Acupressure is an extremely beneficial technique, which is a part of the alternative medicine, and binds the benefits of both, acupuncture and pressure.
To be more concrete, it applies pressure to the acupuncture points and provides a wide range of health benefits. Thus, it effectively accelerates digestion, prevents bloating, helps the emptying of the stomach, and avoids gas issues.
These are some of the most important acupressure points you need to know, in order to treat stomach discomfort, gas, and bloating:
- Stomach points
Location: Look for these on the middle line of your body. The Center of Energy, or the first point, is located right above the navel. The other point is located 2 centimeters below it. It is known as the Sea of Energy.
What these do for you: Apply pressure on the stomach points to relieve gas problems. This will also relieve abdominal contraction, constipation, stomach ache, frustration, lower back pain, emotional stress and heartburn. For better results, stimulate these points regularly.
- Lower back points
Location: Look for these in the lower part of our body or in the level of your waist. These are known as the Sea of Vitality. Seek for the 4 points for gas that are set around the waistline.
What these do for you: Apply pressure on these points for gas to relieve indigestion, abdominal pain and stomach ache. However, if you are dealing with back problems, skip these points, as their stimulation may aggravate your problem.
- Hand points
Location: These points are located on the inside of the wrist area. Experts refer to them as the Inner Gate Point.
What these do for you: Carefully stimulate these point to relieve stomach ache, nausea and to enhance your digestion as well.
- Leg Three Miles
Location: The Stomach 36 or Zu San Li (leg three miles) stands for the acupressure points that recharge your energy and help you walk for 3 miles even when you are tired.
Bend your leg slightly, and place 4 fingers below your kneecap. Set your index finger right at the base of your kneecap, and set the rest of your fingers below it. Your point is in the part where your little finger touches the outer part of the shin bone. Look for a soft spot in this area.
What it does for you: Stimulate this point to boost your energy and immunity. It will also relieve nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Apply pressure on this point to improve poor digestion.
- Points on feet
Location: There are two important shiatsu acupressure points on the feet. You can easily find these using your thumb. The first point is located on the top of the arch, just a finger width away from the ‘ball.’ The second point is the meeting point of your second and big toe, right on the top of the foot.
What these do for you: Stimulate the first point for a minute to soothe your stomach, improve circulation, and reduce gases. Apply pressure on the second point for a minute as well to relieve bloating and gas.
- Three Yin Crossing
Location: It is set about 3 fingers width above the inner ankle bone.
What it does for you: Stimulate this point to relieve conditions associated with your lower abdomen, such as flatulence, abdominal distention and colitis.
In the video below you can learn about three more points for gas and stomach problems:
How to apply pressure on your gas points
- Apply mild pressure at the beginning.
- There are 4 levels of pressure, so split your pressure in four phases. Press deeper every time.
- Once you get to the deepest point, massage the accurate area using circular motions.
- Essential oils can improve the effect of your stimulation. Massage your favorite oil right on the acupressure point, or apply it on the point right after you finish pressing it.
- Relaxation and comfort are of essential importance. Set your body in a relaxing and comfortable position. Breathe deeply with your eyes closed while massaging the gas points.
- Do this as often as it works for you. There is no strict number of therapies you should receive.
- If you cannot massage these acupressure points yourself, ask someone to help you.