Acupuncture and Acupressure for Digestive Health

Struggling with bloating, indigestion or nausea?

You can use this acupuncture point to treat yourself.

ST 36 is one of the most commonly used acupuncture points. Because of its location on the stomach meridian it treats all sorts of digestive complaints including stomach pain, indigestion, bloating, nausea and vomiting. It can also be used to calm the mind, reduce stress and mitigate the effects of stress on the body. Neuroimaging studies have shown that this point can affect the limbic and paralimbic systems which are the areas in the brain responsible for emotional reactions including stress and anxiety. Studies have also shown that, in combination with a point on the wrist (PC 6) it can stimulate gastric motility, promoting digestion.

Boost your immune system and overall health

In addition, ST 36 is one of the best points to boost Qi (energy) and increase blood flow. It helps to strengthen the immune system and regular treatment is said to increase longevity. This is a great point for self-care. You can do acupressure on this point by pressing it with the round end of a chopstick or a pencil eraser. Use a firm pressure for 3-5 seconds, release and repeat for 2-3 minutes. Do this as often as necessary for digestive complaints or a couple of times a week to boost energy and immune function. You can also do moxibustion on this point. Your acupuncturist can demonstrate the procedure and provide you with moxa sticks to take home.

How to find the ST 36 Acupuncture Point

ST 36 is located on the outside of your shin bone, four finger widths below the patella (knee cap). It is about one finger width away from the bone. Most people will feel a finger-sized depression in the muscle. You can also locate this point by sitting with your knee bent and placing your palm over your knee cap. With your ring finger on the outside of shin bone, the tip of that finger will point to ST 36