Full body acupressure: 3 secrets to self-learning acupressure for healing

Did you know that, according to many natural health care studies, over 70% of adults frequently experience body aches, stress, or insomnia? Meanwhile, not everyone has the time or money for spa treatments or intensive therapy. That's why full-body acupressure is increasingly sought after by many Vietnamese as a simple, effective, and economical solution.

Full-body acupressure is a method originating from traditional Eastern medicine, which stimulates acupoints to promote energy flow in the body. When done correctly, you can reduce neck and shoulder pain, improve sleep, increase blood circulation, and relax your mind at home without complex tools.

In this article, you will learn an easy-to-understand, practical full-body acupressure technique suitable for beginners — so that each day feels lighter, as if your body has been "reset" from within.

Secret 1: What is Acupressure? Benefits and Healing Mechanism

Step 1: Understand Basic Acupressure

Understanding Full-Body Acupressure Correctly

• Full-body acupressure is a healthcare method originating from traditional Eastern medicine, dating back over 5,000 years.
• The main principle is to apply pressure with fingers to acupoints on the body to stimulate the body's natural response.
• This is a drug-free therapy suitable for pain relief, relaxation, and overall health improvement at home.

Clearly Grasping the Operating Principles of Acupoints

• These acupoints are believed to lie on "energy pathways" called meridians.
• When you perform full-body acupressure correctly, applying pressure to these points can:
  • Help reduce muscle tension and pain
  • Support increased blood circulation
  • Improve fatigue and stress
• Simply put: pressing the correct acupoints is like "untying a knot" to help the body function more smoothly.

Knowing How to Accurately Locate Acupoints

• Beginners should look for full-body acupoint charts to clearly visualize the location of each point.
• You can:
  • Search for images of "human body acupoint charts" on the Internet
  • Focus on learning common acupoints first, such as those on the neck, shoulders, palms, and feet
• Correctly identifying the location helps increase the effectiveness of acupressure and avoid incorrect pressure.

Understanding the Energy Flow in the Body

• According to Eastern medicine, the body has a continuous flow of life energy.
• When this flow is blocked, you may experience problems such as:
  • Body aches
  • Insomnia, fatigue
  • Reduced concentration
• Applying the correct full-body acupressure technique helps clear this energy flow, thereby supporting the body's natural balance and recovery.

Step 2: What is Acupressure Used For?

Applications of Full-Body Acupressure in Daily Life

• Full-body acupressure is widely used to help improve common health issues without medication.
• Some practical uses:
  • Relieve headaches, neck and shoulder pain, back pain
  • Help reduce nausea, dizziness
  • Reduce physical and mental stress and fatigue
  • Support sleep improvement
• This method is suitable for busy people who want to proactively take care of their health at home.

Noticeable Relaxation and Muscle Tension Relief

• When full-body acupressure techniques are applied correctly, the body responds by:
  • Relaxing tense muscles
  • Increasing blood flow to painful areas
  • Helping the mind feel more comfortable and relaxed
• Many people feel the effect immediately after a few minutes of acupressure, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Understanding Correctly: Acupoints Are Not Always at the Site of Pain

• An important point when applying full-body acupressure is:
  • Acupoints are not always located directly at the painful spot
• For example:
  • Headaches may have acupoints located in the hands or feet
• Therefore, it is necessary to find the correct acupoint location to achieve effectiveness and avoid incorrect pressure which can be counterproductive.

Scientific Basis and Specialized Training

• Acupressure is not just folk experience but is also researched in modern medicine.
• Some centers, such as Eastern-Western Medical Centers at major universities, have studied the effectiveness of this method.
• To become a professional practitioner, one needs to:
  • Study body anatomy and physiology
  • Understand the acupoint and meridian system
  • Practice proper full-body acupressure techniques
• Training programs often last hundreds of hours, ensuring safety and effectiveness in practical application.

When to Apply Full-Body Acupressure

• You can apply it when:
  • The body is tired and mildly aching
  • You need to relax after work
  • You want to take care of your health naturally
• However, for serious or persistent problems, it's advisable to combine it with medical professional consultation to ensure safety.

Step 3: Effective Acupressure Duration

Maintain Regularly for Clear Results

• Full-body acupressure is not a "one-and-done" solution, but requires repetition over time.
• Each acupressure session stimulates the body to:
  • Rebalance its natural state
  • Help reduce blockages in the circulation of qi and blood
• Simply put: acupressure is like exercise; the more consistently you do it, the clearer the effects.

