The Complete
Guide to
Pressure Points
Explore the body's healing pathways. Discover acupressure points, reflexology zones, and therapeutic techniques drawn from thousands of years of traditional medicine.
Explore by Body Zone
Select a zone to discover the acupressure points within it. Click any point to reveal its location, benefits, and how to apply it.
Body Zones
Select a zone to explore
The Body's Microsystems
Reflexology maps the entire body onto the feet, hands, and ears. Stimulating these reflex zones promotes healing in the corresponding organs and systems.
Foot Reflexology
The feet are the most commonly used area for reflexology. The entire body is mapped onto the soles, with the right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the left foot to the left. Massaging these zones promotes healing in the corresponding organs and systems.
Zone Map
| Zone | Corresponds To |
|---|---|
| Tips of toes | Head, brain, sinuses |
| Toes (general) | Head and neck |
| Ball of the foot | Chest and upper back |
| Upper arch | Upper abdomen |
| Lower arch | Lower abdomen |
| Heel | Pelvis and lower back |
| Inner edge (arch) | Spine |
| Outer edge | Arm, shoulder, knee, hip |
Key Points to Know
Find Points by Condition
Select a health concern to discover the most effective pressure points for relief. Each protocol is drawn from classical TCM practice.
Headaches & Migraines
Acupressure can provide significant relief for tension headaches, sinus headaches, and migraines. Apply pressure to the following points at the first sign of a headache.
Recommended Points
Master point for all headaches, especially frontal. Press the webbing between thumb and index finger.
On the dorsum (back) of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger, at the midpoint of the 2nd metacarpal bone.
Pinch the webbing between the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand. Press firmly with the thumb. Hold for 1โ3 minutes.
โ Contraindicated during pregnancy โ can stimulate uterine contractions.
Most effective for headaches at the back of the head and migraines. Press at the base of the skull.
At the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the neck, between the two large muscles.
Use both thumbs to press upward and inward into the hollows. Apply firm pressure and hold for 2โ3 minutes.
For migraines associated with stress and emotional tension. Press on the top of the foot.
On the top of the foot, in the depression between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, approximately 2 cun above the web margin.
Press firmly with the thumb or a knuckle. Hold for 1โ2 minutes. Often used in combination with LI-4 (the 'Four Gates' combination).
For frontal and sinus headaches. Press gently between the eyebrows.
Directly between the eyebrows, at the midpoint of the forehead.
Press gently with the tip of the middle finger. Use small circular motions for 1โ2 minutes. Ideal for meditation.
Acupressure is a complementary therapy. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for serious or persistent conditions. Avoid applying pressure to broken skin, inflamed areas, or directly over varicose veins. Pregnant women should consult a practitioner before using any points.
The Fourteen Meridians
Meridians are the invisible channels through which qi (vital energy) flows. Each meridian connects to an organ system and governs specific physical and emotional functions.
The Five Elements
| Meridian | Code |
|---|---|
Lung | LU |
Large Intestine | LI |
Stomach | ST |
Spleen | SP |
Heart | HT |
Small Intestine | SI |
Bladder | BL |
Kidney | KI |
Pericardium | PC |
Triple Energizer | TE |
Gallbladder | GB |
Liver | LR |
Governing Vessel | GV |
Conception Vessel | CV |
Yin meridians run along the inner (medial) surfaces of the limbs and the front of the body. They govern the solid, storage organs (zang): Lung, Heart, Pericardium, Spleen, Kidney, and Liver.
Yang meridians run along the outer (lateral) surfaces of the limbs and the back of the body. They govern the hollow, transformation organs (fu): Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Triple Energizer, Stomach, Bladder, and Gallbladder.
All 361 Classical Points
Explore the complete database of classical acupuncture points across all 14 meridians โ from the Lung to the Governing Vessel. Search by name, code, or condition, and view detailed location, technique, and therapeutic benefit information for every point.