Gastritis is a medical condition whereby the lining that protects your stomach is inflamed. This lining, called mucosa, protects your stomach from some of the strong acids that your stomach uses to digest food. This lining can get inflamed by a number of things, the most popular of which is a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Other causes of gastritis include bile reflux and infection.

Gastritis could either be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis is the kind that comes all of a sudden, while chronic gastritis is the type of gastritis that spans a long period of time. According to Cleveland Clinic, acute gastritis is more common than chronic gastritis. About 8 out of every 1,000 people have or have had acute gastritis, while it’s 2 out of every 1,000 persons for Chronic gastritis.

You are at a greater risk of having gastritis when you take too much alcohol; use too many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin; are old, or are stressed from severe injury or illness. Some of the symptoms that you have gastritis including stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, and black stool.

If left untreated, gastritis can lead to loss of blood and stomach cancer. You need to act fast once you notice the symptoms of gastritis, which is why I am sharing this article on acupressure points for gastritis and stomach ache.

Acupressure for Acidity: Simple Techniques You Can Try at Home

If you’re seeking relief from acidity, acupressure offers a natural and effective solution. Based on the expertise of Ms. Mai Sogawa, a seasoned therapist with credentials from Japan Medical School of Judo Acupuncture and Moxibustion International Education College and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, here are two acupressure points you can easily stimulate at home for comfort.

Acupoint: LU-6 (Other Names: Lung-6/Kong Zui/Maximum Opening)

Location

LU-6 is found on the inside of your arm, one finger width above the midpoint between your wrist and the elbow line, moving towards the elbow.

Meaning and Benefits

Applying pressure to LU-6 helps balance your body’s internal energy flows. This is particularly helpful in alleviating the discomfort associated with acidity, making it a go-to point for immediate relief.

Acupoint: Liv-8 (Other Names: Liver-8/Qu Quan/Pool Spring)

Location

Look for Liv-8 on the inside of your knee, at the end of the crease that forms when your knee is bent.

Meaning and Benefits

This point, known as the “spring of qi,” is essential for regulating energy flow within the liver meridian. It is highly recommended for easing stress-induced stomach pain, a common precursor to acidity. Stimulating Liv-8 not only aids in managing acidity but also assists with urinary issues and reduces discomfort in the genital area.

Acupressure Points for Stomach Discomfort: How to Find Relief

Ms. Mai Sogawa, a TCM Therapist with extensive training in acupuncture and moxibustion, recommends two specific acupressure points to help alleviate stomach discomfort. These points are easy to locate and stimulate, offering a natural way to manage symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal bloating.

Acupoint: SP-4 (Other Names: Spleen-4/Gong Sun/Grandfather Grandson)

Location

Find SP-4 inside your foot, two finger widths from the inner side of the big toe’s base bone, moving towards the heel.

Meaning and Benefits

SP-4 is a crucial point on the spleen meridian and acts as a connecting point that is especially effective for chronic symptoms. Stimulating this point can provide relief from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal bloating, making it a valuable tool for managing digestive discomfort.

Acupoint: PC-6 (Other Names: Pericardium-6/Nei Guan/Inner Pass)

Location

Locate PC-6 inside your wrist, three finger widths from the center of the wrinkled part, moving towards the elbow.

Meaning and Benefits

PC-6 plays a significant role in improving energy flow and regulating the autonomic nervous system. By focusing on this point, you can experience relief from nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and palpitations. It’s particularly beneficial for those suffering from symptoms related to digestive upset and stomach discomfort.

Effective Acupressure Points for Gastroenteritis Relief

Guided by Ms. Mai Sogawa, here are acupressure points that offer relief for gastroenteritis. These points are straightforward to locate and stimulate, allowing anyone, regardless of their prior knowledge of alternative therapies, to find relief.

Acupoint: ST-34 (Other Names: Stomach-34/Liang Qiu/Ridge Mound)

Location

Find ST-34 outside the knee cap, three finger widths above the upper part of the bone.

Meaning and Benefits

Situated on the stomach meridian, ST-34 is especially beneficial for acute symptoms of gastroenteritis. Stimulating this point can help reduce the discomfort and pain associated with this condition.

Acupoint: PC-6 (Other Names: Pericardium-6/Nei Guan/Inner Pass)

Location

PC-6 is located on the inside of your wrist, three finger widths from the center of the wrinkled part, towards the elbow.

Meaning and Benefits

PC-6 is renowned for its ability to enhance energy flow and regulate the autonomic nervous system. It’s particularly effective in easing symptoms like nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and palpitations, making it invaluable for those dealing with gastroenteritis.

Acupressure Points for Immediate Gas Relief

Ms. Mai Sogawa suggests specific acupressure points that are effective for providing immediate relief from gas. These points are straightforward to locate and apply pressure to, making them ideal for anyone seeking natural remedies for discomfort.

Acupoint: ST-25 (Other Names: Stomach-25/Tian Shu/Celestial Pivot)

Location

ST-25 is found by measuring three finger widths to the sides from the navel.

Meaning and Benefits

This point is excellent for targeting the discomfort that comes with gas and bloating. Stimulating ST-25 can help to alleviate abdominal pain and promote the movement of gas, providing relief from bloating and discomfort.

Acupoint: Bl-25 (Other Names: Urinary Bladder-25/Da Chang/Large Intestine Transporter)

Location

BL-25 is located on the lower back at the height of the pelvic bones, two finger widths to the sides from the spine.

Meaning and Benefits

Activating BL-25 not only supports lower back health but also contributes to digestive well-being. It’s particularly beneficial for those experiencing gas pain, aiding in the relief of tension and discomfort in the lower back area associated with gas.

For more detailed guidance on acupressure points for gas relief, you can explore further information in our dedicated article on acupressure for bloating, which offers insights into 10 acupressure points for immediate gas relief here.

