Acupressure is the practice of pressing specific points on the body that traditional Chinese medicine describes as lying along meridians, channels through which life energy, or qi, flows. It shares its map with acupuncture but uses only the fingers, making it a simple form of self-care you can do anywhere. Many people use a handful of classic points to feel calmer, more grounded and more settled, and some research suggests acupressure may help with relaxation, though studies vary in quality. Press gently, breathe slowly and treat it as a quiet ritual of kindness to yourself.
Your hands are a portable calm kit.
A gentle note: Acupressure is gentle self-care, not treatment for any condition. Avoid pressing on broken skin, bruises, varicose veins or swelling. If you are pregnant, avoid Union Valley (LI4) and check with a trusted practitioner before using acupressure. If you have any health concerns, please consult a qualified practitioner.
How to press
- Use your thumb or middle finger.
- Press firmly but comfortably, never to the point of pain.
- Hold steady or make small circles for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Breathe slowly while pressing.
- Do both sides of the body.
Five classic points for calm and grounding
1. Inner Gate (Pericardium 6)
Where: on the inner forearm, about three finger widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons.
Traditionally used for: calming the heart and mind, settling the stomach.
2. Spirit Gate (Heart 7)
Where: on the wrist crease, on the little finger side, in the small hollow next to the tendon.
Traditionally used for: calming the spirit and supporting restful sleep.
3. Hall of Impression (Yintang)
Where: between the eyebrows, at the third eye.
Traditionally used for: quieting the mind and easing worry. Press softly or stroke upward.
4. Bubbling Spring (Kidney 1)
Where: on the sole of the foot, in the depression about a third of the way from the toes to the heel, just behind the ball of the foot.
Traditionally used for: grounding, drawing energy down. It is the only point on the sole, the place where the body meets the earth.
5. Leg Three Miles (Stomach 36)
Where: about four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width toward the outside of the shin bone.
Traditionally used for: steady energy and strength. Its name comes from the idea that it helped soldiers walk three more miles.
A 5-minute calming routine
- Sit comfortably and take three slow breaths.
- Press Inner Gate on each wrist, 1 minute each.
- Press Spirit Gate on each wrist, 30 seconds each.
- Softly press Yintang for 1 minute with eyes closed.
- Finish with Bubbling Spring on each foot, imagining roots growing into the earth.
From the Infused Lights crystal shop
A smooth comfort stone can be used to gently press points, and its cool weight feels grounding in the palm.
Browse all Crystals and Stones. Crystals and tools are offered as reminders for reflection and intention, not as medical care.
A sound companion for this practice
Refuge by Nadja Lind uses binaural entrainment to guide you into a light alpha state, designed to feel like a bright, warm, summery cocoon. iAwake calls it a place of peace amid the storms of life, where you can feel supported and safe.
Disclosure: The iAwake links on this page are affiliate links for iAwake Technologies. If you sign up or purchase through them, Infused Lights may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Sound tools are optional companions to your practice, not medical or professional advice.
Learn the minor energy centers of the palms and soles in The Hand and Feet Chakras, and breathe into your center with Dantian Breathing.
Part of The Body Wisdom Series
- A 5-Minute Heart Coherence Practice
- The Secret Language of Your Body: What Tension May Be Telling You
- Acupressure Points for Calm and Grounding (you are here)
- The Golden Center: Dantian Breathing for Inner Power
Read next
Companion readings chosen for this same theme.
With love and light,
Infused Lights
Can we pray for you?
Fill out a request here, and we will gently hold your prayer, intention, or gratitude in light.
