Constipation means having infrequent bowel movements or difficult stool passage. Oftentimes, you experience this if you are bloated, straining because of hard stools, or suffering from continuing abdominal pain.
Feeling constipated every once in a while is normal. In fact, constipation affects around 16% worldwide. But it becomes a problem when it worsens your quality of life or interferes with your ability to complete daily tasks.1
When left untreated, acute constipation may cause persistent pain. It may even require surgery if it leads to intestine closure.
If you are constipated, don’t worry. We will help you take the first step toward healing. To get started, consider relieving your symptoms by trying acupressure for constipation.
How Can Acupressure Relieve Constipation?
Acupressure is a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to encourage healing and wellness.
According to Shari Auth, DACM, LAc, LMT, co-founder of a modern acupuncture and herbs company, constipation is a form of energy blockage. This is especially true if one experiences emotional and energetic problems.
In addition, alchemical acupuncturist Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc explains that acupressure helps move stool through the digestive system. It promotes peristalsis, the movement of the intestinal muscles.
Research also shows that participants who underwent self-administered acupressure experienced reduced constipation symptoms after ten days. In another study, researchers found that stimulating abdominal acupressure points improved bowel function.2,3
Best Acupressure Points for Constipation
Acupressure helps alleviate constipation symptoms, including gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. Simply apply pressure on acupressure points, then gently massage them for several minutes.
The best thing about acupressure is you don’t have to be a trained acupuncturist to do it. Elizabeth So, DACM, LAc, an acupuncturist and herbalist, reveals, “While it’s true that your acupuncturist will know more techniques and channel theory, there are many profoundly simple and effective ways in which anyone, trained or untrained, can use acupressure to relieve a variety of symptoms.”
To find relief, take note of these commonly used acupressure points to treat constipation at home.
1. San Jiao 6 (Zhigou or Branching Ditch)
San Jiao 6 (SJ6) is used to target the lower jiao. It keeps things moving in the large and small intestines, bladder, and kidneys.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure three finger-widths on the outer side of your arm from your wrist crease
- Press on the point
- Apply pressure and massage using circular motions
- Repeat the steps on your other arm
2. Stomach 25 (Tianshu or Celestial Pivot)
Stomach 25 (ST25) balances the digestive system. It relieves constipation by regulating the stomach and intestines.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Find the highest point on your abdominal muscles or two finger-widths away to the right of your belly button
- Press on the point
- Knead in circular motions
- Repeat the steps on the other side
3. Spleen 15 (Daheng or Great Horizontal)
Spleen 15 (SP15) stimulates intestinal muscles and boosts the effects of ST25. Besides easing constipation, it alleviates diarrhea and abdominal pain.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure four finger-widths to the right of your belly button
- Press on the point
- Massage using circular motions
- Repeat on the other side
4. Stomach 36 (Zusanli or Leg Three Miles)
Stomach 36 (ST36) strengthens the digestive system and harmonizes the spleen and stomach. To stimulate this point, use two fingers.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure four finger-widths away under your knee bone
- Use your first two fingers to apply pressure
- Massage using a circular motion
- Repeat the steps on the other side
5. Liver 3 (Taichong or Great Surge)
In TCM, stress may disrupt the flow of qi or energy along the Spleen Meridian. This can cause constipation and other digestive system problems, like bloating and stomach cramps.
A study says that acupressure, particularly acupressure point Liver 3 (LIV3), increases endorphins. In other words, it reduces stress, which then helps manage stress-related constipation symptoms.4
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Press firmly between your big toe and second toe
- Apply circular pressure
- Repeat the steps on the other side
Read More: Health Benefits Of Acupressure Slippers
6. Large Intestine 4 (Hegu or Joining Valley)
Another acupressure point used for stress relief is Large Intestine 4 (LI4). If your constipation is caused by emotional stress, stimulating this point may help alleviate your symptoms.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- On the top of your hand, locate the area between your thumb and index finger
- Press on the point
- Apply circular pressure
- Repeat on the other side
7. Large Intestine 11 (Quchi or Pool at the Crook)
Large Intestine 11 (LI 11) is usually used to clear heat, but it also soothes constipation and abdominal congestion. It targets the large intestine and eases stomach fullness and abdominal pain.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Bend your arm
- Find the crease on your bent elbow
- Press on the outside part of your elbow where the crease ends
- Apply pressure, then massage
- Repeat the steps on your other elbow
8. Kidney 6 (Zhaohai or Shining Sea)
Kidney 6 (KI6) promotes fluid production. It eases constipation and encourages a healthy bowel movement.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Press on the point below your inner ankle
- Massage using circular motions
- Repeat on the other side
9. Ren 12 (Zhongwan or Middle Epigastrium)
This is one of the best acupressure points for constipation! Also known as conception vessel 12 (CV 12), Ren 12 nourishes the stomach and spleen and boosts their qi. It is used to treat indigestion, diarrhea, stomach ache, and abdominal distension.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Find the frontal midline of your body
- Measure your hand’s width above your belly button
- Press firmly on the point
- Knead in small circles
10. CV4 (Guanyuan or Gate of Origin)
CV 4 helps relieve abdominal pain and diarrhea. It also strengthens the body’s energy by fortifying the qi.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Lie down on your back
- Press a hand’s width or three inches below your belly button with your index fingers or one hand
- Apply circular pressure
Other Home Remedies for Constipation
Acupressure is a natural alternative to medications and treatments. Besides this method, here are other home remedies for constipation that you can try at home:
- Drink lots of fluids
- Eat high-fiber foods
- Drink caffeinated coffee
- Take magnesium citrate
- Try laxatives
- Incorporate probiotic foods or probiotic supplements into your diet
- Relieve stress naturally by making time for hobbies
- Exercise regularly
In Short
I hope you enjoyed this blog post abut the best acupressure points for constipation!
Stimulating these points can help you find relief without leaving the comfort of your home or hurting your budget. But before starting, talk with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or have a chronic disease. Also, don’t apply hard pressure to avoid soreness and bruising.
You can also check out this article to discover the best acupressure points for anxiety and stress and the best acupressure points for hair growth.
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