Effectiveness Can Be Fast or Slow, Depending on the Individual

• Some people feel pain relief immediately after acupressure
• However, there are also cases that require:
  • Multiple sessions to see clear changes
  • Pain may return after temporary relief
• This is a normal reaction as the body is gradually adapting and recovering.

Not an Immediate Solution, but Long-Term Support

• Full-body acupressure does not completely replace medical treatment
• Its main roles are:
  • Natural pain relief
  • Supporting the body's self-regulation
  • Helping maintain a relaxed and stable state long-term
• Consistent application will bring more lasting benefits than simply doing it when symptoms appear.

Suitable Acupressure Frequency for Beginners

• You can apply full-body acupressure with flexible frequency:
  • Daily: best for maintaining effectiveness
  • 2–3 times/week: if you have a busy schedule
  • Even multiple times/day for simple acupoints (like hands, feet)
• When pressing the correct acupoints, you will feel:
  • Pain gradually decreasing
  • The pressed area becoming more comfortable over time

Practical Suggestions for Maintaining the Habit

• Incorporate acupressure into fixed times such as:
  • After waking up
  • After work
  • Before going to bed
• Just 5–10 minutes each time is enough to make a difference if you maintain it regularly.

Secret 2: How to Perform Acupressure Correctly and Safely at Home

Step 1: Proper Acupressure Pressure

Start Gently, Increase Pressure Gradually

• When performing full-body acupressure, always start with gentle pressure to allow your body to get used to it.
• Follow this sequence:
  • Place your finger on the correct acupoint
  • Maintain gentle, steady pressure for about 1–4 minutes
  • Increase pressure gradually but not abruptly
• This approach helps prevent injury and allows the body to respond more naturally.

Finding the right "sensitive points" to increase effectiveness

• During the pressing process, you will feel:
  • Some stiff points
  • Some points of slight pain or dull ache
• When you encounter a sensitive point:
  • Maintain a light but firm press or rub
  • Continue until you feel the pain subside or become more comfortable
• This is a sign that you are pressing the correct acupoint in full-body acupressure.

Adjust pressure according to body condition

• There is no fixed pressure level for everyone.
• Depending on your health condition, you should adjust:
  • Sensitive people → use lighter pressure
  • People familiar with acupressure → can increase pressure moderately
• Important principle:
  • The sensation should be a "comfortable ache", not sharp pain.

Distinguish correct and incorrect sensations during acupressure

• Correct sensation when applying full-body acupressure:
  • Slight, spreading dull ache, then more comfort
• Incorrect sensations to avoid:
  • Sharp pain, increasing pain
  • Prolonged discomfort after pressing
• If you experience this, reduce pressure immediately.

Stop when your body signals excessive discomfort

• You should not force yourself to endure pain during acupressure.
• If you feel:
  • Pain beyond your tolerance
  • Significant discomfort
    → Stop immediately or move to another acupoint.
• Effective full-body acupressure is not about pressing hard, but about pressing correctly and sufficiently for the body to self-regulate and recover.

Step 2: Correct acupressure tools

Choose the right finger for acupressure

• In full-body acupressure, fingers are the most important "tools".
• Prioritize:
  • Middle finger: long and strong, provides stable pressure
  • Thumb: easy to control pressure, suitable for many positions
• When performing:
  • Keep hands firm but flexible
  • Avoid using excessive force that causes pain

Other body parts can be used to assist

• Besides fingers, you can utilize:
  • Finger joints (knuckles): create deeper pressure
  • Elbow: suitable for thick muscle areas like the back, thighs
  • Foot or knee: used in some advanced techniques
• These methods help diversify full-body acupressure techniques, especially when deeper stimulation is needed.

Use assistive devices to increase accuracy

• For small or difficult-to-press acupoints, you can use substitute tools:
  • Pencil eraser (round, soft tip)
  • Avocado pit or small round object
  • Golf ball
• The ideal size is about 3–4 mm to:
  • Precisely stimulate the acupoint
  • Avoid dispersing pressure to surrounding areas

When to use fingernails

• Some small acupoints can be lightly pressed with a fingernail
• Notes when applying:
  • Use moderate force only
  • Avoid scratching the skin
• This method is often applied to acupoints on the hands and feet in full-body acupressure.

