Acupressure Points for the Spleen & Stomach
Below are self-acupressure points to help to tonify qi and resolve dampness, two common ways the Spleen & Stomach need support. We’ll dive more into what that means in next week’s post. (For more background on these organs, check out the other posts in this series on the Earth element.)
Stomach 36: Zu San Li, Leg Three Miles
Located below the outer side of the knee, you can find this point by placing your hand under your kneecap and feeling for the tender hollow alongside the tibia bone.
One of the most common points, it treats all digestive disorders. It deeply tonifies qi, as well as blood and yin, treating a number of deficiency conditions like fatigue and shortness of breath. You can also use it locally for knee or leg pain.
Spleen 6: San Yin Jiao, Three Yin Crossing
Located on the lower leg, a hands’ breadth (not including the thumb) above the inner ankle, alongside the tibia bone. Feel for the tender hollow.
Another extremely common point, this crosses with the Liver and Kidney meridians. Like Stomach 36, this is a tonifying point for feelings of weakness, heaviness, fatigue, and more. Spleen 6 is also used for all kinds of reproductive issues including menstrual disorders, infertility, and issues during pregnancy. It also treats local pain.
Spleen 9: Yin Ling Quan, Yin Mound Spring
Located on the inner leg below the knee, run the finger up along the tibia bone until you find a tender hollow. This point is a little higher than ST 36.
This is the major point for dampness—which refers to overgrowth of any unwanted microbes, parasites, excess fluid, and excess fat. It can also manifest as a physical, mental, and/or emotional feeling of heaviness. Spleen 9 also treats local pain.
Ren 12: Zhong Wan, Middle Cavity
Located along the midline of the abdomen, find this point a full hands’ breadth (including the thumb) above the belly button.
Directly related to the Stomach, this point treats any digestive disorder. It also remedies harm caused to the body by excessive worry or overthinking.
Stay tuned for more about major patterns of Spleen/Stomach disharmony and how to address them in next week’s post.
Interested in trying Chinese medicine? Register for a class or book an appointment here.