Acupressure Points for Constipation and Gas

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese massage therapy where manual pressure using palms, fingers, feet, or elbows is applied to specific body points (meridians). Here are some key characteristics of acupressure:

1. The acupressure technique helps in relieving pain, digestive problems, headaches, motion sickness, etc.
2. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, and the only difference between the two is that in acupressure, fingers, elbows, palms, and feet are used to press and massage the acupoints. In contrast, in acupuncture, needles are used at acupoints.
3. According to the principles followed by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the body consists of a vital energy called Qi. This Qi, or energy, flows through various body channels known as meridians.
4. There are at least 14 meridians present in the body that connects all the body organs. According to TCM practitioners, a balance of energy is required to maintain good health.

Acupressure is an alternative treatment option widely used in the modern holistic health culture. It is an excellent option for relieving constipation and its symptoms like gas, bloating, and pain in the abdomen. 

Although you can do acupressure on yourself, it is still advised to get it done by a trained therapist is the best option for getting acupressure therapy done.

Acupressure for relieving constipation is done by massaging and stimulating the following acupressure points for gas and constipation:

1. Large Intestine (LI4)

1. The large intestine, or He Gu, union valley, is an acupressure point found on the hand situated in the web between the thumb and the index finger. It is found at the point where the bones of the index finger and thumb separate. 
2. This acupressure point greatly affects the qi flow and helps relieve constipation, especially due to stress. Avoid using this acupressure point for constipation during pregnancy as it can induce labour. 

To use these acupressure points for constipation, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. With the thumb or index finger of your one hand, locate the soft part of the web between the thumb and the index finger of the other hand.
2. Gently press this point and move in a circle for a few minutes and repeat on the other hand.

2. Stomach (ST25)

The stomach, also called Tianshu, is another acupressure point for constipation that is highly beneficial. This point is situated on either side of the belly button. It works well in treating abdominal pain and constipation and improving digestion.

Follow the below-mentioned steps to use these acupressure points for constipation:

1. Begin by measuring two finger widths or 2 to 3 inches to the left of your belly button. 
2. Once the point is located, press this point for a couple of seconds and then start making circles in a clockwise direction for a minute or two. 
3. Once done, repeat on the other side as well.  

3. Spleen (SP15)

The spleen helps in the regulation of the intestine and causes stimulation of the peristalsis movement. Spleen 15 makes for a good acupressure point for constipation and piles relief. 

1. Follow the steps below to use these SP15 acupressure points for constipation and piles.
2. The spleen acupressure point lies bilaterally, almost four finger widths apart on either side of the belly button.
3. Once the points are located, begin by putting pressure on one side, i.e., the left side, with the index finger, thumb, or knuckles, and move in a circular motion while adding pressure. Do this for a minute or two.
4. Once done, repeat the same on the other pressure point (right side).

4. Kidney (KI6) 

The kidney is an acupressure point for constipation that can be found below the inner region of the ankle bone. This acupressure point for constipation works by inducing bowel movements to relieve constipation. 

Follow the steps below to get relief by using the kidney (KI6) acupressure points for constipation:

1. Press the point situated beneath the inner ankle bone of one foot.
2. Put pressure with circular movement on this point, hold it for about one to three minutes, and do the same for the other foot.

5. Stomach (ST36) 

The stomach or Zusanli, is a powerful acupressure point in the body. This acupressure point for constipation can be found below the knee caps at a distance of around 3 inches and around one finger towards the outer edge. It is a strong point for treating digestive problems like constipation, gas, diarrhoea, bloating, and pain in the abdomen. 

To use this acupressure point for constipation, follow the steps given below:

1. Begin by placing two fingers on the stomach points and putting pressure over it in a circular motion. 
2. Do this for a couple of seconds and repeat on the other side.

6. Spleen (SP6) 

Spleen 6 is also known as Sanyinjiao. This acupressure point for constipation is found above the top region of the inside of the ankle at 3 widths. This acupressure point is excellent for treating constipation, bloating, indigestion, and gas. 

Follow the steps below to use the Spleen 6 (SP6) acupressure points for constipation:

1. To relieve constipation, locate the SP6 acupressure point and apply pressure over it while massaging it in a clockwise movement. 
2. While applying pressure, exhale, and while releasing, inhale. Do this for a couple of minutes.  

7. Conception vessel (CV6) 

Also known as Qihai, Ren, or Sea of Qi, it is an acupressure point for constipation situated at the umbilicus, below the belly button, at a distance of around three finger widths. This acupressure point helps relieve constipation, gas, indigestion, and bloating. 

To use this acupressure point for constipation, follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Locate the acupressure point below the belly button and press it with your finger. 
2. Make clockwise movements on this point and do it for a few minutes. 

Although acupressure points for constipation and gas are safe to use, it is best to get it done by the hands of a professional. One must be careful in exceptional cases like pregnancy. This is because specific acupressure points for constipation in pregnancy, like Spleen (SP6) or Large Intestine (LI4), can induce labour. 

Hence, pregnant women experiencing constipation are advised to take necessary precautions while performing acupressure for constipation. It is recommended to get it done by a massage therapist possibly. Patients with a pacemaker avoid acupressure, people having heart, liver, and kidney conditions, or skin injury. 

When to see a doctor 

Although acupressure for constipation relief is widely used, it takes some time to produce relief. Hence, it is essential to see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

1. When constipation doesn't get better even after a few weeks of acupressure 
2. Blood in the faeces (stools)
3. Severe and sudden pain in the abdomen 
4. Nausea and vomiting 
5. Unexplained and sudden loss of weight 

Along with acupressure, there are other things as well that you can try to get quick relief from constipation and manage better. These tips include:

1. Exercising regularly, as constipation may be caused due to lack of physical activity
2. Drinking lots of water to ensure sufficient hydration 
3. Eating a diet that contains food rich in fibre
4. Chewing properly and eating slowly for better digestion 
5. Consuming herbal teas and coconut water 
6. Practising stress management techniques 
7. Not ignoring the urge to poop
8. Checking the medicines that may be causing constipation and getting them changed by your doctor

There are certain risks of acupressure points for gas and constipation that needs to be kept in mind while performing acupressure. These include the following:

1. Excessive pressure can lead to pain and bruising 
2. Using specific points without proper knowledge can be harmful. For example, the Large intestine or He Gu acupressure point for constipation during pregnancy is not to be used as it may cause miscarriage or induce labour

Where there are risks of acupressure for constipation, there are specific reasons why it is effective and widely used. These include:

1. It provides relief from constipation, eliminating the need to take habit-forming medicines like laxatives for constipation relief.
2. It can be used to relieve mild constipation in patients who are undergoing dialysis or have cancer.

Constipation can happen to anyone and causes a lot of discomfort and irritation. In most instances, addressing the cause of constipation, like dehydration, lack of fibre, and physical inactivity, can help relieve constipation. However, if you do not want to take medicines, acupressure for constipation is a great option.

Acupressure points for constipation include the large Intestine (LI4), conception vessel (CV6), spleen (SP6), kidney (KI6), stomach (SP36), stomach (ST25) and Spleen (SP15). 

You can perform acupressure on your own or seek professional help. We at HexaHealth, with our team of highly skilled members, provide excellent services for patients having constipation. Our team believes in giving their best services to all our patients. At HexaHealth, you will get the best treatment for all your ailments.

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