Acupressure Points for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition where a person feels pain all over their body, even though there's no visible injury. People with fibromyalgia might also feel very tired, have trouble sleeping, and experience mood changes. Doctors aren't sure what causes it, but it's like the body's pain sensors are turned up too high. It's not life-threatening, but it can make daily activities difficult.

Treatment often includes medicine, exercise, and relaxation techniques to help manage the pain. Research indicates that fibromyalgia's prevalence in the general population is about 2-4%, with women being more affected than men at a ratio of 9:1. It's commonly diagnosed in adults aged 20 to 50.

Traditional Chinese Medicine View of Fibromyalgia

Chinese medicine views pain in terms of "blockages" and "deficiencies" in the body. Fibromyalgia is in essence widespread pain. Think of the body like a river. If the water (or energy, called "Qi") and blood don't flow right, it's like having a dam or blockage in the river, which can cause pain. This is similar to the tender spots and pain felt in fibromyalgia. Also, if the river doesn't have enough water (or the body doesn't have enough Qi and blood), the land gets dry and hurts. To treat this, Chinese medicine uses methods like herbs, acupuncture, and acupressure. These help get the energy and blood moving right, aiming to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.

Pressure Points for Fibromyalgia Pain on Head and Neck

Hundred Meeting Point (Bai Hui 百會) GV20 Acupoint

The Hundred Meeting point can help people with fibromyalgia as it helps to improve symptoms like severe fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and chronic widespread pain. It also revitalizes the spirit, relieves eye fatigue, clears nasal congestion-induced headaches, eases tinnitus, and reduces shoulder pain.

Where is Acupuncture Point GV20?

You can locate the Hundred Meeting point at the top center of your head, where the line from the tips of your ears intersects with the centerline of your head.

How to Find Acupressure Point GV20?

1. To find this point, start by placing your fingers on the top of your head, where the front and back hairlines meet.
2. Move one inch forward along this line.
3. Or you can also fold your ears and find the midpoint of the line connecting the tips of the ears.
4. The point will be at the intersecting point of these two lines and may feel slightly tender when pressed.

Four God's Cleverness Point (Si Shen Cong 四神聰) Extra Point

Four God's Cleverness enhance enhance the body's Yang energy, which could be crucial for fibromyalgia patients experiencing organ dysfunction and dizziness. The benefits of these points mirror those of the Hundred Meeting point.

Where is Four God's Cleverness Point?

These points surround the Hundred Meeting point, one inch away in each direction: front, back, left, and right.

How to Find Four God's Cleverness Point?

1. Start by locating the Hundred Meeting pointe.
2. These points are then found one finger-width away from the Hundred Meeting point in the front, back, left, and right directions.

Wind Pool Point (Feng Chi 風池) GB20 Acupoint

The Wind Pool point can be beneficial for fibromyalgia patients as it helps alleviate joint pain, headaches, fatigue, neck stiffness. This point also improves insomnia and handles conditions offering from colds to menstrual pain.

Where is Acupuncture Point GB20?

This point is located at the back of the head, behind the protruding bone behind your ear, and under the indent near the hairline.

How to Find Acupressure Point GB20?

1. Start by slightly tilting your neck backwards and relaxing the muscles at the back of your neck.
2. From the center of your back hairline, move your finger upwards along your skull, stopping when you feel an indent.
3. This point is found in this indentation, between the starting point of the large neck muscle (sternocleidomastoid) and the shoulder muscle (trapezius).

Supreme Yang Point (Tai Yang 太陽) Extra Point

The Supreme Yang point can be beneficial for fibromyalgia patients struggling with headaches and sinusitis. Regular stimulation of this point can also improve eye fatigue, beautify skin, and improve circulation.

Where is Supreme Yang Point?

This point is located at the indentation on your temple bone, between the corner of your eye and the end of your eyebrow.

How to Find Supreme Yang Point?

1. Start by putting your finger at the end of your eyebrow near the corner of your eye.
2. Slowly slide your finger towards your temple until you feel an indentation on the bone.

Gathering Bamboo Point (Zhan Zhu 攢竹) BL2 Acupoint

The Gathering Bamboo point is especially beneficial for fibromyalgia patients with facial skin problems, chronic headaches, and eye fatigue. Regular stimulation of this point can also help relieve eye puffiness, chronic teariness, dizziness, and symptoms related to hypertension.

Where is Acupuncture Point BL2?

This point is located on the inner side of your eyebrows.

How to Find Acupressure Point BL2?

1. Start by putting your finger at the start of your eyebrow.
2. Look for an indentation as you move your finger up and down at this spot.
3. You will feel a small tendon; this is the Gathering Bamboo point.

