5 Acupressure Points Every Parent Should Know

Acupressure is a gentle therapy in which a person applies light pressure to specific areas of the body to relieve symptoms such as pain, nausea, and anxiety. Parents love to learn about acupressure because it’s a great way for them to interact with their children, a natural way to soothe a child’s discomfort, and easy to learn and use. Acupressure points are the same as acupuncture points but no needles are used and anyone can apply the pressure to the point.

Acupressure is safely administered by rubbing small circles around or tapping a specific point with a finger. Pressure or tapping should be light and soothing, and the length of time can be 10-30 seconds.

The pressure can vary to meet the needs of the person receiving it and benefit can still be achieved if you’re close to the desired acupressure point, so don’t worry about being too precise. There are few to no risks or contraindications with acupressure. Pressure that is too hard can bruise, but hard or deep pressure is not needed. Some acupressure points are contraindicated in pregnancy, as they could induce contractions. Parents and children can be taught to use acupressure points and are encouraged to use the points as often as two-three times a day.

Acupressure Pain Points:

1) Large Intestine 4 – On the top of the hand, in the web between the thumb and pointer finger (*contraindicated in pregnancy)

Good for: headache, neck pain or stiffness, tooth pain, eye twitches and/or eye issues.

2) Liver 3 – On the top of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second toe about ½ inch up on a child and an inch up on an adult. (*contraindicated in pregnancy)

Good for: leg pain, hip pain, sprained ankle, foot pain, menstrual disorders, headache, high blood pressure and/or abdomen discomfort.

Acupressure Digestion and Nausea Points:

3) Pericardium 6 – Three finger breadths above the inside crease of the wrist, right between the two central tendons.

Good for: nausea, abdomen pain, chest tightness, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing and or emotional upset.

4) Stomach 36 – Four finger breadths below the bottom of the knee cap and one finger breadth off the outside border of the shin bone.

Good for: stomach aches, abdomen pain, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, crones disease, chronic fatigue and/or decreased daily energy levels.

Acupressure Anxiety Point:

5) Du 20 – On the midline of the head, approximately on the midpoint of a line connecting the tip of both ears

Good for: lifting one’s spirit, anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, poor memory, poor focus and/or low blood pressure.

Acupressure is just one of the many complementary medical services offered to both inpatients and outpatients at Primary Children’s Hospital. Learn more about our Integrative Medicine clinic and how these customized services, such as massage or aroma therapy, might help your child.

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