Some Useful Acupuncture Points for Emotional Exhaustion, Lung Health, & Gut Health
I used some of these points during an event at Anima Mundi Apothecary after the LA wildfires. These are useful for supine treatment or self acupressure massage - no back points here!
I will never be the person who says massaging a point for a couple minutes a day will take away all your problems. This is why I prefer acupuncture with needles. However, just like mindfulness or taking a supplement, small daily changes can have a compounding effect. If you are unable to get acupuncture, massaging these points or even bringing awareness to them can be helpful in understanding your body and where it holds stress. Any info is good info when it comes to learning about yourself.
Off to the points!
Lung 1
“Middle Palace”
SOB, chest fullness, abdominal distention
Connects the Lung and Spleen channels for duel action of lung/GI healing.
Releases the pec muscles to open the chest and aid in deep breathing. This is especially useful for anyone with a lot of breast tissue.
Tonifying for the TCM Lung organ which can be useful in times of exposure to excessive environmental toxins.
Sihuafu
“Four Flowers Append”
SOB, palpitations, stomach pain, IBS
This is a Master Tung point, which is part of a standalone system of acupuncture, with its own points, that is focused on efficacy with simplicity.
This point, along with 2 others, before and after it, are great for respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal disorders - perfect for what we’re trying to accomplish here.
Lung 9 + Heart 7 + Pericardium 6
“Buddha’s Triangle”
Sleep disturbances, palpitations, chest fullness
An OG combo for stress and its many presentations.
This combo also works on opening up the chest to allow for deeper breaths and a slowed heart rate.
This openness can facilitate the movement of phlegm and environmental pollutants out of the lungs. It can also allow for better posture which can remove unwanted stress on the neck & upper back.
Kidney 4
“Great Bell”
Fright, sadness, decreased lung capacity
According to TCM theory, the Kidneys are the root of Qi and dominate the reception of Qi (aka inhalation).
This point can be used as a support system to the Lung in its fight against poor air quality.
This point can also balance out feelings of fear or self consciousness.
Sima
“Team of Four Horses”
Sinusitis, dermatitis, cough, poor immunity, itchiness
Despite the name, this is actually a combo of 3 needles on each thigh.
These points ease respiratory disorders (i.e. stuffy nose, chest pain, asthma), skin disorders (i.e. dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) and hypochondriac region pain.
BONUS: these points can also be used to ease mastitis symptoms.
Lung 7 + Kidney 6
Opens up the Ren Channel
Abdominal pain, period irregularities, throat pain
These points bring your energy back to center aka relax a busy brain, relax a tight and dysfunctional gut, and relax a strained respiratory system.
This first point has also been shown to release the muscles in the back of the neck, which are usually hard as a rock during times of stress.
These points are tried and true for a slew of gynecological conditions such as irregular menses.
Stomach 36
“Leg Three Miles”
Abdominal pain, lower body edema, asthma
The most popular point and for good reason. This is the main point that I get a *insert shocked-face emoji* from.
This is also the point that has a ton of research done on it. I believe this point should be used on anyone and everyone to improve gastric emptying, gut motility, mood, and reduce systemic inflammation, amongst other things.
Jiner
“Gold Ear”
*A bonus ear seed point*
Ear seeds are traditionally made from a vaccaria seed stuck to a small adhesive. This acts as an acupressure device. They can now be found in stainless steel or gold.
This point can be used for nasal congestion and inflammation due to acute environmental stressors such as allergies, pollution, or a virus.
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IG: kieradlayne