Acupressure Points for Stomach Pain, Gas, and Bloating

Nearly everyone deals with gas, bloating, and other uneasy digestive sensations occasionally. For those with a sensitive stomach, these issues can happen more often and may need management.

Acupressure is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that many believe can help with gas, bloating, stomach aches, and other ailments.

Here, we look at whether acupressure might aid digestion and how to apply acupressure to ease gastrointestinal complaints.

About acupressure points

Traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced for centuries not only in China but across the globe.

In contemporary integrative health circles, ancient practices — like acupuncture and acupressure — are increasingly used as alternatives or complements to Western approaches.

Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese massage therapy that targets specific pressure points across the body. Stimulating these points is thought to regulate the body’s energy flow and positively affect metabolism.

Acupressure is not only purported to help release trapped gas, but it’s also believed to support other digestive issues, including stomach pain and constipation.

Acupressure points for gas and bloating

Acupressure points are found throughout the body along channels referred to in traditional Chinese medicine as “meridians,” or pathways of energy.

Each meridian is associated with an internal organ, and each acupressure point is named based on its position along the meridian.

Massaging the acupressure points below may assist in releasing trapped gas and easing uncomfortable bloating.

Many of these points are also believed to affect the stomach, intestines, and other abdominal organs, supporting digestive function.

1. Zusanli (ST36)

Zusanli, also called Stomach 36 or ST36, lies on the stomach meridian and is thought to influence:

• upper abdominal organs
• parasympathetic nervous system
• overall energy

Point location: Approximately 3 inches below the kneecap and about 1 inch toward the outer side.

To massage this point:

1. Place two fingers on the zusanli point.
2. Make small circular motions with gentle, steady pressure.
3. Massage for 2–3 minutes, then repeat on the other leg.

2. Sanyinjiao (SP6)

Sanyinjiao, also known as Spleen 6 or SP6, is on the spleen meridian and is believed to influence:

• lower abdominal organs
• parasympathetic nervous system

Point location: Found on the inside of the lower leg, about 3 inches above the highest point of the inner ankle, off the bone and on the muscle.

To massage this point:

1. Place one to two fingers on the sanyinjiao point.
2. Use circular motions with gentle, firm pressure.
3. Massage for 2–3 minutes and repeat on the other leg.

3. Qihai (CV6)

Qihai, also referred to as Ren 6, Conception Vessel 6 or CV6, lies on the conception vessel meridian and is thought to influence:

• lower abdominal organs
• overall vitality

Point location: On the body’s midline, about 1 1/2 inches below the navel.

To massage this point:

1. Place two to three fingers on the point.
2. Using gentle pressure, make circular movements. Avoid pressing too hard, since this spot can be sensitive.
3. Massage for 2–3 minutes.

4. Zhongwan (CV12)

Zhongwan, also called Ren 12, Conception Vessel 12, or CV12, is on the conception vessel meridian and is believed to influence:

• upper abdominal organs
• yang organs, such as the bladder and gallbladder

Point location: Approximately 4 inches above the navel.

To massage this point:

1. Place two to three fingers on the zhongwan point.
2. Apply gentle pressure in small circles, taking care not to press too hard.
3. Massage for 2–3 minutes.

5. Weishu (BL21)

Weishu, also known as Urinary Bladder 21 or BL21, is on the urinary bladder meridian and is thought to affect:

• abdominal discomfort
• gastrointestinal conditions

Point location: About 6 inches above the small of the back and 1 1/2 inches lateral to the spine on either side.

To massage this point:

1. Place one to two fingers on the weishu point.
2. Apply gentle circular pressure.
3. Massage for 1–2 minutes. Do not massage this area if you have contraindications like a slipped disc or spinal instability.

Do acupressure points for gas and bloating actually help?

Evidence assessing acupressure for digestive complaints is limited, with much of the scientific focus placed on acupuncture instead.

Still, some clinical studies indicate that acupressure might positively affect painful digestive symptoms like gas and bloating.

In one study, researchers examined the impact of acupressure on 70 hemodialysis patients who had constipation. Participants received acupressure three times weekly for four weeks.

The investigators reported that stimulating common abdominal acupressure points led to increased gas passage and improved bowel activity.

In an earlier 2015 study, researchers evaluated acupressure’s effects in 78 adult psychiatric patients with constipation.

Participants self-applied acupressure for 10 days and were evaluated for symptom severity. Results showed that those in the acupressure group experienced reductions in constipation-related issues, including gas and bloating.

Although these findings suggest acupressure can help gastrointestinal symptoms, additional research is required to better define the benefits.

Are there risks to using acupressure for gas and bloating?

Acupressure is generally considered safe. However, people with certain chronic conditions, such as bleeding disorders or persistent pain syndromes, should consult their physician before trying acupressure.

When administering acupressure on yourself, use firm but gentle pressure on the skin. Excessive force, especially over sensitive areas, can cause pain, bruising, or other adverse effects.

Other home remedies to relieve gas and bloating

Acupressure isn’t the only way to address gas and bloating. Consider these home strategies:

• Rule out food intolerances. Food sensitivities and allergies can trigger gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms. Avoid foods your body doesn’t tolerate.
• Eat more slowly. Eating fast increases swallowed air, which can become gas. Smaller, slower meals may reduce post-meal bloating.
• Increase fiber intake. Adequate fiber supports healthy bowel function. Getting enough fiber can help prevent constipation and its uncomfortable symptoms.
• Try prebiotics and probiotics. These support a healthy gut microbiome. Eating foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics can give your gut the nourishment it needs to function well.

Can acupressure be used for stomach pain?

Aside from more serious underlying causes, constipation, diarrhea, and excess gas are frequent sources of stomach pain.

The Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) notes there are more than 28 acupressure points used for abdominal pain.

Examples include:

• baohuang (Urinary Bladder 48 or BL48): located below each side of the lower back
• fushe (Spleen 13 or SP13): located near the hipbones
• wailing (Stomach 26 or ST26): located below either side of the navel
• yuji (Lung 10 or LU10): located at the base of each thumb

Can acupressure be used for constipation?

Many studies examining acupressure for digestive health focus on alleviating chronic constipation symptoms.

In the trials noted earlier, the following additional points were used for constipation:

• daheng (Spleen 15 or SP15): located on either side of the navel
• hegu (Large Intestine 4 or LI4): located below the index finger
• quchi (Large Intestine 11 or LI11): located at the inner crease of the elbow
• taichong (Liver 3 or LV3): located above the big toe
• tianshu (Stomach 25 or ST25): located on either side of the navel

When to see a doctor

If you have persistent gas, bloating, or other digestive complaints, it’s important to consult a physician to exclude underlying medical issues.

Once the cause is identified, you and your doctor can discuss a treatment plan that may incorporate holistic approaches like acupressure or acupuncture.

Takeaway

Acupressure has been used for thousands of years to address a variety of health concerns, including gas, bloating, and other digestive problems.

There are numerous points on the body that may support digestion and reduce abdominal discomfort.

If you’re considering acupressure for gastrointestinal symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider to learn how to safely include this therapy in your care plan.