Quick Stress Relief: Acupressure Points & Techniques You Can Use Today
Western Medicine & TCM Approaches (Part 2 of 4)
By Elizabeth Howe, DAOM, L.Ac.
In the first post of this series, we explored how chronic stress affects your body from both Western medical and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives. We looked at how stress disrupts multiple body systems and how TCM views stress as disrupting your Qi flow in specific patterns like Liver Qi stagnation, Heart Qi disturbance, Spleen Qi deficiency, and Kidney Yin deficiency.
Today, I'm sharing practical techniques you can use immediately for stress relief through the ancient practice of acupressure and explaining the science behind these approaches.
How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Relieve Stress
Before we dive into specific acupressure points you can use at home, let's explore how these approaches work to relieve stress according to both medical traditions.
Western Medicine View
Neurochemicals Release: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurochemicals, relieving pain and improving mood.
Parasympathetic Activation: Stimulates the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift into a relaxed, restorative state.
Improved Circulation & Reduced Inflammation: Increases blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and lowers inflammation, all of which help the body recover from stress.
Lowered Cortisol: Studies show acupuncture can reduce cortisol, the body's main stress hormone.
Chinese Medicine View
Moves Qi and Blood: Acupuncture unblocks stagnation, restores the smooth flow of Qi, and harmonizes organ systems.
Calms the Shen: Acupuncture points are chosen to settle the mind, soothe anxiety, and promote restful sleep.
Restores Balance: By addressing the root patterns behind stress, acupuncture helps restore emotional and physical equilibrium.
Acupressure works on the same principles as acupuncture but uses finger pressure instead of needles, making it a perfect self-care technique you can practice anywhere.
Simple Acupressure for Immediate Stress Relief
Acupressure offers a gentle, accessible way to support your nervous system and restore balance during stressful times.
How to Apply Acupressure Correctly
Use your thumb or middle finger to apply gentle, steady pressure
Hold each point for 1-2 minutes while breathing deeply
Repeat 2-3 times daily, especially during stressful moments
Always avoid these points during pregnancy
Three Most Effective Points
1. Yintang (Third Eye Point)
Location: Directly between your eyebrows
Benefits: Calms anxiety, clears the mind, relieves tension headaches
Best for: Overthinking, worry, difficulty focusing
2. LI4 (Hegu or Union Valley)
Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger
Benefits: Releases stuck energy, relieves headaches, reduces tension
Best for: Frustration, irritability, physical tension
CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy
3. PC6 (Neiguan or Inner Gate)
Location: Two finger-widths above the inner wrist crease, between tendons
Benefits: Settles the mind, calms anxiety, improves sleep
Best for: Anxiety, insomnia, emotional overwhelm
Additional Helpful Points
4. SP6 (Sanyinjiao or Three Yin Crossing)
Location: Three finger-widths above inner ankle bone, just behind the bone
Benefits: Balances hormones, calms the nervous system, eases digestive issues related to stress
Best for: Hormonal stress symptoms, digestive upset from stress, trouble sleeping
CAUTION: Avoid during pregnancy
5. LV3 (Taichong or Great Rushing)
Location: On top of the foot, in the depression between the first and second toes
Benefits: Alleviates stress, reduces anger, promotes emotional balance
Best for: Irritability, stress headaches, PMS-related stress
6. HT7 (Shenmen or Spirit Gate)
Location: On wrist crease in line with little finger
Benefits: Calms anxiety, soothes the mind, improves sleep quality
Best for: Racing thoughts, insomnia, emotional overwhelm
Use gentle pressure or massage for 1–2 minutes while breathing deeply. Incorporate these acupressure techniques into your daily routine to help manage stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
Matching Acupressure Points to Your Stress Pattern
Remember those TCM stress patterns we discussed in Part 1? Here's how to choose the right points for your specific pattern:
For Liver Qi Stagnation (irritability, tension, PMS)
LV3 (Great Rushing)
LI4 (Union Valley)
For Heart Qi and Shen Disturbance (anxiety, insomnia, palpitations)
HT7 (Spirit Gate)
Yintang (Third Eye Point)
For Spleen Qi Deficiency (worry, overthinking, digestive issues)
SP6 (Three Yin Crossing)
PC6 (Inner Gate)
For Kidney Yin Deficiency (burnout, night sweats, afternoon anxiety)
SP6 (Three Yin Crossing)
HT7 (Spirit Gate)
Simple Acupressure Routine for Daily Stress Management
For a balanced approach to everyday stress management, try this simple 5-minute routine:
Begin with Yintang (between eyebrows) for 1 minute while taking deep breaths
Press LI4 (webbing of hand) on both hands for 1 minute each
Finish with HT7 (wrist point) on both wrists for 1 minute each
This quick sequence can be done sitting at your desk, before an important meeting, or at bedtime to promote better sleep.
Creating an Acupressure Self-Care Practice
To make acupressure a regular part of your stress management toolkit:
Morning routine: Press Yintang for 1-2 minutes while setting a positive intention for the day
Midday reset: Use LI4 when you feel tension building
Evening wind-down: Press HT7 and SP6 to signal to your body it's time to relax
During acute stress: Use PC6 to quickly calm anxious feelings
Remember that consistency is key. Even a few minutes of acupressure daily can help regulate your stress response over time.
Coming Next Week: Herbal Medicine for Stress
In the next post, I'll share how Chinese herbal medicine can address different types of stress, along with simple tea recipes you can make at home for stress relief. You'll learn about classical formulas for stress management and how herbs can be tailored to your specific stress pattern.
Can't wait for herbal recommendations? Schedule a personalized consultation today to address your specific stress patterns and symptoms. Mention this article for 10% off your first service.
About the Author
Dr. Elizabeth Howe, DAOM, L.Ac. is the founder of Red Bird Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Oakland, California. With a career in wellness that spans over a decade, Dr. Howe brings doctoral-level training in both orthopedic acupuncture and Classical Chinese herbalism to her practice. Her specialized expertise in musculoskeletal pain conditions allows her to effectively address chronic pain, while her mastery of traditional herbal medicine helps patients with a wide range of health concerns, including stress, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances. Dr. Howe's extensive background in movement arts—including martial arts,
Pilates and dance give her a unique understanding of body mechanics and movement patterns, allowing her to create more effective, personalized treatment plans for patients with pain and mobility issues. She serves patients throughout the Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, and greater Bay Area.
What Patients Are Saying
"Elizabeth has been a vital part of caring for my body. She is an attentive, kind, and informative practitioner. I found Elizabeth when I was in an intense body crisis, and she has helped me rest back into a better, more regulated state!" — Google Review
Contact Information
Phone: 510-902-2266
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic.
May 2025