Pressure Points for Fibromyalgia on Hand and Wrist

Union Valley (Hegu 合谷) LI4 Acupoint

Union Valley can also be beneficial for Fibromyalgia, offering relief from headaches, neuralgia, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is commonly used to manage mouth and facial complaints. This versatile acupoint can also help to alleviate symptoms related to high and low blood pressure, allergic rhinitis, stomachache, toothache, and more.

Where is Acupuncture Point LI4?

You can find the Hegu Acupoint just over an inch inward from the crease of your thumb and index finger.

How to find Acupressure Point LI4?

1. Start with your palm facing up.
2. Locate the junction between your thumb and index finger.
3. From here, move about one and a half inches towards your wrist.
4. The point should be around the mid region of the second metacarpal bone and can often be identified by a small sensitive or tender spot.

Pool at the Bend (Quchi 曲池) LI11 Acupoint

Regularly applying pressure to the Quchi acupoint can enhance blood circulation - a helpful effect for those with Fibromyalgia. The treatment at this point can help with various concerns, such as general discomfort, headaches, constipation, and joint pain. It can also improve complexion and skin quality.

Where is Acupuncture Point LI11?

Quchi Acupoint can be found by locating the niche on your elbow joint's side while bending your arm.

How to find Acupressure Point LI11?

1. Place your hand over your chest, palm facing you, while bending your elbow.
2. A crease should appear within your elbow joint.
3. Identify the inner side of the tendon of your biceps muscle within this crease.
4. In this area, you should be able to locate a tender spot. This bear is your Quchi Acupoint.

Outer Pass (Waiguan 外關) TE5 Acupoint

Massaging the Waiguan Acupoint can mitigate symptoms related to Fibromyalgia. It also is beneficial for tinnitus, toothache, migraines, and upper limb joint pain. This acupoint's pressure can also assist with high blood pressure and stroke manifestations, among other conditions.

Where is Acupuncture Point TE5?

You can find the Waiguan Acupoint approximately two inches upwards from the middle of your wrist, on your hand's back side.

How to find Acupressure Point TE5?

1. Start with the back of your hand facing upwards.
2. Locate the center of your wrist.
3. From here, move towards your elbow for a distance of roughly two inches.
4. This is the location of the Waiguan Acupoint, typically a sensitive or slightly pulsating site.

Arm Three Mile (Shousanli 手三里) LI10 Acupoint

For fibromyalgia, the Arm Three Mile acupoint addresses pain and discomfort in the intestine and abdominal region, the shoulder and back. It also helps with stiff, painful shoulders and hand numbness, among other issues. Regular pressuring of Arm Three Mile can also boost the immune system.

Where is Acupuncture Point LI10?

Arm Three Mile Acupoint can be found on the thumb side of your forearm, that’s roughly two inches downwards from the outside bend of your elbow.

How to find Acupressure Point LI10?

1. Begin with your palm facing upwards.
2. Locate the outside bend of your elbow.
3. From this point, move about two inches towards your palm.
4. This sensitive or slightly tender point in the area is your Arm Three Mile acupoint.

Pressure Points for Fibromyalgia on Leg and Foot

Sea of Blood (Xue Hai 血海) SP10 Acupoint

The Sea of Blood Acupoint provide relief from leg swelling and pain in the shoulder and head. It is particularly effective for promoting better blood circulation. It proves beneficial for conditions such as menstrual irregularities and pain, lower abdominal discomfort, anemia, and symptoms related to female menopause like fatigue, nervousness, and memory decline.

Where is Acupuncture Point SP10?

You can spot the Sea of Blood point on the inner side of your knee, about two inches upwards from the edge.

How to find Acupressure Point SP10?

1. Start with your knee straight.
2. Then, locate the edge of the knee bone on the inner side.
3. Measure about two inches upwards from this edge.
4. The Sea of Blood point is located in this area.

Ridge Mound (Liang Qiu 梁丘) ST34 Acupoint

For fibromyalgia the Ridge Mound Acupoint can assist with knee pain and acute back pain. It also aids in enhancing the blood flow therefore benefitting digestive organs. It serves as a valuable tool when dealing with acute stomach issues like stomach pain, cramps, and bloating.

Where is Acupuncture Point ST34?

The Ridge Mound point can be found on the outer side of your knee, about two inches above the bone.

How to find Acupressure Point ST34?

1. Start with your knee straight.
2. Then, identify the outside edge of the knee bone.
3. Measure two inches upwards from this edge.
4. The Ridge Mound point is located in this area.

Yang Hill Spring (Yang Ling Quan 陽陵泉) GB34 Acupoint

The Yang Hill Spring Acupoint, for fibromyalgia can aid with conditions like back pain, knee pain, and sciatia. It also is effective for treating bile duct diseases, lower limb paralysis, and joint stiffness. It improves blood circulation, which can prevent baldness and relieve stomach ulcer symptoms.

Where is Acupuncture Point GB34?

