Atlas of acupressure points

    Acupressure means stimulating with the fingers the same points as acupuncture, but without a needle: a gesture anyone can learn and safely repeat at home. This atlas gathers the points used in traditional Chinese medicine, each with a complete entry.

    How to read a point entry

    Each entry gives the Chinese name of the point (the only reference shared by every language), its code, the meridian and element it belongs to, its precise location, its indications, the pressure to apply and, where available, a video. Technical anatomical terms in the location are explained on hover, and distances are expressed in cun, a measurement taken with the fingers of the person concerned.

    Before you start

    Two references are useful for every entry: measuring in cun · plain-language anatomy glossary. Then use the search below by code, name, meridian, element, body area or indication.

    This content is educational and does not replace medical advice: if your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.

    Indication:
    30 points
    HT1

    Jiquan — Supreme Spring

    Heart · Fire

    This point may help soothe discomfort in the chest and thorax. Traditionally used to promote a sense of relaxation in this area.

    Cardiac painAngina pectorisIntercostal pain
    HT2

    Qingling — Green Spirit

    Heart · Fire

    This point is useful for relieving pain in the arm or shoulder and may also help with headaches. It is often used when local discomfort occurs.

    Arm painShoulder painHeadache
    HT3

    Shaohai — Lesser Sea

    Heart · Fire

    This point is useful for easing discomfort around the heart and calming palpitations. It may also help relieve pain and numbness sometimes felt in the shoulder and arm.

    Heart painPalpitationsShoulder and arm pain
    HT4

    Lingdao — Spirit Pathway

    Heart · Fire

    This point is useful for soothing the heart and mind, particularly during times of sadness or fear. It can also be used to ease certain types of arm pain or help with sudden voice problems.

    Cardiac painSpasm of the elbow and armSudden aphonia
    HT5

    Tongli — Internal Communication

    Heart · Fire

    This point is useful for soothing intense emotions such as anxiety or sadness, promoting restful sleep, and easing sensations of stress felt in the heart area. It helps restore a sense of inner calm.

    Angina pectorisPalpitationsInsomnia
    HT6

    Yinxi — Yin Cleft

    Heart · Fire

    This point is known for soothing mental restlessness and promoting a sense of calm. It may be used to help ease anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, and palpitations.

    PalpitationsAngina pectorisInsomnia
    HT7

    Shenmen — Spirit Gate

    Heart · Fire

    This point is very effective for calming the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. It is particularly recommended for restoring calm and serenity amid everyday worries.

    PalpitationsAngina pectorisInsomnia
    HT8

    Shaofu — Palace of the Young

    Heart · Fire

    This point is traditionally used to soothe sensations of discomfort in the chest, such as palpitations or tension. It may help you regain a sense of inner calm.

    Precordial painPalpitationsChest pain
    HT9

    Shaochong — Young Surge

    Heart · Fire

    This point is useful for easing palpitations or a feeling of inner agitation, and may also be stimulated in cases of mild heatstroke or a heavy-headed feeling. It helps restore a sense of calm and mental clarity.

    PalpitationsTonsillitisFever
    ST1

    Chengqi — Receiving Tears

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is recognized for its beneficial effects on the eyes, particularly for relieving eye strain, excessive tearing, and minor visual discomfort. It is often used to soothe various common eye conditions.

    MyopiaConjunctivitisExcessive tearing
    ST2

    Sibai — Four Whites

    Stomach · Earth

    Point E2, also known as Four Whites, is a valuable point for easing various types of facial discomfort, such as pain, eyelid twitching, eye problems, and sensations of sinus congestion.

    Facial painFacial paralysisEyelid twitching
    ST3

    Juliao — Great Crevice

    Stomach · Earth

    Point E3, also called “Great Crevice,” is located on the face. It is often used to relieve toothache and pain in the cheeks or face, and may also be helpful for nosebleeds.

    Tooth painFacial paralysisEpistaxis
    ST4

    Dicang — Earth Granary

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is useful for easing tension and unpleasant sensations around the mouth and face. It may help with involuntary movements or difficulty controlling certain muscles in this area.

