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Acupressure Points for Constipation offer a non-invasive and traditional method for relieving digestive discomfort. Acupressure, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to release energy flow or Qi. This technique can effectively alleviate constipation by stimulating bowel movements and enhancing digestive health. For easy reference, a quick table above outlines key acupressure points, providing a handy guide to address constipation-related issues.
| Acupoint | Description |
|---|---|
| Ren-6 | Located on the midline of the abdomen, 1.5 Cun below the belly button. Known for aiding women’s reproductive issues and acting as a reservoir of Qi for the whole body. |
| LU-5 | Found on the cross side of the cubital crease, just on the radial side of the tendon of the muscle biceps brachii. It stimulates the descending action of lung Qi and is beneficial for bladder and sinew relaxation. |
| LI-11 | Located at the elbow, at the end of the crease that forms when you bend your elbow, on the outer side. Helps in clearing heat in the body and releasing pathogens. |
| Ren-12 | Positioned 4 cun above the belly button on the midline of the abdomen. Impacts the stomach and is effective for abdominal pain, fullness, nausea, and other digestive issues. |
| ST-25 | Located around the navel, halfway from the border of the rectus abdominis muscle, 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus. It addresses a variety of intestinal disorders. |
| SP-15 | Found at the intersection of the nipple line and belly button line, 4 cun lateral to the center of the body. Used for relieving lower abdominal pain and cold. |
| TE-6 | Located 3 cun proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist, between the radius and ulna. It’s effective for opening the intestines and relieving constipation. |
Where Is The Poop Button?
The name may sound funny, but yes, the poop button can make you poo. It is below your belly button. It is located three finger-widths directly below your belly button. Another name for the Poop button is the Sea of Energy. The name implies that the Poop button is connected to other areas of your body, such as your digestive system, colon, and even your sex organs. By applying the correct touch on the poop button, you can relieve yourself of issues like period cramps, tummy troubles, and constipation.
Acupoint: Ren-6 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-6/Qi Hai/Sea of Qi)
If you’ve been wondering what the official name of the Poop button is, you now have it. It’s Ren-6 or CV-6. It can also be called Ren Mai or the Conception Vessel Channel. This acupressure point is responsible for women’s reproductive issues such as irregular menstrual periods, infertility, and uterine fibroids. As the sea of energy, Ren-6 is the reservoir of Qi for the whole body. You’ll find Ren-6 on the midline of the abdomen, 1.5 Cun below the belly button.
This is also one of the best acupressure points for weight loss.
Other Common Acupressure Points For Constipation
Acupoint: LU-5 (Other Names: Lung-5/Chi Ze/Cubit Marsh)
This acupressure point for constipation is also known as Chize or Foot Marsh. It is located on the cross side of the cubital crease, just on the radial side of the tendon of the muscle biceps brachii. The point is easy to find when you flex your elbow slightly.
This acupuncture point stimulates the descending action of the lung Qi, thus benefitting the bladder and relaxing the sinew. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Chize is used for the treatment of cough, asthma, sore throat, infantile convulsions, and elbow pains.
Unknown to many people, this is one of the crucial eustachian tube pressure points.
Acupoint: LI-11 (Other Names: Large Intestine-11/Qu Chi/Pool at the Crook)
This acupuncture point is of the Lung Meridian. It is also called Quchi or Pool at the Bend. Like the LU-5, LI-11 is located at the elbow. You find it easily when you bend your arm. It is at the end of the crease that forms when you bend your elbow – on the outer side of the crease of your bent elbow.
LI-11 is responsible for clearing heat in the body – whether that from sunburn or that of a fever. It also performs the function of releasing to the exterior. It is the “open door” via which a pathogen is forced to exit the body. Hence, LI-11 is useful in the treatment of illnesses accompanied by a fever or elevated temperature.
LI-11 is also a powerful acupoint for body heat reduction.
Acupoint: Ren-12 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-12/Zhong Wan/Middle Epigastrium)
Another acupressure point for constipation is the Ren 12 acupuncture point, also called Zhong Wan or Middle Cavity. Where it isn’t called any of the above, it is referred to as CV 12 or conception vessel. As the conception vessel, Ren-12 is located up the midline of the front of the body, which is the abdomen. It is at exactly 4 cun above the belly button.