Principles for choosing safe tools

• Whether using hands or assistive devices, ensure:
  • The surface is round, not sharp
  • Easy to control pressure
• The ultimate goal of full-body acupressure is not to use strong force, but to stimulate the right points, correctly and safely for the body to respond positively.

Step 3: Correct acupressure technique

Press and hold – the core technique in full-body acupressure

• In full-body acupressure, the most common technique is to press and hold a fixed point.
• How to perform:
  • Place finger or tool directly on the acupoint
  • Maintain stable pressure, no rubbing or moving
  • Maintain for a few tens of seconds to a few minutes
• Pressing and holding helps the body receive clear signals and respond better.

Maintain correct force direction to avoid incorrect technique

• When pressing an acupoint, the force needs to go straight into the center of the acupoint
• If the skin is pulled sideways:
  • It means you are pressing at the wrong angle
• Adjust by:
  • Repositioning your finger perpendicular to the skin surface
  • Focusing force on a small point, not spreading it out
• This is an important factor for full-body acupressure to be effective.

Precisely locate acupoints

• Acupoints are often very small, so it's important to identify their exact location.
• Signs to look for:
  • A sensation of dull ache, fullness, or greater sensitivity than the surrounding area
• If you press and feel nothing:
  • Try moving slightly to an adjacent position
• Hitting the correct acupoint will significantly increase effectiveness.

Focus on pain points to identify blockages

• When performing full-body acupressure, pay attention:
  • Slightly painful points when pressed are often where the body is "signaling"
• If there is no sensation:
  • That area may not need stimulation
• Finding the right sensitive points helps you save time and increase effectiveness.

Relax your body to increase acupressure effectiveness

• Before and during acupressure, you should:
  • Relax your body
  • Breathe slowly and evenly
• When the body is relaxed:
  • The effectiveness of full-body acupressure will be clearer
  • Comfortable sensations will arrive faster and deeper
• Simply put: acupressure is like "unlocking", while relaxation is "using the right key" — combining both creates complete effectiveness.

Step 4: Standard acupressure duration

Press long enough for the body to respond

• In full-body acupressure, the duration of holding pressure largely determines effectiveness.
• As soon as you press an acupoint for about 0.5 seconds, the body begins to react.
• This is a useful way to:
  • Try to find the correct sensitive acupoint
  • Familiarize yourself with the sensation of acupressure

Maintain for 2–3 minutes for noticeable effectiveness

• To maximize effectiveness, you should:
  • Maintain stable pressure for 2–3 minutes per acupoint
• Benefits of holding for sufficient time:
  • Helps reduce pain more deeply
  • Increases the effectiveness of full-body acupressure
  • Supports the body in relaxing and recovering better

What to do when your hand gets tired during acupressure

• If you feel hand fatigue while pressing:
  • Slowly reduce pressure and release your hand
  • Gently shake your wrist to relax
  • Take a few deep breaths
• Then, you can:
  • Press the same acupoint again.
  • Or move to another acupoint.

Maintain a steady breath for increased effectiveness

• When performing full-body acupressure, combine it with:
  • Slow inhalation, steady exhalation
• This helps:
  • The body relax faster
  • Increase the ability to feel and the effectiveness of each press

Easy-to-remember principle for timing

• Press quickly to find the acupoint
• Hold for a long time to create effect
• Just a few minutes per acupoint, but if done correctly and regularly, full-body acupressure can bring noticeable daily health changes.

Step 5: How to properly release an acupoint

Release pressure slowly to complete the effect

• In full-body acupressure, the ending is as important as the beginning.
• After holding for enough time, you should:
  • Slowly reduce pressure, do not withdraw your hand suddenly
  • Keep your hand on the acupoint for another 1-2 seconds before removing it completely
• This helps the body "adapt" to the pressure change.

Avoid sudden release to prevent counterproductive effects

• If you release pressure too quickly:
  • Muscles and tissues may experience "a slight shock"
  • Reduce the effectiveness of full-body acupressure technique
• Therefore, imagine you are gradually lowering the volume, not turning it off abruptly.

Support natural body recovery

• Proper acupoint release helps:
  • Muscles have time to relax and recover
  • Maintain a comfortable feeling after pressing
• This is a small step but greatly affects the overall effectiveness of full-body acupressure.

