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What are the Acupressure Points for Stomach Pain?

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Nikita Tyagi, last updated on 6 September 2023| min read
What are the Acupressure Points for Stomach Pain?

Quick Summary

  • Acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the person's body to relieve pain and other symptoms.
  • There are several acupressure points for stomach pain that may help relieve pain.
  • Severe stomach pain which is frequent, may require medical attention.

Everybody deals with troublesome stomach problems like pain, gas, bloating, constipation etc. There are some acupressure points for stomach pain that may help relieve these symptoms. However, severe stomach pain which is frequent, may require medical attention.

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the person's body to relieve pain and other symptoms. There are several acupressure points for stomach pain that may help relieve pain.

Read the following blog to learn more about acupressure points for stomach pain, gas acupressure points for stomach pain etc. 

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What are Acupressure Points?

Acupressure points for stomach pain are specific locations on the body that are thought to correspond to certain physical and emotional conditions. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that illness and other health issues occur when the flow of qi is disrupted or blocked. Acupressure and acupuncture are both based on the belief that by stimulating these points, it is possible to restore the balance of qi and improve overall health and well-being.

Our body consists of hundreds of acupressure points, each with its specific location and function. Some points are thought to help relieve pain. In contrast, others are believed to help improve digestion, boost energy, and address many other physical and emotional issues. Acupressure for stomach pain is typically performed by applying pressure to the points using the fingers, hands, or other objects, such as needles in acupuncture.

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Acupressure points for Stomach Pain

The acupressure points should be gently pressed for a short period of time, up to a few minutes, before being released. Take calm, deep breaths while holding the acupressure points for the best results. Here are ten acupressure points that are believed to help with digestion and relieve stomach pain, bloat, and constipation:

  1. Stomach 36 (ST36): This point is located on the outer side of the lower leg, about four fingers below the kneecap.
  2. Conception Vessel 12 (CV12): Located on the midline of the abdomen, about one and a half inches below the navel.
  3. Spleen 6 (SP6): This point is about four fingers above the inner ankle bone on the inside of the leg. 
  4. Large Intestine 4 (LI4): This acupressure point is located at the back of the hand, in the webbing between the index finger and the thumb. 
  5. Stomach 25 (ST25): This is present on the midline of the abdomen, about three fingers above the navel. 
  6. Stomach 14 (ST14): You can find this point on the midline of the upper chest, about one and a half inches below the collarbone. This is one of the most effective points of acupressure for stomach pain.
  7. Stomach 21 (ST21): Located on the midline of the upper chest, about one and a half inches below the collarbone.
  8. Stomach 44 (ST44): This point is present on the foot's outer side, in the depression below the little toe. 
  9. Stomach 3 (ST3): It is located on the midline of the forehead, about one inch above the eyebrows.
  10. Stomach 9 (ST9): This point can be found on the midline of the upper lip, just below the nose.

Role of Acupressure Points for Stomach Pain

All sorts of stomach pain can be relieved with the acupressure points.

  1. They will assist in reducing abdominal pain that could be the source of your stomach aches.
  2. They also aid heartburn, indigestion, and even constipation, which may be linked to problems with your stomach and digestion.
  3. The acupressure point is also effective at relieving emotional stress, such as anxiety and frustration, which are frequently major causes of digestive issues etc. 

How to Use Acupressure to Relieve Stomach Ache

Acupressure is a simple and effective way to relieve stomach aches; you just need to know the right technique and location for best results. Here are some steps to follow if you want to use acupressure to try to relieve stomach aches:

  1. Locate the acupressure points: Several acupressure points may help relieve stomach pain. Some common points include Stomach 36 (ST36), Conception Vessel 12 (CV12), and Spleen 6 (SP6).
  2. Apply gentle pressure: To use these points for acupressure, locate the point and apply gentle but firm pressure using your thumb or finger. You can also massage the point in a circular motion. It's important to be gentle and avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause discomfort or injury.
  3. Repeat as needed: You can repeat the process several times throughout the day. Some people find relief after just a few minutes of acupressure, while others may need to repeat the process several times over a longer period.

