Pressure Points for Period Cramps Relief and More

Acupressure is a well-established practice from Traditional Chinese Medicine that is now commonly used in western cultures, too. Bearing the same roots as acupuncture, acupressure is the use of fingers and hands to stimulate pressure points throughout the body. These acupoints all lie on meridians, pathways that carry “qi”, or energy, throughout the body. Stimulating acupoints will promote the movement of energy and help heal ailments in the body.

Nearly any issue can be benefited from acupressure: headaches, joint pain, TMJ, skin diseases, and so much more. In this article, we are going to break down the top acupressure points for menstrual cramps. That’s right – if you are experiencing painful periods or other common issues, these pressure points for menstrual cramps could greatly help.

The Acupressure Points For Menstrual Cramps

Acupoint: SP-10 (Other Names: Spleen-10/Xue Hai/Sea of Blood)

The first acupoint on our list of acupressure points for menstrual cramps is Sp-10, located on the spleen meridian. This point, along with the following 7 (Sp-6, Ren-3, Ki-6, Li-4, St-36, Bl-23, Ren-12), is particularly good at relieving menstrual cramps. Sp-10 can also regulate menstruation and help with skin diseases such as eczema. It has even made our list of top 10 acupressure points to relieve body aches and pains. Located on the front of the leg, this point is about two inches up from the knee and slightly to the inside. Sp-10, like many of the others, is easy to locate and stimulate, so you will be able to easily and discreetly reduce cramps at work or school.

Acupoint: SP-6 (Other Names: Spleen-6/San Yin Jiao/Three Yin Intersection)

The Three Yin Intersection serves many purposes, including helping with period cramps. Sp-6 is one of the most commonly stimulated acupoints and can also help with infertility, issues in the spleen and stomach, and issues with the head such as headaches and insomnia. It’s one of the best acupressure points for blood circulation in the legs. This point is located on the leg, four fingers directly up from the knobby ankle bone on the inside of your leg.

Acupoint: Ren-3 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-3/Zhong Ji/Middle Extremity)

Ren-3, located on the Conception Vessel meridian, is a great pressure point for menstrual cramps. Ren-3 can also help with infertility and hernias, proving to be one of the best overall pressure points for the uterus. This point is located on the stomach in the middle of the body. Move your finger down about 4.5 cun from your belly button (right above your pubic bone) and you have found this acupoint.

Acupoint: KD-6 (Other Names: Kidney-6/Zhao Hai/Shining Sea)

The Shining Sea acupoint has proven to greatly help with menstrual cramps as well as constipation, dryness in the mouth, epilepsy, and common issues of the eye – it is a truly versatile acupoint! KD-6 is one of the best acupressure points for fertility and can help both men and women. Locate the knobby ankle bone on the inside of your leg and place your finger directly below the bone: you have found this acupoint!

Acupoint: LI-4 (Other Names: Large Intestine-4/He Gu/Joining Valley)

An extremely versatile acupressure point, Li-4 has rightfully made our list of pressure points to relieve menstrual cramps. Just some of the other ailments Junction Valley can help with include: headache, toothache, constipation, sores, fever, infertility, body spasms, and so much more. It’s even one of the top acupressure points to quit smoking! Li-4 is located on the hand. Find the fleshy webbed area between your pointer finger and thumb and press down to engage this acupoint. 

Acupoint: ST-36 (Other Names: Stomach-36/Zu San Li/Leg Three Miles)

Leg Three Miles is located on the stomach meridian. St-36 will also help with stomach issues, such as vomiting, pain around the knee, and cough/asthma. ST-36 is also one of the top acupressure points for fertility – check out that article for more detailed descriptions of the best acupoints for fertility. This point is located about 3 cun below the bottom of the knee and slightly to the outside.

Acupoint: Bl-23 (Other Names: Urinary Bladder-23/Shen Shu/Kidney Transporter)

The Kidney Transporter acupoint is a key addition to our list of acupressure points for menstrual cramps. Not only can this acupoint on the bladder meridian help with period cramps, but it can also help with lower back pain, deafness, cough, and even bone disease. The Kidney Transporter has made our list of top acupressure points for constipation. This acupoint is located on the back and at the same level as your belly button. So it is best to have someone else stimulate this point for you. It is located between the L2 and L3 vertebrae, about 1.5 inches on either side of the spine. Be gentle with this acupoint, as it can be sensitive for many people. 