Increase effectiveness by combining press-release rhythm

• A standard cycle should include:
  • Press → hold → slowly release
• Repeating this cycle helps:
  • Stimulate acupoints deeper
  • Increase long-term effectiveness

Easy-to-remember principle for releasing acupoints

• Press slowly – hold long enough – release gently
• When you fully complete all three steps, full-body acupressure not only helps relieve pain but also brings a deeper and more lasting sense of relaxation after each session.

Step 6: Best time for acupressure

Choose a state of complete body relaxation

• For full-body acupressure to be effective, the body needs to be in a comfortable state.
• You should:
  • Sit or lie in a quiet, private place
  • Limit noise, turn off your phone
  • You can play soft music or use relaxing aromatherapy
• When the mind is relaxed, the body will respond better to acupoint stimulation.

Combine deep breathing to enhance effectiveness

• During full-body acupressure, remember to:
  • Inhale slowly through your nose
  • Exhale gently and steadily
• Benefits:
  • Helps the nervous system reduce stress
  • Soothes pain or muscle tension
• This is a simple factor but significantly increases effectiveness.

Wear comfortable clothing to avoid obstructing circulation

• Clothes that are too tight can reduce the effectiveness of acupressure.
• You should choose:
  • Loose-fitting, stretchy clothes
  • Avoid tight belts or shoes
• This helps blood circulation flow better when applying full-body acupressure.

Avoid acupressure immediately after a full meal

• Acupressure should not be performed immediately after eating.
• Recommendation:
  • Wait at least 1 hour after a meal
• Reason:
  • Avoid feelings of nausea, discomfort
  • Allows the body to focus on digestion instead of being affected by acupressure

Limit cold drinks after acupressure

• After performing full-body acupressure, you should:
  • Avoid ice water or cold drinks
  • Prioritize warm herbal tea
• This helps maintain the body's balance and relaxation.

Do not perform acupressure immediately after strenuous exercise or bathing

• After strenuous exercise or immediately after bathing:
  • You should rest for at least 30 minutes before performing acupressure
• At this time, the body needs time to stabilize heart rate and circulation.
• Applying it at the right time helps full-body acupressure achieve safer and more sustainable results.

Tip 3: Basic acupoints and how to locate them

Position 1: Acupressure on Fengchi (GB20) to relieve headache

Locating the Fengchi (GB20) acupoint correctly

• The Fengchi acupoint is an important point in full-body acupressure, often used to relieve headaches and neck tension.
• How to find the acupoint:
  • Place both hands behind your head, interlace your fingers
  • Use your thumbs to find two depressions at the base of the skull
  • This position is located:
    • About 4-5 cm from the middle of the neck
    • Right below the skull, next to the neck muscle
• When pressed correctly, you will feel a slight ache or radiating pressure towards the head.

Practical benefits of the Fengchi acupoint

• Properly applying full-body acupressure at this point can help:
  • Relieve headaches, migraines
  • Reduce eye strain, blurry vision
  • Support during colds, flu
  • Reduce stress and fatigue
• This acupoint is very easy to apply at home, especially for those who work on computers a lot.

How to correctly press the Fengchi acupoint

• Follow these steps:
  • Place both hands behind your head, using your thumbs on the correct acupoint
  • Press lightly, then gradually increase pressure
  • Direct the pressure slightly upwards (towards the eyes)
  • Hold for 2-3 minutes, combined with deep breathing
• You can gently massage in small circles if it feels more comfortable.

Correct sensation when pressing the Fengchi acupoint

• Signs that you are performing full-body acupressure correctly:
  • A sensation of light ache radiating to the head or eye area
  • After pressing, you feel your head lighter, neck less tense
• If you feel sharp pain or discomfort:
  • Reduce pressure or readjust the position

Tips to increase the effectiveness of this acupressure

• Should be performed when:
  • Feeling stressed, mild headache
  • After long hours of working at a desk
• Combine with:
  • Closing eyes, slow breathing
  • Maintaining an upright neck posture
• With just a few minutes each time, the Fengchi acupoint can help you quickly "relieve pressure" in your daily full-body acupressure routine.

Position 2: Acupressure on Jianjing (GB21) to relieve shoulder pain

Locate the Jianjing (GB21) acupoint accurately

• The Jianjing acupoint is an important point in full-body acupressure, especially for the neck and shoulder area.
• Quick way to find it:
  • Slightly bend your head forward
  • Identify:
    • The prominent bone on the cervical vertebra
    • The highest point of the shoulder (shoulder tip)
  • The acupoint is located exactly between these two points
• When pressed correctly, you often feel a distinct sensation of fullness and soreness.

