards. The acupoint is located in the
middle of your belly button and of your breast bone. This point can
help regulate the appetite as well as balance digestion. To stimulate,
simply press on it perpendicularly with the index or middle finger.
Ear Adrenal Acupoints. Unilateral. This is a special kind of
acupoint located at the inner corner of the indentation of the upper
part of the ear. It can also regulate the appetite. To stimulate it, press
the point lightly with your fingernail. You can also use a clean pointed
object such as a toothpick. Since the skin in this area is sensitive, it
may not be able to withstand extreme pressure or abrasion. Be careful
when stimulating this point.
Acupoints for nausea
Nausea usually occurs during travels when the motion of the vehicle
such as the car or boat makes someone feel queasy. In general, ginger
is an effective herbal treatment for nausea. Simply take one ginger,
slice it, and infuse it in hot water. You can also dissolve a lozenge of
ginger in hot water. Honey and lemon peels can make the beverage
more tolerable.
In terms of acupoints, only one acupoint has significantly shown to
treat nausea.
Pericardium 6. This acupoint has already been discussed in Chapter
3 in the section Acupoints for the Wrists. It is located in between the
tendons on the arm at about three finger widths above the wrist. For
cases with temporary nausea or travel sickness, this acupoint should
constantly be stimulated until the discomfort subsides. People who
experience constant nausea especially while travelling might find relief
in wristbands that push down on this area.
Acupoints for bloating and flatulence
Frequent passage of gas is usually caused by the consumption of
beans, bread and other yeast products, sugar, or dairy. Cutting down
on these foods might help reduce flatulence. The following acupoint
can also relieve bloating and flatulence.
Spleen 4. Bilateral. The points for Spleen 4 are located on the
depression formed at the back of the bone of the big toes. Stimulating
this acupoint can balance the intestines and stomach and can relieve
bloating in the abdomen. To stimulate, simply anchor your fingers
over the top of the foot and press down on the point with your thumb.
Acupoints for heartburn
Contrary to popular belief, heartburn is actually a digestive problem
brought about by improper consumption of food, coffee or alcohol.
Smoking and some sicknesses may also cause this problem. This
problem occurs more often when the person is overweight. To prevent
heartburns caused by improper diet, make sure to be active and avoid
lying down or immediately after eating.
The following acupoint may help with heartburn.
Conception Vessel 12. As mentioned before in Acupoints for
Appetite, Conception Vessel 12 can help relieve pain caused by an
unhealthy digestive system.
Chapter 6: Acupressure for the Urinary
System

Aside from the digestive system, the urinary system is an important

network of organs that allow the body to eliminate the waste that it
cannot utilize anymore. It is important to make sure that the urinary
system is functioning well so that the waste does not build up inside
the body.
Acupoints for overall urinary wellness
Ancient Oriental medicine places high importance to the kidneys in
overall health and take multiple measures to ensure that they are
properly protected. The people believed that the kidneys are the source
of strength and longevity.
To improve kidney health, it is important to drink plenty of clean
water and, contrary to popular belief, reduce consumption of other
fluids such as coffee, tea, or alcohol. Not all kinds of fluids can clean
the kidneys as ordinary water does. Many leave residues that solidify
in the kidneys or otherwise just harm them. This is the reason why you
should also avoid excessive sweet or spicy foods. Smoking also harms
the kidneys. The beneficial foods to intake are leafy green vegetables
and root crops such as potatoes.
Acupressure can help improve kidney health, but remember that
wellness is holistic and depends on your diet and exercise, among
other things. The following acupoints can help you improve urinary
wellness.
Urinary Bladder 23. This has already been discussed in Chapter 3
in the section Acupoints for the Back. This can contribute to improving
kidney function. The acupoint is located at the lower back
approximately levelling the waist.
Kidney 3. Bilateral. The Kidney 3 points are located inside the ankle.
There should be a depression behind your ankle bone. This acupoint
can stimulate kidney function, decrease frequent urination, and
remove pain in the lower back if the pain was caused by weak kidney
function. To stimulate, sit down and anchor your fingers behind your
ankle. Use your thumb to press on the point with small rotations.
Conception Vessel 3. Unilateral. To locate this point, sit up
straight, take your right hand and place your right thumb on the
bottom of your navel. The acupoint is located at the tip of your pinky
finger, which should be above the top of your pubic bone. This
acupoint improves bladder function, relieves frequent needs to urinate
and prevents the retention of urine. To stimulate this, locate the pubic
bone with your middle finger then, using the index finger, apply
pressure perpendicularly to the point just above it.