    Facial paralysisDeviation of the mouthSalivation
    ST5

    Daying — Great Welcome

    Stomach · Earth

    Point E5, also called "Great Welcome", is located on the face and may be stimulated to help ease a feeling of facial swelling or stiffness, particularly around the jaw.

    ST6

    Jiache — Jaw Chariot

    Stomach · Earth

    Point E6, also called "Jaw Chariot", is a key point located on the face. It is often used to ease tension and pain in the jaw and teeth, as well as other facial discomfort.

    Tooth painFacial paralysisJaw pain
    ST7

    Xiaguan — Lower jaw

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is useful for easing jaw pain, particularly pain related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), as well as discomfort such as toothache or ear discomfort. It may provide targeted relief in these areas.

    ToothacheDeafnessTinnitus
    ST8

    Touwei — Head Binding

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is useful for relieving headaches, particularly those at the front of the head, as well as migraines. It may also help with dizziness or eye pain.

    Frontal headachesMigrainesDizziness
    ST9

    Renying — Human Welcome

    Stomach · Earth

    The Human Welcome point (E9) is traditionally known for soothing sore throats, helping with asthma, supporting blood pressure management, and being used for thyroid concerns such as goiter. It is a key point for soothing the throat and regulating circulation.

    Sore throatAsthmaHypertension
    ST10

    Shuitu — Water Prominence

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is useful for relieving throat discomfort and promoting a soothing sensation in this area. It may help ease unpleasant sensations in the throat, such as discomfort or a feeling of tightness.

    ST11

    Qishe — Dwelling of Qi

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is located in the neck, near the throat. It may help soothe sensations of discomfort or blockage in this area.

    ST12

    Quepen — Empty Basin

    Stomach · Earth

    Point E12, known as "Empty Basin", is located in the clavicular region. Although its specific indications are not detailed, it is traditionally used to help soothe certain discomforts in the throat or chest by promoting better circulation.

    ST13

    Qihu — Gate of Qi

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is useful for easing chest discomfort and supporting easier breathing. It may be used to support overall respiratory well-being.

    ST14

    Kufang — Storehouse

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is useful for easing feelings of tightness or discomfort in the chest, helping to calm breathing and encourage a sense of openness. It can be used when you feel chest tension or have difficulty taking a deep breath.

    ST15

    Wuyi — Roof of the House

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is useful for easing feelings of discomfort or blockage in the chest, particularly with difficulty breathing or a mild cough. It may help restore a sense of ease and relaxation in the chest.

    ST16

    Yingchuang — Chest Window

    Stomach · Earth

    Point E16 is located on the chest and may help ease a feeling of chest tightness or pressure and provide some comfort to the breasts. It may be worth giving this point some attention if you experience temporary discomfort in this area.

    ST17

    Ruzhong — Center of the Breast

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is primarily an important anatomical landmark for locating other acupressure points. As such, it is not used directly for acupressure or treatment.

    ST18

    Rugen — Root of the Breast

    Stomach · Earth

    This point is useful for relieving tension or discomfort in the chest area, particularly discomfort related to the breasts. Stimulating it may help support breast well-being.

    ST19

    Burong — Cannot Contain

    Stomach · Earth

    This acupressure point is useful for soothing digestive discomfort, including stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, and feelings of bloating after meals. It may also help restore appetite when it is reduced.

    Epigastric painVomitingLoss of appetite
    ST20

    Chengman — Receiving Fullness

    Stomach · Earth

    This point may help ease common digestive discomforts such as stomach pain, bloating, or lack of appetite. It is a useful point to know about for improving digestive comfort.

    Epigastric painAbdominal distensionLack of appetite
    ST21

    Liangmen — Beam Gate

    Stomach · Earth

    Point E21, also called "Beam Gate", is useful for easing stomach discomfort, including upper abdominal pain, nausea, and digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. It may be helpful when your digestion is unsettled or your stomach is uncomfortable.

    Epigastric painVomitingLoss of appetite