Outstanding uses of Jianjing acupoint

• Applying the correct full-body acupressure at this point helps to:
  • Reduce neck and shoulder pain, stiff neck
  • Reduce shoulder muscle tension from prolonged sitting
  • Support the reduction of stress-induced headaches
• Suitable for office workers or those who frequently bend their heads.

How to correctly press Jianjing acupoint

• Follow these simple steps:
  • Use your finger to press directly on the acupoint
  • Or pinch the acupoint between your thumb and index finger
  • Apply steady pressure, directed downwards
  • Then:
    • Gently rub downwards for 4–5 seconds
    • Repeat several times
• Combine with slow breathing to enhance effectiveness.

Signs of correct and effective acupressure

• When performing correct full-body acupressure:
  • A dull ache radiating down the shoulder or arm
  • The shoulder area gradually relaxes and feels lighter
• If there is sharp pain or discomfort:
  • Reduce pressure or stop

Important notes when using Jianjing acupoint

• Pregnant women should not press this acupoint, as it may stimulate contractions.
• Do not apply excessive pressure for a long time.
• Just a few minutes each time is enough to be effective in full-body acupressure.

Practical application suggestion

• Press this acupoint when:
  • You have been working long hours in front of the computer
  • Your shoulders feel stiff or tired
• Combine with gentle shoulder rolls to enhance relaxation.

Position 3: Acupressure on Hegu (LI4) for quick pain relief

Locate the Hegu (LI4) acupoint on the hand

• The Hegu acupoint is a familiar point in full-body acupressure, easy to find and perform.
• How to locate it:
  • Open your hand, look at the web space between your thumb and index finger
  • The acupoint is located in the raised muscle (flesh cleft) between the two fingers
  • Focus on the point near the middle of the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones
• When pressed correctly, you will feel a distinct dull ache.

Common uses of Hegu acupoint

• Applying the correct full-body acupressure at this acupoint helps to:
  • Relieve headaches, toothaches
  • Reduce facial pain, tension
  • Support the relief of mild neck and shoulder pain
• This is a "multi-purpose" acupoint, often used for various types of pain.

How to correctly press Hegu acupoint

• Perform simply at home:
  • Use the thumb and index finger of the other hand to pinch the acupoint
  • Apply firm and steady pressure
  • Maintain for 2–3 minutes
• Can combine:
  • Gently rub in a circular motion
  • Deep breathing to increase effectiveness
• This is one of the basic techniques in full-body acupressure.

Signs of correct acupoint pressing

• When performed correctly:
  • A dull ache radiating to the hand or up the arm
  • After pressing, you feel significant pain relief
• If no sensation:
  • Adjust the position or pressure

Important notes when using Hegu acupoint

• Pregnant women should not press this acupoint, as it may stimulate contractions.
• Do not press too hard, as it may cause prolonged pain.

Quick application tips in daily life

• You can press this acupoint when:
  • You have a headache or are stressed
  • You have been sitting for a long time
• In just a few minutes, the Hegu acupoint can help you quickly "de-stress" in your daily full-body acupressure routine.

Position 4: Acupressure on Taichong (LV3) to reduce stress

Accurately locate the Taichong (LV3) acupoint

• The Taichong acupoint is an important point in full-body acupressure, especially related to stress reduction and body regulation.
• How to find the acupoint:
  • Look at the web space between your big toe and second toe
  • From the junction of the two toes, measure up about 2 finger-widths
  • The acupoint is located in the soft tissue on the top of the foot
• When pressed correctly, you will feel a dull ache or slight tingling sensation.

Outstanding uses of Taichong acupoint

• Applying the correct full-body acupressure at this acupoint helps to:
  • Reduce stress, anxiety
  • Support insomnia, difficulty sleeping
  • Reduce lower back pain, limb pain
  • Support the regulation of blood pressure and menstrual cycle
• This acupoint is often used when the body is mentally "overwhelmed".

How to correctly press Taichong acupoint

• Follow these steps:
  • Remove shoes and socks for easier manipulation
  • Use your finger or a round-headed object to place on the acupoint
  • Apply firm, gradually increasing pressure
  • Maintain for 2–3 minutes on each foot
• Can combine with gentle rubbing to enhance the feeling of relaxation.