Urinary Bladder 28. Bilateral. This is a tricky acupoint to find. To
locate it, position your fingers to where Urinary Bladder 23 is located.
Travel downward until you feel the end of your hipbone and move
downwards about two to three finger widths. The acupoints lie slightly
above your buttocks. This acupoint can positively affect urinary
bladder function and bladder control. To stimulate, anchor your
thumbs around the hips and locate the point using the middle or index
fingers. Press down with the fingers. There is a possibility that you will
not have enough strength to push the points down effectively with
your fingers. In that case, you can use your knuckles instead by lying
down on them.
Like the digestive system, there are some minor problems that
acupressure could fix with regards to the urinary system. Most
problems arise from unhealthy kidneys or bladders. Sadly, poor
function of these organs can lead to other conditions such as joint or
muscle pain, sore throats, or sexual problems. This is why urinary
health is important. Poor urinary wellness can significantly affect your
quality of life.
Acupoints for incontinence
Urinary incontinence or bedwetting can be caused by stress or anxiety.
There are some instances, however, that weak muscles can release
urine without conscious control. Women can exercise their pelvic
muscles to better control infrequent urination. However, for men and
for others who cannot perform pelvic exercises, the following
acupoints might be helpful.
Spleen 6. Bilateral. This acupoint is located on the inside of your leg
at about four finger widths above the end of the anklebone, and inside
the bone of the leg. It can regulate the functions of the bladder and
kidneys and improves your control of your urinary movement. To
stimulate this, estimate four finger widths from your ankle and then
use a thumb to locate the point and press on it perpendicularly.
Liver 1. Unilateral. This acupoint is located at the inner edge of the
nail of your big toe. This can improve bladder function as well as
contribute to proper circulation in the lower abdomen. To stimulate
this, simply use your thumb or index finger to press on the edge of the
nail of your big toe.
Acupoints for urinary retention
Problems in the prostate in men, which lead to urinary retention,
could arise from a lack of zinc in the system. Zinc rich foods include
oysters and pumpkin seeds. Many fluids such as coffee and tea should
be avoided since they reduce the absorption of zinc in the body.
However, once a prostate problem has already developed, changing
your diet or using the following acupoints cannot solve the problem.
Proper medical attention must be sought out.
Spleen 6. This has been discussed above in Acupoints for
Incontinence.
Gall Bladder 39. This has been discussed in Chapter 3 in the section
Acupoints for Overall Joint Health. Stimulating the point can force
your body to remove excess fluids in your body through urination. The
point is located on the outside of the leg around four finger widths
above the ankle. It is between the bone and the tendons.
Stomach 28. Bilateral. The points for Stomach 28 lie about four
finger widths below the navel and around three finger widths to the
side of the midline of the abdomen. Stimulating this acupoint
promotes the release of urine as well as other abdominal blockages. To
stimulate, put your fingers on the side of the abdomen and locate the
point with your middle fingers. Press slightly towards the pelvis.
Acupoints for edema
Edema, or water retention, is a condition that normally causes the feet
or other limbs to swell. This might be caused by too much water intake
and too much salt that allowed fluid retention. Diuretics such as celery
or parsley can help expel the liquids. The following acupoints may also
be useful:
Spleen 9. Bilateral. It is located beneath the knee in the depression
between the bone and the muscle. It can contribute to expel excess
fluids from the body. To stimulate Spleen 9, find the point with the
thumb and apply pressure perpendicularly.
Spleen 6. This has been discussed above in Acupoints for
Incontinence.
Governor Vessel 26. This has been discussed in Chapter 4.
Government Vessel 26 can significantly relieve facial swelling as well
as expelling any excess liquids in your body. It is located at the crease
formed between your lips and your nose.
Acupoints for cystitis
Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder due to infection or irritation
and is characterized by a burning sensation when urinating. Possible
prevention for cystitis is to drink a lot of water and to avoid powdery
foods and drinks. This will allow your bladder to be rinsed out and not
be irritated by any substances.
The following acupoints are preventive measures and should not be
taken as cures for cystitis especially if it is proven that you have a
bacterial infection. The bacteria might travel to other places if not
treated properly.
Stomach 28. This has been mentioned above in Acupoints for
Urinary Retention. It can also relieve abdominal discomfort.
