Five Acupressure Points for Gas Pain Relief

We’ve all suffered from gas pain from time to time. From mild discomfort and cramping to a stabbing-like feeling in the abdomen, gas pain can be a very negative experience. This is particularly true for those who experience chronic gas pains. Many people who wish to control their gas pain without the use of traditional over the counter medications have found that acupressure points can be useful in helping to relieve it. Let’s take a look at some of the most useful acupressure points for relieving gas pain and how to activate them.

 

Above the Inside of the Ankle

 

Acupressure point SP6 is known as Sanyinjiao, which translates to “Three Yin Intersection.” This point is located on the spleen meridian and is useful for influencing the lower abdominal organs as well as the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system is responsible for digestion, respiration, and heart rate. Thus, it makes sense that this point would help ease gas pain by promoting effective digestion.

 

It is located on the inside of each ankle. To find it, simply place your fingers in the groove towards the back of your ankle on the inside of your leg. Next, move your fingers approximately three inches upwards. You will want to gently massage this point, applying firm pressure in a circular motion. Do this for between two and three minutes. Next, repeat on the opposite leg. It is fine to do this several times per day.

 

 

 

Just Below Sternum

 

Point CV 12 is known as Zhongwan, which translates quite literally to “central stomach.” This point is located on the conception vessel meridian and exerts control over the upper abdominal organs including the stomach. It also effects the bladder and gallbladder. Thus, this point can be particularly effective with gas pain in the stomach area. It may be less effective with gas deep within the intestines.

 

Finding this acupressure point is very easy. In fact, the name itself likely gives a clue to where it resides. Place two or three fingers at the base of your sternum. Next, move about one inch downwards. You have arrived at the Zhongwan point. To trigger this point, you will want to press gently but firmly and massage in a circular motion for two to three minutes. If you feel any discomfort, it means you are pressing too hard and should release a bit of pressure.

 

 

Inside Hand, Below Wrist

 

An incredibly effective point for assisting with gas pain relief is PC 6. Known as Nei Guan or “Inner Gate,” this point exerts a wide range of control over aspects of the body. In addition to relieving gas pain, it is useful for relieving nausea, motion sickness, carpal tunnel pain, and headaches.

 

Locating this point may seem a bit difficult at first; however, it can be found with a bit of effort. Begin by holding your hand with the palm facing you. Next, place three fingers across your arm beneath your wrist. You will find the point just past the third finger between the two tendons that run up and down your inner forearm. Apply downwards pressure between these two tendons, stimulating the area for approximately five seconds. Then repeat on the other arm. This can be done several times per day.

 

 

Below the Belly Button

 

This acupressure point is CV 6, or Qihai, which translates to “Sea of Qi.” It falls on the conception vessel meridian and is known to control the lower abdominal organs. It is particularly helpful for addressing gas pain within the intestines. An added benefit of this point is that it aides in increasing overall energy.

 

This is one of the easiest acupressure points to find. The Qihai lies roughly one and a half inches below your belly button on the midline of the body. Place two or three fingers on top of it and provide firm but gentle pressure. Again, if you experience discomfort, you are pushing too hard. Move your fingers in a circular motion, massaging it for up to two minutes. This point should provide relief rather quickly.

 

 

Beside the Belly Button

 

This is also a very effective and easy point to trigger. Known as ST 25 or Tian Shu, which translates to “Heaven’s Point,” this point has been called the most important point for providing pain relief for a wide variety of intestinal issues. This point is located where the energy from the large intestine is concentrated on the surface of the body, meaning that Tian Shu is an excellent location to help relieve lower gas pain.

 

The spot is incredibly easy to find. Actually, there are two spots – one of each side of the belly button. You will find them approximately two inches on each side. While you can physically trigger them both at the same time, you will want to opt to trigger them separately. Begin with the one on your right side. Use firm pressure and knead the spot for up to one minute in small, clockwise circles. Next, you will want to repeat this with the point on the left side. This point is also a relatively fast-acting one that should bring relief in a relatively short time. Combine this point with CV 6 for an enhanced effect.

 

 

Everyone experiences intestinal gas, but sometimes excess gas can lead to discomfort and painful cramping. Acupressure can be an amazing alternative to OTC medication for those looking for natural remedies. So next time you are suffering from gas pain, try to activate these five pressure points to find what works for you.

Aculief strives to provide natural, affordable alternative methods for pain relief. If you are interested in trying acupressure for headache and migraine relief, give our products a try! From our Wearable Acupressure Clips to our Headache & Migraine Relief Hat to our My Relief Essential Oil Roll-On, we have plenty of options for everyone.