Signs of correct acupoint pressing

• When applying correct full-body acupressure:
  • A dull ache radiating slightly up the foot or lower leg
  • After pressing, you feel mentally at ease and physically lighter
• If there is sharp pain or discomfort:
  • Reduce pressure or readjust the position

Tips to enhance acupressure effectiveness

• Should perform when:
  • Before going to sleep
  • After a stressful day
• Combine with:
  • Deep breathing
  • Sitting or lying comfortably to relax
• With just a few minutes each day, the Taichong acupoint can help you effectively "de-stress" in your full-body acupressure routine.

Position 5: Acupressure on Neiguan (P6) to relieve nausea

Accurately locate the Neiguan (P6) acupoint

• The Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) acupoint is an important point in whole-body acupressure, often used for digestive and nervous system issues.
• How to find the acupoint:
  • Turn your palm upwards, with fingers pointing up
  • Place 3 fingers of the other hand across your wrist
  • The acupoint is located directly below the index finger, between two large tendons on the inner side of the wrist
• When pressed correctly, you will feel a slight ache or tension at this point.

Common uses of the Neiguan acupoint

• Applying the correct whole-body acupressure at this point helps to:
  • Reduce nausea, motion sickness
  • Support stomach pain, indigestion
  • Reduce headaches, stress
  • Support issues like numbness in hands, carpal tunnel syndrome
• This is a very useful acupoint when traveling or after eating unsuitable foods.

Correct technique for pressing the Neiguan acupoint

• Perform simply:
  • Use the thumb and index finger of the other hand to press the acupoint
  • Apply firm, steady pressure
  • Maintain for 2–3 minutes
• Note:
  • Perform on both wrists to increase effectiveness
  • You can gently massage if it feels more comfortable

Signs of correct acupressure

• When applying whole-body acupressure correctly:
  • A sensation of aching spreading down the forearm
  • Nausea or discomfort gradually decreases
• If there is no sensation:
  • Recheck the position between the two tendons

Quick practical tips

• Press the acupoint when:
  • Feeling motion sick, nauseous
  • Feeling abdominal discomfort
• Combine with:
  • Deep breathing
  • Sitting still, relaxing
• Just a few minutes of correct pressure can help stabilize your body quickly in daily whole-body acupressure.

Position 6: Pressing Zusanli (ST36) to boost immunity

Accurately locating the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint

• The Zusanli acupoint is a crucial point in whole-body acupressure, well-known for its effects on overall health.
• How to find the acupoint:
  • Place 4 fingers below the kneecap
  • From that position, feel down to the front of the shin
  • The acupoint is located in the indentation between the shin bone and the muscle (slightly to the outside of the bone)
• When pressed correctly, you will feel a dull ache spreading down the leg.

Prominent uses of the Zusanli acupoint

• Applying the correct whole-body acupressure at this point helps to:
  • Support digestion, reduce bloating, nausea
  • Reduce fatigue, body weakness
  • Support immunity boosting
  • Reduce tension, stress
• This acupoint is commonly used for long-term health enhancement.

Correct technique for pressing the Zusanli acupoint

• Follow these steps:
  • Sit comfortably, gently extend your leg
  • Use your finger or thumbnail to press the acupoint
  • Apply firm, steady pressure, directed towards the bone
  • Maintain for 2–3 minutes on each leg
• You can gently massage to increase the stimulating effect.

Signs of correct acupressure

• When performing whole-body acupressure correctly:
  • A sensation of aching spreading down the shin
  • After pressing, the body feels lighter, more comfortable
• If there is no sensation:
  • Adjust the position closer to the bone

Practical tips for high effectiveness

• You should press the acupoint when:
  • Your body feels tired, lacking energy
  • Your digestive system is functioning poorly
• Combine with:
  • Drinking warm water or light tea after pressing
  • Maintaining regularity daily
• The Zusanli acupoint is considered a "natural energy booster," helping you effectively restore energy through whole-body acupressure.

Position 7: Pressing Lieque (LU7) to relieve cough

Accurately locating the Lieque (LU7) acupoint

• The Lieque acupoint is a familiar point in whole-body acupressure, especially related to the throat and respiratory system.
• How to find the acupoint:
  • Raise your hand in a “thumbs up” gesture
  • Find the indentation at the base of the thumb, where two tendons protrude
  • From there, measure approximately 1 thumb width towards the forearm
  • The acupoint is located on the outer edge of the wrist, near the protruding bone
• When pressed correctly, you will feel a slight ache or numbness spreading down the forearm.