Gall Bladder 25. Unilateral. The point for Gall Bladder 25 lies on the
side, approximately matching your last rib. It can stimulate the
kidneys and relieve urinary discomfort. To stimulate it, anchor the
thumb around the waist and find the acupoint with the index finger.
Press lightly into the space beneath the rib. The spot may appear
tender. If that is the case, only apply a light pressure and gradually
increase it.
Chapter 7: Acupressure for Mental Health

While conventional medicine approaches mental health in a systemic

or chemical point of view, ancient Oriental medicine does not treat it
the same way. Doctors would describe some mental disorders as the
lack or overproduction of certain chemicals in the body. Thus, doctors
would also prescribe chemicals to repair these faulty responses. This is
not the same approach used in traditional Oriental medicine.
Acupressure points for overall mental health
Oriental medicine believes that the mind and the body are intimately
related through the balance of the meridians. Therefore, acupoints
that support balanced flow throughout the mind and body can help
maintain mental wellness. The following acupoints are believed to
help overall mental health:
Pericardium 6. This acupoint has already been discussed in Chapter
3 in the section Acupoints for the Wrists. It is located in between the
tendons on the arm at about three finger widths above the wrist.
Stimulating it can relax the mind and relieve anxiety.
Governor Vessel 20. This was discussed in Chapter 4. Governor
Vessel 20 can clear the mind and lead to mental balance. The point is
located at the top of the head in between the ears and in line with the
nose.
Large Intestine 4. This acupoint has already been discussed in
Chapter 3 in the section Acupoints for the Hands. It is believed to clear
the meridians in the upper body, causing the person to feel relief from
anxiety and unnecessary worry. It is located in the middle of the
triangle formed between the thumb and the index finger.
Heart 7. Bilateral. To locate this point, turn your arm upward and
draw a straight line from your pinky finger to the first crease of your
wrist. This is the location of Heart 7. Stimulating it can calm the mind.
Many people refer to it whenever they are experiencing anxiety or
sleep disturbance. To stimulate, turn the palm upwards and anchor
your fingers beneath your wrist. Find the point with the thumb and
press lightly towards the pinky finger.
Acupoints for anxiety
As with many of the acupoints in this book, the points presented
earlier are preventive and not necessarily for treatment. In terms of
anxiety, you could use the four acupoints listed above to help reduce
your worries. However, they are not advisable whenever you are
already experiencing anxiety or a panic attack.
The following acupoints can aid in your preventive measures against
anxiety by stimulating your heart and digestive organs. Traditional
Oriental medicine believes that these two systems can improve
someone’s control over his or her emotions.
Conception Vessel 12. This was discussed in Chapter 5 in the
section Acupoints for Appetite. By stimulating the digestive organs,
you also positively affect emotional stability. This point is located in
between the chest and the belly button.
Stomach 36. This was discussed in Chapter 5 in the section
Acupoints for Overall Digestive Wellness. It can protect your digestive
organs and therefore improve your energy and emotional stability. The
point is located four finger widths below the outer side of the knee.
Conception Vessel 6. Unilateral. This acupoint is located around
two finger widths beneath the belly button. It can help with the person
feel more capable in dealing with situations. To stimulate it, place two
fingers of one hand horizontally beneath the navel and locate the point
using the index finger or middle finger of the other hand. Press lightly
on the area and rotate your fingertip gently.
Conception Vessel 17. Unilateral. This point is easy to locate since
it is in between your nipples and in line with the belly button. This can
calm the mind and the heart. To stimulate it, use your index or middle
finger and apply force perpendicularly against the bone. Rotate your
finger gently.
Acupoints for focus and memory
Ancient Oriental medicine treats poor memory and concentration as
an effect of poor kidney health and by stress or fatigue. The following
acupoints address these issues to improve a person’s focus and
memory.
Urinary Bladder 23. This has already been discussed in Chapter 3
in the section Acupoints for the Back. This can contribute to improving
kidney function thus improving your memory and focus. The acupoint
is located at the lower back approximately levelling the waist.
Urinary Bladder 10. Unilateral. To locate this point, feel the back of
your head. There should be a junction in between your skull and your
neck. The acupoint is located in the depression made at the junction
slightly to the left or right. It may be within your hairline itself. This
acupoint can relieve tension and improve memory and concentration
by increasing the circulation in the head and neck. To stimulate, use
your thumbs to apply on either side of the spine. Anchor your fingers
to your scalp.
