4 Acupressure Points For Gas and Bloating

We’ve all been there. You just finished a big meal, and suddenly, your stomach feels tight and full. Gas and bloating can happen to anyone, and it’s uncomfortable, especially when it hits you unexpectedly. If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you know how badly you want relief—and fast.

Sure, there are medications, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could handle this naturally? Acupressure, an ancient technique, might just be the solution. It’s a simple and natural way to relieve gas, bloating, stomach pain, and even stomach cramps. According to recent studies, people found relief from bloating after trying acupressure. Let’s dive into four acupressure points for gas and bloating that you might not know about but should.

What Is Acupressure and How Does It Work?

Before we get into the details, let’s talk about acupressure itself. Acupressure is part of traditional Chinese medicine. The basic idea is that by applying pressure to specific points on the body, you can release blocked energy, called “qi.” When qi flows smoothly, your body feels better. The same is true for digestion. If the energy around your stomach is blocked, you can feel gas, bloating, or pain.

So, by pressing on these special points, you can help your body digest food better, reducing the gas and bloating that make you uncomfortable. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure doesn’t use needles. You just use your hands to apply pressure.

1. Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) – The Key Point for Digestive Relief

This point is excellent for improving digestion and relieving bloating and gas. It's known as one of the most important acupressure points for gas and bloating. Regularly pressing this point helps your stomach work better.

How to massage:

• Find the point just below your knee, about four fingers down and slightly outside of your leg.

• Sit in a comfortable position.

• Use your thumb to press the point.

• Move your thumb in a gentle circular motion.

• Press for 2-3 minutes.

• Make sure the pressure is firm but not too hard.

2. Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao) – The Multi-Function Point

The second point helps with digestion, bloating, and stress. It’s one of the best acupressure points for stomach pain and hormone balance, making it a good choice for women’s health as well.

How to massage:

• Locate the point four fingers above your inner ankle.

• Sit or lie down comfortably.

• Press down firmly with your thumb.

• Hold for 1-2 minutes.

• Take slow, deep breaths while pressing.

• Try to relax your body as you press.

Here’s a table to show the benefits of pressing Spleen 6:

3. Large Intestine 4 (He Gu) – The Pain Reliever

This point is great for pain relief, especially for stomach cramps and headaches. It also helps reduce bloating and aids digestion by relieving acupressure points for stomach cramps.

How to massage:

• Find the point on the back of your hand, between the thumb and index finger.

• Relax your hand.

• Press the point with the thumb of your other hand.

• Hold for 1-2 minutes.

• Breathe slowly while pressing.

• Release and repeat if needed.

4. Conception Vessel 12 (Zhongwan) – The Center of Digestion

This point is key for improving digestion and easing bloating and gas. It connects to both the stomach and intestines, making it one of the top acupressure points for stomach pain.

How to massage:

• Find the point halfway between your belly button and sternum.

• Use two fingers to press gently.

• Apply pressure for 1-2 minutes.

• Take deep breaths as you press.

• Try to relax your stomach muscles.

• Release slowly after finishing.

Other Helpful Tips for Gas and Bloating Relief

Besides pressing these acupressure points for gas and bloating, there are a few other things you can do to prevent discomfort:

• Drink plenty of water after using acupressure. This helps flush out toxins.

• Breathe deeply while pressing each point to help calm your body and make the process more effective.

• You can use these points 2-3 times a day for the best results.

When to See a Doctor

While acupressure can be helpful for gas and bloating, there are times when you should see a doctor. If your symptoms are severe, last more than a few days, or keep coming back, it's a good idea to get checked out. Also, if you have other symptoms like sharp pain, fever, vomiting, or blood in your stool, you should contact a doctor right away. 

These could be signs of something more serious, like an infection or a digestive disorder. It’s always better to be safe and talk to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.

Final Thoughts 

Dealing with gas and bloating is uncomfortable, but you don’t always have to rely on medication. By using these acupressure points for gas and bloating—Stomach 36, Spleen 6, Large Intestine 4, and Conception Vessel 12—you can find natural relief. These points help your digestive system work better, reducing gas, bloating, and acupressure points for stomach cramps.

Looking for more guidance on acupressure? Consider consulting a certified practitioner to get personalized advice and learn more about how this ancient technique can support your overall health.