Common uses of the Lieque acupoint

• Applying the correct whole-body acupressure at this point helps to:
  • Reduce cough, sore throat
  • Support asthma, mild shortness of breath
  • Reduce headaches, neck pain, toothaches
  • Strengthen immunity
• This acupoint is useful when the weather changes or the body is weakened.

Correct technique for pressing the Lieque acupoint

• Perform simply at home:
  • Use your thumbnail or index finger to press the acupoint
  • Apply moderate, firm and steady pressure
  • Maintain for 2–3 minutes on each hand
• You can gently massage to increase the stimulating effect.

Signs of correct acupressure

• When performing whole-body acupressure correctly:
  • A sensation of aching spreading up to the wrist or forearm
  • The throat or head feels more comfortable
• If there is no sensation:
  • Adjust the position closer to the protruding bone area

Practical tips

• You should press the acupoint when:
  • Beginning to show signs of sore throat, mild cough
  • Feeling neck stiffness or fatigue
• Combine with:
  • Drinking warm water
  • Keeping the throat warm
• Just a few minutes each day, the Lieque acupoint can help you effectively care for your respiratory system through whole-body acupressure.

Safety notes for acupressure

Do not apply acupressure on damaged skin

• When applying whole-body acupressure, avoid these areas:
  • Large moles, warts
  • Varicose veins (prominent blue veins)
  • Scrapes, bruises, cuts
• Pressing these areas can cause pain, inflammation, or more severe damage.

Only self-acupressure for simple cases

• You can self-apply full-body acupressure when:
  • Mild aches, stress, fatigue
• For conditions like:
  • Chronic pain, complex medical conditions
    → Seek guidance from an acupressure specialist or doctor.

Stop immediately if you feel unusual pain

• During acupressure:
  • If increased pain, sharp pain, or persistent discomfort occurs
    → Stop immediately
• Important principle:
  • Acupressure should not cause pain, but rather a feeling of comfort.

Do not completely replace medical advice

• Full-body acupressure is only supportive
• Do not:
  • Arbitrarily use it to replace medical diagnosis or treatment
• Always consult a specialist when:
  • You have underlying conditions
  • You want to apply it long-term

Consult before trying new methods

• Before starting full-body acupressure, you should:
  • Talk to a doctor or expert
• This helps ensure:
  • Suitability for your health condition
  • Avoid unnecessary risks

Only provide personal support, do not practice spontaneously

• You can:
  • Perform acupressure on yourself
  • Support family and friends
• However:
  • Do not offer it as a service if you are not certified
• Because many places have regulations for practicing healthcare.
• Understanding and adhering to these notes will help you apply full-body acupressure safely, effectively, and sustainably.

References

1. WebMD. (n.d.). Acupressure points and massage treatment. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment
2. Weil, A. (n.d.). Acupressure. Retrieved from http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03230/Acupressure.html
3. Natural Healers. (n.d.). Acupressure. Retrieved from https://www.naturalhealers.com/blog/acupressure/
4. Stress Away. (n.d.). Doing acupressure. Retrieved from http://www.stress-away.com/Doing%20Acupressure.htm
5. Acupressure.com. (n.d.). Acupressure information. Retrieved from http://www.acupressure.com/index.htm#acupressure
6. Point Finder. (n.d.). Classic acupressure points. Retrieved from http://pointfinder.org/classic/
7. Eclectic Energies. (n.d.). How to do acupressure. Retrieved from http://www.eclecticenergies.com/acupressure/howto.php
8. Eclectic Energies. (n.d.). ST-36 acupressure point. Retrieved from http://www.eclecticenergies.com/acupressure/points.php?name=ST-36
9. Eclectic Energies. (n.d.). LU-7 acupressure point. Retrieved from http://www.eclecticenergies.com/acupressure/points.php?name=LU-7
10. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (n.d.). Acupressure for nausea and vomiting. Retrieved from http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/resources/acupressure-nausea-and-vomiting
11. Acupuncture.com. (n.d.). Lung 7 (LU7). Retrieved from http://www.acupuncture.com/education/points/lung/lu7.htm
12. D'Aquino, P. (n.d.). Licensed acupuncturist, MS, NCCAOM. Expert interview

Content editor: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information reviewed and verified by expert: Peter D'Aquino.