Due to its location, Ren-12 has a direct impact on the stomach, easily making it a poop button acupressure point. This acupressure point tonifies the stomach and fortifies the spleen. Hence, it is suitable for the treatment of abdominal pain and fullness, nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea, frustration, and resentment.
Acupoint: ST-25 (Other Names: Stomach-25/Tian Shu/Celestial Pivot)
This acupuncture point is of the stomach meridian. This is why it is sometimes referred to as Stomach 25. Its other names are Tian Shu or Heaven’s Pivot. This acupuncture point alone boasts of being the most important point for the treatment of the widest variety of intestinal disorders.
You can locate St-25 around the navel. It is level with the navel, positioned halfway from the border of the rectus abdominis muscle, on the middle of the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus. Situated on the abdomen, it is suitable for treating both diarrhea and constipation. It mostly helps to resolve dampness in the body. Meanwhile, this poop button acupressure point is also a pressure point for gas relief. It also takes care of other problems such as nausea & vomiting, undigested food in the stool, poor appetite, and abdominal pain.
Acupoint: SP-15 (Other Names: Spleen-15/Da Heng/Great Horizontal)
This acupressure point is also called Da Heng or Great Horizontal in English. It is located at the intersection of the nipple line and belly button line, exactly on the middle of the abdomen, 4 cun lateral to the center of the body.
You can use this acupressure point to relieve yourself of lower abdominal pain, cold, and pain of the lower abdomen by applying firm pressure on the point for one to two minutes. The pressure on this acupoint should be so firm that it hurts a little. When you begin to feel extreme pain in the region, gradually decrease the pressure to the point where it’s a balance between pain and pleasure.
Acupoint: TE-6 (Other Names: Triple Energizer-6/Zhi Gou/Branch Ditch)
TE-6 is of the Triple Burner Meridian and is one of the main acupressure points for constipation. Also known as Jing-River Point or Zhigou in Chinese, this acupoint is located 3 cun proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist. It is right on the line connecting Yangchi (TE 4) and the tip of the olecranon, between the radius and ulna, on the radial side of the extensor digitorum muscle.
TE-6 is effective in the opening of the intestines. That is to say that it circulates Qi in the intestines and relieves constipation. It also clears heat and expels wind. Therefore, it can be used to treat tinnitus, deafness, and pain in the hypochondriac region.
Also, TE-6 is often used in acupressure for tennis elbow.
Can Acupuncture Help Constipation?
Yes, acupuncture can help constipation. Research has shown that electroacupuncture, which involves electrical stimulation, helps improve severe constipation. This study, which spanned eight weeks, involved people with chronic constipation – they had infrequent bowel movements of no more than two per week.
These patients were grouped into two groups. One group received electroacupuncture with needles that pierced the muscle layer of the abdominal wall while the other half got fake treatments. At the end of the period, 31 percent of patients who received electroacupuncture had an average of three or more bowel movements in a week. In the control group, only 12 percent of patients achieved the same level of relief.
You can check out our other article on how acupuncture for IBS constipation works.
Frequently Asked Questions with Ms. Mai Sogawa, TCM Therapist
Q: Beyond specific acupressure points, do you have general advice for natural constipation remedies?
A: For natural constipation relief, focus on dietary habits. Reducing foods contributing to constipation and moderating intake of heat-producing items like sweets, spices, and alcohol is beneficial. Managing stress, maintaining a good sleep routine, and activities promoting body warmth are also recommended.
Q: What precautions or side effects should beginners consider when trying acupressure for digestive issues?
A: If you’re on medication, consult a doctor, as constipation might be a medication side effect. While generally low-risk, avoid acupressure if there’s a possibility of pregnancy. Exercise caution to avoid side effects.
Q: Are there misconceptions or common mistakes in using acupressure for constipation?
A: Avoid acupressure in cases of injury, swelling, fever, or bleeding conditions. Also, refrain from acupressure after meals or alcohol consumption to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Other Related Articles
- Acupressure Points For Slow Transit Constipation
- Acupressure Points for Gas and Constipation
- Acupressure Points for Constipation and Piles
- Pressure Points for Severe Constipation
- Ear Pressure Points for Constipation
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