Travel-Friendly Acupressure: 6 Essential Points

Travel-Friendly Acupressure: 6 Essential Points (Chinese Medicine) | A Simple Self-Care Guide

During travel, long flights, transfers, heavy luggage, and changes in routine can easily lead to dizziness, fatigue, digestive discomfort, stress, and sleep issues. These 6 acupressure points are simple, effective tools for self-care on the go.

6 Key Travel Acupressure Points

1 Neiguan (Inner Pass) (PC6) Location: Inner wrist, about 2 cun (three finger-widths) above the wrist crease, between the two tendons. How to find: Place three fingers above the wrist crease; the point is in the hollow between the two tendons. Benefits: Motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, chest tightness, emotional tension.

2 Hegu (Joining Valley) (LI4) Location: Web between the thumb and index finger, at the highest point of the muscle. How to find: When the thumb and index finger are brought together, it is the highest muscle bulge. Benefits: Headache, dizziness, mental alertness, stress and tension relief, motion sickness, nausea. Note: Not recommended during pregnancy.

3 Zusanli (Leg Three Miles) (ST36) Location: About four finger-widths below the outer knee hollow, one finger-width lateral to the shin bone in the fleshy muscle area. How to find: From the outer knee hollow, move down about four finger-widths (3 cun), then one finger-width outward from the shin into the muscular area. Benefits: Boosts energy levels, relieves fatigue, supports digestion, improves gastrointestinal function.

4 Taiyang (Great Yang) (EX-HN5) Location: Temple area. How to find: About one thumb-width behind the outer corner of the eye, near the end of the eyebrow, in a slight depression. Benefits: Headache, eye strain, overuse of the eyes.

5 Anmian (Peaceful Sleep) (EX-HN22) Location: Between the area behind the ear and the back of the neck, at the midpoint between Yifeng and Fengchi. How to find: Find the midpoint between the hollow behind the earlobe and the base of the skull. Benefits: Promotes sleep, especially for stress-related insomnia; calms the mind and eases anxiety that interferes with sleep.

6 Chengshan (Supporting Mountain) (BL57) Location: Back of the lower leg, in the midline below the calf muscle. How to find: When standing on tiptoes, the most prominent depression in the center of the calf. Benefits: Relieves leg fatigue, soreness from walking or standing, improves circulation.

How to Use:

Use your thumb or fingertip to press.

Apply pressure until you feel a mild, comfortable soreness.

Press each point for 30–60 seconds.

Breathe slowly while pressing.

Repeat 2–3 times daily if needed.

When to Use

Motion sickness: Neiguan, Hegu

Stress and tension: Neiguan, Anmian

Fatigue and low energy: Zusanli

Headache and eye strain: Taiyang

After long walking or standing: Chengshan

Disclaimer

This content is for general Traditional Chinese Medicine acupressure education and wellness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are pregnant, undergoing medical treatment, or have chronic or serious health conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare or TCM practitioner before use. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional medical attention promptly.