Acupoint: Ren-12 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-12/Zhong Wan/Middle Epigastrium)

Ren-12 is the last of our pressure points for period pain (the rest will help with some other issues). This acupoint will strengthen the spleen and stomach, resulting in alleviation from menstrual cramps, gastrointestinal issues, jaundice, insomnia, and much more. Ren-12 has been featured on our list of the top 10 best acupressure points for weight loss. This point is located on the centerline of the body, about halfway between your chest and belly button. Be careful, as this point is sensitive for many people.

The Acupressure Point to Reduce Swelling During Period

Acupoint: LI-11 (Other Names: Large Intestine-11/Qu Chi/Pool at the Crook)

The Pool at the Bend acupoint is a great acupoint to help reduce swelling, a common side effect of menstruation. Li-11 can also help with a headache, irregular period, depression, and pain around the joints. Be sure to check out our article on acupressure points for a sore throat to see how Li-11 can help with that as well. To find this point, bend your arm and see the crease made between your forearm and bicep. Li-11 is located halfway between this crease and the elbow.

Acupoint: Ren-4 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-4/Guan Yuan/Origin Pass)

Another great acupoint for swelling, the Origin Pass point has been featured on many of our lists, including acupressure points for kidneys. Stimulating Ren-4 will strengthen and nourish the kidneys, resulting in relief from the following ailments: diarrhea, irregular menstruation, swelling, inability to urinate, infertility, and more. Origin Pass is located directly above Ren-3, about 3 cun below the belly button.

The Acupressure Points For Constipation During Period

Acupoint: LI-10 (Other Names: Large Intestine-10/Shou San Li/Arm Three Miles)

Li-10 is not only beneficial for regulating menstruation and period cramps, but it has proven to help greatly with constipation. This point can help with general abdominal pain and is beneficial for acupressure for carpal tunnel. This point is located on the arm and can be difficult to find, so take your time and be patient. Find the centerline of, or very top of, your arm. Line up three fingers past your elbow and place a finger on the centerline of your arm. That is where the Li-10 acupoint is.

The Acupressure Points To Improve Blood Circulation During Period

Acupoint: Liv-14 (Other Names: Liver-14/Qi men/Cyclic Gate)

The Cyclic Gate acupoint does an incredible job of moving qi through the body and thus does a great job of stimulating blood flow. This acupoint could help induce your period. If you are pregnant, do not stimulate this point as it could induce premature labor. You may not get your period immediately after stimulating this point, but it could come with time and consistently engaging the point. Liv-14 can also help with pain in the chest, depression, and hiccups. Cyclic Gate is located on the outside of the chest below the 6th intercostal space in the ribs, about 4 cun from the center line. Be careful, as this point is sensitive for many people.

The Acupressure Points For Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Acupoint: Ren-7 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-7/Yin Jiao/Yin Intersection)

Final on our list of acupressure points for menstrual cramps (and other related issues) is Ren-7, which is particularly useful for regulating heavy menstrual bleeding. Ren-7 can reduce menstrual pain, regulate menstruation, help heal hernias, and help with postpartum hemorrhage. Ren-7 is located on the same line as Ren-3 and Ren-4, and is fairly easy to find. Simply move your finger about one cun below your belly button and you have found this acupressure point. 

Can acupuncture help period cramps?

Yes! Acupressure and acupuncture are incredible practices that can help with hundreds of issues in the body, menstrual cramps being just one. 

Can acupuncture induce period?

Certain acupoints can induce a period, though it may not happen immediately. Certain acupoints can even induce labor in pregnant women. 

Is it safe to apply acupressure during periods?

Yes! Acupressure could affect your period, but it is completely safe (and often beneficial) to use acupressure while on your menstrual cycle.

What pressure point relieves period cramps?

There are a few great points to relieve cramps, like Sp-10 and Li-4. 

How to get periods by acupressure?

A few acupoints, such as Liv-4, can promote blood flow and thus potentially induce a period.