Stomach churning? Constipation dragging your energy down? Bloating after every meal? You’re not alone. I used to think digestive troubles were just part of life—until I found pressure point therapy.

With just my hands, breath, and a little patience, I began easing symptoms that had plagued me for years. If you’re navigating similar issues, this guide is for you.

We’ll walk through the most reliable digestive pressure points, how they support gut balance, and exactly how to apply them for lasting relief.

Quick Relief: Best Digestive Pressure Points

Use these acupressure points to support digestion and relieve common gut complaints:

• CV 6 (Sea of Energy): Constipation relief and gut motility boost
• ST 25 (Tianshu): Stomach ache relief, regulates intestines
• ST 36 (Zusanli): Strengthens digestion and relieves bloating
• SP 15 (Daheng): Improves bowel movement regularity
• LI 4 (Hegu): Reduces abdominal pain and tension
• ST 37 (Shangjuxu): Promotes large intestine function
• LR 3 (Taichong): Eases bloating and emotional gut tension

If you ever struggle to find these points or judge pressure, the Pressure Points Guide App walks you through each step.

Introduction to Pressure Point Therapy

Historical Foundations and Modern Relevance

Digestive issues are nothing new; ancient Chinese, Indian, and Egyptian texts all describe touch-based therapies for the gut. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) maps pressure points along meridians that influence digestive qi.

Today, we understand these effects through the enteric nervous system and vagal pathways. Both systems agree: the gut responds powerfully to targeted pressure.

Core Principles of Energy Meridians

In TCM, energy (qi) flows through meridians like rivers through terrain. When blockages arise – stress, poor diet, tension – qi stagnates, and symptoms emerge. Digestive pressure points help clear these blocks, restoring harmony.

The stomach and spleen meridians are primary players in gut health, but the large intestine and liver channels also support digestion and detox.

Anatomical Foundations of Acupressure

Classification of Acupoints

Digestive points often sit near the abdomen, but many reside on the limbs and feet, because energy travels far. For gut issues, we use alarm points (like ST 25), source points (like LR 3), and lower he-sea points (like ST 37) to target different digestive layers.

Measurement & Localization Techniques

Instead of measuring in inches, we use cun, the width of your thumb or finger. For example, ST 36 is about four finger widths below the kneecap and one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. Using your hands makes each treatment customized to your body.

Pressure Application Protocols

Manual Techniques and Tools

You can use your fingers, knuckles, or tools like a rounded stick. I prefer my thumbs—there’s a natural intuition there. Apply firm, steady pressure without pain. Circular motions can help if an area feels tight. Breathe with each press.

Duration & Frequency Guidelines

For acute relief (like after a heavy meal), try 1–2 minutes per point. For chronic issues, apply pressure for 3–5 minutes daily. Most studies—and personal experience—show that 30-minute sessions, 3–5 times a week for 4 weeks, offer sustained improvement.

Therapeutic Applications by Body Region

Back Pain Relief Strategies

Surprised? Digestive imbalance often triggers low back pain, especially around B 23 (Sea of Vitality). This point eases tension along the lower spine and indirectly supports bowel movement.

Sleep Optimization Techniques

Gut health and sleep are best friends. Points like SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) calm both the stomach and mind. I often use this before bed, especially after late dinners.

Facial Rejuvenation & Tension Relief

Poor digestion shows up on our faces—puffiness, dull skin, tension lines. Pressing LI 4 releases tension in the head and jaw while encouraging elimination. When digestion flows, so does your glow.

Implementation & Self-Care Guidelines

Stepwise Home Practice

1. Choose 2–3 points based on your current need
2. Sit comfortably and center your breath
3. Locate the point using cun measurement
4. Apply pressure for 1–3 minutes per point
5. Drink warm water afterward to support movement

Integration with Adjuvant Therapies

Pressure point therapy shines when combined with:

• Warm herbal teas (peppermint, ginger, fennel)
• Probiotic-rich foods like kefir or kimchi
• Gentle abdominal massage or castor oil packs

Modern Tools: How the App Helps with Digestive Pressure Points

Sometimes we know the what, but not the how. That’s where the Pressure Points Guide App comes in. It visually guides you to each pressure point, including CV 6, ST 36, and ST 25. You’ll see real-time SVG illustrations of where to press, how long to hold, and even hear calming voice prompts. It’s like having me in the room guiding you – no guesswork, just gentle confidence.

Whether you’re using it to soothe bloating after dinner or stay regular during travel, the app personalizes every session. With over 65 points and 30 custom routines, your gut relief is only a tap away.

Practitioner Insight

I remember one client who’d been dealing with IBS for over a decade. We started a simple protocol: ST 25, ST 37, and CV 6, five times a week. Combined with breathing and minor food adjustments, she saw improvements in just two weeks. What amazed her most wasn’t just less pain—it was the return of trust in her body. That’s the real magic of this work.

Safety & Contra-Indications

Pressure points are safe when used mindfully, but always follow your body’s lead.

• Avoid pressure on full stomachs or inflamed areas
• Pregnant? Skip abdominal points like ST 25 and CV 6
• Use gentle pressure if fatigued, ill, or elderly

More information can be found in our safety guide and the acupressure category.

As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.

Conclusion

Digestive pressure points give us a rare gift: agency over our gut health. They’re quiet, simple, and deeply effective. Whether you’re seeking constipation relief, easing bloating, or navigating chronic conditions, your hands may hold more healing power than you realize.

Which point will you try first? Explore more stomach relief points or dive deeper into CV 6 and ST 36.

FAQs

What are the best pressure points for bloating?

ST 36, CV 6, and SP 15 are especially effective. They promote peristalsis and relieve trapped gas.

Can acupressure help with chronic constipation?

Yes. Daily stimulation of CV 6, ST 25, and ST 37 has been shown to improve motility and regularity.

How long does it take for digestive acupressure to work?

You may feel relief within minutes, but consistent practice over 2–4 weeks brings the most lasting results.

Is it safe to use digestive pressure points during pregnancy?

Avoid abdominal points like ST 25 and CV 6 during pregnancy. Instead, try gentle stimulation of SP 6 or LI 4.

Can pressure points reduce emotional stress in the gut?

Yes. Points like LR 3 and LI 4 help ease emotional tension, which often shows up in the gut.