15 Acupressure Points Commonly Used for Relaxation

Acupressure is a traditional practice that involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body. Many people enjoy it as a simple, hands-on way to relax. This guide introduces 15 well-known acupressure points that are traditionally used to encourage calm, along with where to find them.

It is important to be clear: acupressure is a relaxation and self-care practice, not a medical treatment, and this article does not claim it cures or treats any condition. Use light, comfortable pressure, stop if anything hurts, and avoid pressing on injuries, wounds or rashes. If you are pregnant, some points are traditionally avoided, so please check with a qualified healthcare professional before trying acupressure, and seek professional support for any ongoing health concerns.

Points on the Head and Face

Gentle points many people find soothing after a long day.

1. Third eye point (Yintang). Found in the small dip between the eyebrows, this point is often pressed gently with one fingertip while breathing slowly.
2. Temple points (Taiyang). Located in the soft hollows on each side of the head beside the eyes, these are typically massaged with small, light circles.
3. Crown point (Baihui). Sitting at the top of the head, this point is traditionally touched with gentle, steady pressure during quiet moments.

Points on the Neck and Shoulders

Common spots for the tension that gathers from screens and stress.

1. Base of skull (Fengchi). Found in the two hollows where the neck meets the skull, these are often pressed gently with the thumbs.
2. Top of the shoulder (Jianjing). Located at the highest point of the shoulder muscle, this area is commonly squeezed softly; it is one to avoid during pregnancy.
3. Back of the neck (Tianzhu). Sitting just below the base of the skull on either side of the spine, this point is typically pressed with light fingertip pressure.

Points on the Hands and Wrists

Easy to reach whenever you want a quiet moment.

1. Hand valley point (Hegu, LI4). Found in the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger, this popular point is pressed gently; it is traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
2. Inner wrist point (Neiguan, PC6). Located about three finger-widths below the wrist crease between two tendons, it is often pressed softly with the thumb.
3. Wrist crease point (Shenmen, HT7). Sitting on the wrist crease on the little-finger side, this point is commonly touched with light pressure.
4. Center of the palm (Laogong, PC8). Found where the middle finger touches when you make a loose fist, it is typically massaged gently with the opposite thumb.

Points on the Legs and Feet

Grounding points that feel pleasant after time on your feet.

1. Below the knee (Zusanli, ST36). Located about four finger-widths below the kneecap and slightly to the outside, it is traditionally pressed with steady, gentle pressure.
2. Inner ankle point (Sanyinjiao, SP6). Found about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, this point is another one avoided during pregnancy.
3. Top of the foot (Taichong, LV3). Sitting in the groove between the big toe and second toe, it is commonly pressed softly while seated.
4. Sole of the foot (Yongquan, KD1). Located in the hollow on the sole near the ball of the foot, this grounding point is often massaged gently.

A Point on the Chest

A calming central point for slow breathing.

1. Center of the chest (Tanzhong). Found on the breastbone midway between the nipples, this point is traditionally touched with light pressure while taking slow, deep breaths.

Tips for Trying Acupressure Safely

• Use gentle pressure. Firm but comfortable is the goal; it should never be painful.
• Breathe slowly. Pairing each point with calm breathing adds to the relaxing effect.
• Hold briefly. Many people rest on a point for a short, steady spell before moving on.
• Create a calm setting. A quiet, comfortable space makes the practice more enjoyable.
• Know when to stop. Avoid sore or injured areas, and stop if anything feels uncomfortable.

How to Practice at Home

To get the most from acupressure, set yourself up in a calm, comfortable space where you will not be rushed. Sit or lie in a relaxed position, take a few slow breaths to settle, and warm your hands if they feel cold. Locate the point gently, then apply steady, comfortable pressure with a fingertip or thumb, breathing slowly as you hold.

Most people rest on a single point for a short, steady spell before easing off and moving on, and you can return to a favorite point more than once. Small, slow circles or simple steady pressure both work well; the key is that it feels soothing rather than sharp. There is no need to press hard, and more pressure is not better.

Keep your sessions short and unhurried, and pay attention to how your body responds. If a point feels tender, ease off or skip it, and never press on bruises, wounds or inflamed skin. Acupressure is meant to be a relaxing moment of self-care, so let go of any sense of doing it perfectly and simply enjoy the pause. For any ongoing health concern, a qualified professional remains the right place to turn.

Final Thoughts

Learning a few acupressure points gives you a simple, portable way to pause and relax wherever you are. Approach it as gentle self-care rather than medicine, keep your touch light, and notice which points feel most soothing to you. If you are pregnant or managing a health condition, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before you begin, and always listen to what feels right for your own body.