Kidney 6. Bilateral. To locate this point, place your finger against
your leg and follow the bone as it reaches your foot. Kidney 6 is located
inside the ankle just below the tip of the bone. This can help clear the
mind and improve thinking. To stimulate it, anchor your fingers over
your ankle and apply pressure on the spot with your thumb.
Acupoints for irritability
Irritability, in traditional oriental medicine, is linked to poor liver
function. The following points may help with people suffering from
irritability.
Urinary Bladder 18. This was already discussed in Chapter 3 in the
section Acupoints for the Back. It directly improves liver function and
reduces irritability. It is level with your ninth rib.
Liver 3. Bilateral. This acupoint is located in the feet. To find this
point, trace the top of the space between your big toe and the next one
to the point where the two bones meet. Before this point lies Liver 3. It
can also improve liver function and reduce irritability. To stimulate,
place your fingers beneath your feet for support. Press into the point
perpendicularly using your thumb. You must be aware that you are
stimulating the space between the tendons and not the tendons
themselves.
Acupoints for depression
Depression is more difficult to target because it could be caused by a
variety of factors. It could be due to poor functioning of the liver,
stomach or spleen or due to poor meridian flow to the head. Lack of
exercise and a poor diet may also contribute to depression. The
following acupoints address the former issues.
Governor Vessel 26. This has been discussed in Chapter 4.
Government Vessel 26 can clear the head of any blockages which can
cause depression. It is located at the crease formed between your lips
and your nose.
Urinary Bladder 10. This has been discussed above in Acupoints for
Focus and Memory. Because it can improve circulation in the neck and
head, it may help relieve depression.
Conception Vessel 12. This was discussed in Chapter 5 in the
section Acupoints for Appetite. This stimulates the digestive organs
and contributes to the person feeling more positive and healthy. This
point is located in between the chest and the belly button.
Liver 3. This is discussed above in the section Acupoints for
Irritability.
Acupoints for insomnia
The approach in treating insomnia is to improve meridian flow to the
heart and the mind. The following acupoints, especially the first two,
can be very beneficial.
Heart 7. This was discussed above in Acupoints for Overall Mental
Health.
Pericardium 6. This acupoint was discussed in Chapter 3 in the
section Acupoints for the Wrists. It is located in between the tendons
on the arm at about three finger widths above the wrist. Since it
relaxes the mind it can help with insomnia.
Spleen 6. This was discussed in Chapter 6 in the section Acupoints
for Incontinence. This acupoint is located on the inside of leg at about
four finger widths above the end of the ankle bone. Because it can
strengthen the kidneys, liver and spleen, it can contribute to having
sounder sleeping patterns.
Kidney 3. This was discussed in Chapter 6 in the section Acupoints
for Overall Urinary Wellness. The acupoint lies in a depression behind
the ankle bone. It also improves kidney as well as heart functioning,
making sleep more comfortable.
Gall Bladder 12. Unilateral. To locate this point, touch the area
behind your ears. This acupoint lies in the depression below the bone
in the skull. Stimulating this acupoint can reduce restlessness and
poor sleep due to poor liver function. This can also stop excessive
dreaming.
Acupoints for hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is characteristic of young children who may have eaten
too much sugar or have eaten something they are allergic to. In
acupressure, the approach to relieving hyperactivity is through
targeting points that bring calm to the person.
Pericardium 8. Bilateral. This acupoint is located at the middle of
the palm in between the bones leading to the middle and index fingers.
It can effectively bring calm to the mind and allow someone to think
slowly and thoroughly. To stimulate this point, anchor your fingers at
the back of your opposite hand and use your thumb to press
downward on the acupoint.
Lung 11. Bilateral. This acupoint is located on the outside end of the
thumbnail. It is very effective in allowing someone who is agitated to
calm down and rest. To stimulate it, simply support the thumb in the
fingers of the other hand and use the nail of the opposite thumb to
press lightly on the acupoint.
Conclusion

Thank you again for purchasing this book!

I hope this book was able to inspire you to continue practicing
acupressure for the benefit of your health.
The next step is to advance your knowledge of acupressure by
enrolling in a professional class. This will allow you to confidently
know more about the body’s many meridians and how to effectively
help others through acupressure.
Finally, if you enjoyed this book, please take the time to share your
thoughts and post a review on Amazon. It’d be greatly appreciated!
Thank you and good luck!