Acupressure Points for stomach pain during periods

Several acupressure points may help relieve period pain and other menstrual symptoms. Here are a few to try:

  1. Conception Vessel 6: CV6 is located on the midline of the abdomen, about three inches below the belly button.
  2. Spleen 6 (SP6): This is located about four fingers above the inner ankle bone on the inside of the leg. 
  3. Stomach 36 (ST36): Located on the outer side of the lower leg, about four fingers below the kneecap. 
  4. Large Intestine 4 (LI4): This point is located at the back of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger.

Do’s and Don’ts for Acupressure points for Stomach pain

Here are a few Do's and Dont's for Acupressure points for stomach ache:

Do's

Don'ts

Locate the correct acupressure points for relieving stomach ache

Use acupressure in place of proper medical care

Apply gentle but firm pressure to the points using your thumb or finger

Press too hard, as this can cause discomfort or even injury

Massage the points in a circular motion

Use acupressure on injured or sore areas

Repeat the process as needed

Use acupressure if you are pregnant without consulting a healthcare provider

Takeaway

Acupressure may be used as a complementary therapy to help relieve symptoms, but it is not a replacement for medical treatment. If you are experiencing stomach pain, including period pain or other menstrual symptoms, you must consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. 

You can also connect with our team of doctors on board to discuss your stomach issues and get them solved with a free consultation call. Contact the medical experts at HexaHealth to know more about the acupressure points for stomach aches and how to get rid of other stomach pain-related symptoms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Acupressure points for stomach pain include the point on the inside of your wrist, about three finger-widths from the crease where your hand meets your arm. This point is known as the Pericardium 6 (P6) or Neiguan point. Another point for stomach pain is located just below the navel, in the centre of the abdomen; this is known as the Stomach 36 (ST36) or Zusanli point.

For gas, the Stomach 36 (ST36) point mentioned above is also useful as it can help with digestion and the elimination of gas. Another point that may help is the Large Intestine 4 (LI4) or Hegu point, which is located at the highest spot of the muscle between the index finger and thumb when the thumb and index finger are brought close together. These are some effective gas acupressure points for stomach pain.

During periods, some people may experience stomach pain and cramping. The point that can be used to alleviate this type of pain is the Spleen 6 (SP6) or San Yin Jiao point. This point is located on the inside of the ankle, about three finger-widths above the ankle bone, and on the inside of the calf muscle.

It depends on which acupressure point you are targeting. In general, you should use the tip of your finger to press the point, rather than the pad of your finger, and apply firm, steady pressure for about 1 to 2 minutes at a time.

Massaging the stomach can help with gas and digestion. The massage can be done by applying gentle pressure in a clockwise direction around the abdomen. This helps to stimulate the muscles of the stomach and intestines, which can help move gas through the digestive tract.

Stomach pain can have many causes, some serious and some not. If the pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or blood in the stools, it is important to seek medical attention right away as it could be a sign of a more serious condition

Continuous stomach ache can be caused by a variety of factors, including gastrointestinal issues, food allergies or sensitivities, food poisoning, stress, hormonal imbalances, medications, gastritis, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and cancer.

Stress can cause stomach pain, as well as a number of other digestive symptoms such as acid reflux, bloating, gas, diarrhoea or constipation. Stress can cause the muscles in the stomach and intestines to contract, which can lead to pain and discomfort. It can also increase acid production in the stomach, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause pain.

A sharp pain in your stomach could be caused by a number of different things, including indigestion, gas, or a stomach ulcer. It could also be caused by a more serious condition, such as stomach infection or appendicitis. If you experience sharp stomach pain, it is important to seek medical attention right away to determine the cause and appropriate course of treatment.

Last Updated on: 6 September 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Nikita Tyagi

Nikita Tyagi

BPharm (Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University, Hyderabad)

2 Years Experience

An enthusiastic writer with an eye for details and medical correctness. An avid reviewer and publisher. She emphasises authentic information and creates value for the readers. Earlier, she was involved in making ...View More

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