Acupressure Points for Improving Digestion

Guidance from Ms. Mai Sogawa highlights specific acupressure points that are beneficial for enhancing digestive health. These points are accessible and effective for individuals seeking natural methods to improve digestion.

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

Location

ST-36 is located outside the knee cap, four finger widths below the lowest part.

Meaning and Benefits

This point is on the stomach meridian and is renowned for its ability to improve energy flow, which aids in resolving digestion issues and stomach discomfort. ST-36 is also associated with boosting immunity, especially when used with moxibustion, making it a versatile point for overall health.

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

Location

Ren-12 is found at the midpoint between the navel and the bottom of the chest bone.

Meaning and Benefits

Situated on the stomach meridian, Ren-12 plays a crucial role in enhancing the functions of the spleen and stomach. It’s particularly effective for combating nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion, offering a holistic approach to digestive well-being.

Other Acupressure Points For Gastritis

Now that we have answered some of the questions you may be asking let’s see some of the acupressure points for gastritis that you should know.

Acupoint: PC-7 (Other Names: Pericardium-7/Da Ling/Great Mound)

PC-7 is another acupressure point you want to push when you have gastritis. Located on the wrist, it is one of the acupressure points on the hands for gastritis. With your palm facing up, you’ll find Daling, as it is called in Chinese, on your wrist crease, in the center, between two tendons.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daling is responsible for opening the chest, regulating the flow of energy in the heart, and resolving issues in the stomach. It is the acupoint for gastritis accelerated by physical stress. So, when you’re feeling weak or unmotivated due to tiredness or stress, PC-7 is the right acupoint to push as it helps you to relax mentally.

If you apply gentle pressure to acupoint PC-7 on both wrists, you’ll be able to bring relief to abdominal pain, pain in the chest, pain in your heels, vomiting, and manic psychosis. PC-7 is also effective acupuncture for hand pain.

Acupoint: LU-9 (Other Names: Lung-9/Tai Yuan/Supreme Abyss)

LU-9, Taiyuan, or Great Abyss is another of the acupressure points on the hands for gastritis that you need to know about. This lung meridian acupoint is also located on the wrist crease but on the thumb side rather than on the center of the wrist. You’ll find LU-9 at the wrist crease at the base of the thumb, at the depression where your artery pulsates.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), LU-9 is responsible for resolving phlegm, improving the lung Qi and Yin, and assisting the pulse. It helps to resolve symptoms related to respiration. Hence, it is the acupoint to press when you have a cough or sore throat. It also helps with hiccups, belching, wrist pain, and weakness.

To enjoy the special benefit of LU-9 and pressure points in the chest area, apply firm pressure to this acupoint. Press it until it becomes painful. Do this for 10 seconds, pausing for five seconds to repeat the action. Stop after 10 minutes.

Acupoint: BI-20 (Other Names: Urinary Bladder-20/Pi Shu/Spleen Transporter)

Bl-20 is the last of the acupressure points for gastritis that we have on our list. It is called Pishu in Chinese and is found at the back. Pishu is just two finger-width beside the 11th thoracic vertebra, on both the left and right side. This is so because gastrointestinal symptoms also occur in the back and not just the stomach.

In TCM, Pishu is a notable acupoint for the spleen and stomach. Hence, it is the right acupoint to massage when you notice tightness or stiffness around your spleen. You want to also massage Bl-20 when you feel like vomiting, have diarrhea, or have jaundice. It also serves as one of the acupressure points for ovary cysts.

Because of the location of Bl-20, it is best to get someone to massage it for you with strong hands.

How to Apply Pressure to Acupressure Points

Applying the Right Amount of Pressure

When engaging with acupressure points, the goal is to apply a firm yet comfortable pressure. Ms. Mai Sogawa advises that you aim for what can be described as a “pleasant discomfort.” This means you should feel a significant pressure that is effective yet not painful, ensuring the technique’s efficacy without causing harm or excessive discomfort.

Technique

To correctly press an acupressure point, use your finger (typically your thumb or forefinger) to apply steady pressure to the identified spot. The pressure should be maintained for approximately 3 seconds for each point before releasing gently. This method helps in stimulating the area to promote the intended health benefits effectively.

By following these guidelines provided by Ms. Mai Sogawa, you can confidently explore acupressure as a supportive tool for your wellness journey, even if you’re exploring alternative therapies for the first time.

Can Acupuncture Cure Gastritis?

Acupuncture can effectively improve the symptoms of gastritis. This is possible because gastritis is related to the autonomic nerve, and acupuncture stimulation is capable of bringing back the autonomic nerve to its normal state. According to alternative medicine, gastritis is related to the spleen and the stomach and its digestive function. This is such that when there is an issue with the functioning of the stomach and spleen, there is also an issue with digestion. Effective acupuncture treatment for gastritis would stimulate the acupoints related to the stomach and the spleen to restore it back to proper functionality as well as take care of the symptoms of gastritis.

A 2007 research backs acupuncture for gastritis. This research carried out on over 80 patients proved that combined acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is effective in improving the symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis. For this research, the patients were put into three groups – an acupuncture group, an acupuncture-moxibustion group, and a control group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment, the acupuncture-moxibustion group received combined acupuncture-moxibustion treatment, and the control group received no treatment. At the end of the treatment period, the combined acupuncture-moxibustion group came out the most relieved of the symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis.

How Long Does It Take For Alcoholic Gastritis To Heal With Acupuncture?

The duration of acupuncture treatment for gastritis depends on the kind of gastritis, whether acute or chronic. For most long-term gastritis, like those accelerated by alcohol, a ten-day treatment whereby acupuncture is administered once per day is sufficient. However, it’s best to apply acupuncture for gastritis with moxibustion.