Try These 3 Acupressure Points for Optimal Women’s Health

Feeling on edge, in pain, or out of sync during your period? Dealing with PMS symptoms like dramatic mood swings, cramps, or insomnia? Trying to conceive—or avoid pregnancy? Join Maria Villella, E-RYT, LAc, and co-owner of Elysia Life Care, for Yoga for Women’s Health, a 6-week online course that will dive into the physiology of your reproductive cycle—from both the medical science and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives—along with yoga practices, acupressure meditations, meal plans, and more, tailored to the phases of your cycle, to help you feel your best every day of the month. Learn more or sign up today!

These acupressure points are some of the most common points I use in working with women’s health. They move energy and blood and help relax the mind. Start in a comfortable seated position, sitting on blankets if needed. With either your index or middle finger, apply light pressure as you make contact with the point. Then try to see how lightly you can touch it while still maintaining a connection. Don’t push hard! Rather than using muscular force, it is better to focus on sensing your subtle energy. Some people may feel a tingling sensation, be aware of luminosity, or hear a slightly high-pitched tone. Once you find the point, hold for 3–5 minutes.

See also Yoga for Women’s Health: The Best Pose and Acupressure Point to Reduce Bloating

CHEST CENTER (REN 17)

Where to find it: Find the bottom tip of your sternum and slowly move your finger up

BENEFITS: These are calming points that settle the heart. By opening up the chest, it helps alleviate anxiety or breathing difficulties.

See also Detox Your Liver with Acupressure Points Between Your Toes

INNER GATE (PERICARDIUM 6)

Where to find it: Ren 17 is on the center of your fourth intercostal space. Pericardium 6 is on the medial aspect of your forearm, between the two prominent tendons and about three finger-widths distance from your wrist crease.

BENEFITS: These are calming points that settle the heart. By opening up the chest, it helps alleviate anxiety or breathing difficulties.

See also Energy Medicine Yoga: Relieve Anxiety with a Simple 30-Second Practice

THREE YIN INTERSECTION (SPLEEN 6)

Where to find it: Spleen 6 is located about 4 fingers–width distance above the tip of your medial malleolus (bony part of your inner ankle), behind the tibia.

BENEFITS: Because this is a crossing point of the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver, which are three major organs in TCM that govern the menstrual cycle and hormones, working with Spleen 6 helps counteract imbalances.

See also How to Form a New Relationship with Your Anxiety

JOINING VALLEY (LARGE INTESTINE 4)

Where to find it: Place a finger where your thumb (first) and pointer finger (second) metacarpals meet. Maintaining contact with the area just inside your second metacarpal, slide your finger toward the knuckle, stopping about halfway to find Large Intestine 4.

BENEFITS: Because this is a strong point for moving Qi (vital energy), it can greatly reduce pain, headaches, digestive issues, and stress.

See also 8 Detoxifying Poses to Boost Digestion of Holiday Feasts—& All That Seasonal Stress

Plus: The Yoga Sequence Every Woman Needs If She’s Going Through a Hormonal Imbalance

When we’re talking about hormonal imbalanced for women, stress management is a good place to start. This yoga sequence from Maria will calm your nervous system and detox your organs.

STUDY WITH MARIA

Tired of dealing with mood swings, cramps, or fatigue? In her online course, Maria dives into the physiology of reproductive health and offers yoga, acupressure, meal plans, and more to regulate your cycle and boost overall well-being. Learn more: yogajournal.com/womenshealth.