The Yang Hill Spring point is situated about an inch below your knee, right in the center of a depression in front of a prominent round bone.

How to find Acupressure Point GB34?

1. Start from the knee and move one inch downwards.
2. Locate the prominent round bone.
3. Right in front of this bone, you will find a depression.
4. The Yang Hill Spring point is in the center of this depression.

Pressure Points for Fibromyalgia on Back

Celestial Gathering (Tian Zong 天宗) SI11 Acupoint

The Celestial Gathering Point can assist individuals suffering from Fibromyalgia. It reduces nerve pain in the upper arm, improving shoulder mobility, and relieving scapula pain. It encourages proper circulation of blood and Qi in the shoulder and arm, alleviating arm issues commonly associated with Fibromyalgia. It can also alleviate facial swelling and chest pain, and is beneficial in treating sciatica, a condition often coinciding with Fibromyalgia.

Where is the Acupuncture Point SI11?

The Celestial Gathering Point can be found approximately in the middle of the scapula bone on the back.

How to find the Acupressure Point SI11?

1. Find the midpoint of the scapula spine and the lower angle of the scapula.
2. Draw a line connecting these two points.
3. Divide the line into three equal sections.
4. The point is located in the concave area that's 1/3 of the distance from the scapula spine.

Vital Region Shu (Gao Yu 膏育 BL43) BL43 Acupoint

Vital Region Shu is key for promoting overall blood circulation and improving hand, neck, and shoulder pain, common in Fibromyalgia. It also aids with palpitations, chest tightness, coughs and phlegm formation. Regularly massaging this point can eliminate back fat, enhance the body's silhouette, and contribute to a refined figure.

Where is Acupuncture Point BL43?

The Vital Region Shu Acupoint can be found starting from the fourth thoracic vertebra, about three inches to the side, in between the fourth and fifth rib.

How to locate Acupressure Point BL43?

1. Start from the T4 vertebrae in your spine.
2. Measure three inches laterally, towards the side of the body.
3. The point is located between the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae.

Large Intestine Shu (Da Chang Xu 大腸俞) BL25 Acupoint

The Large Intestine Shu acupoint helps in reducing abdominal pain and easing constipation, both commonly seen in Fibromyalgia. It can also ameliorate back stiffness, low limb pains, injuries in the lower back, and aid in enhancing skin luster. Besides, it has shown effects in relieving premature ejaculation in men.

Where is the Acupuncture Point B25?

The Large Intestine Shu Acupoint is about 1.5 inches to the side of the fourth lumbar vertebra.

How to find Acupressure Point to BL25?

1. Find the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) in the lower back.
2. move 1.5 inches sideways from it.
3. The Large Intestine Shu point is located there.

Kidney Shu (Shen Xu 腎俞) BL23 Acupoint

The Kidney Shu acupoint can reduce waist and leg pains often seen in Fibromyalgia. It's also linked to improved reproductive health and urinary health, and skin quality enhancement.

Wwhere is the Acupuncture Point BL23?

The Kidney Shu acupoint is found 1.5 inches lateral from the second lumbar vertebra, approximately level with the lowest rib at the waist.

How to locate Acupressure Point BL23?

1. Look for the second lumbar vertebra (L2) in the lower back, around the level of your lowest rib.
2. Move 1.5 inches towards the side.
3. The Kidney Shu acupoint is found there.

Back Stream Point (Hou Xi 後谿) SI3 Acupoint

The Back Stream Point is particularly beneficial for Fibromyalgia patients. It helps to alleviate symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and numbness in the arm and hands. It can also assist in improving tinnitus, ear pain, and poor eyesight.

Where is the Acupuncture Point SI3?

The Back Stream Point is found at the far bend of the little finger's tip on its outer side when the palm is facing up.

How to find Acupressure Point SI3?

1. Hold your hand palm-up.
2. Make a fist.
3. The Back Stream Point is at the end of the clear horizontal line at the outer side of your little finger.

Bend Middle Point (Wei Zhong 委中) BL40 Acupoint

The Bend Middle Point provides substantial relief for lower back pain and feet pain often found in Fibromyalgia. It helps with calf cramps, induces good blood circulation in the body, and alleviates pain from waist injuries. This point can also help improve flexibility, particularly for those with stiff muscles due to a lack of exercise.

Where is the BL40 Acupuncture Point?

The Bend Middle Point is located in the center of the popliteal crease when the knee is bent.

How to find the BL40 Acupressure Point?

1. Bend your knee.
2. Look for a point located in the center of the crease at the back of the knee, where the popliteal artery pulses.
3. The Bend Middle Point is found there.

How to Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain with Acupressure Points

Manage fibromyaliga pain using acupressure on specific points with appropriate techniques. Specific acupressure points should be used wherever pain is felt in the body as requried.

Here are some practical tips to get the most out of these acupressure techniques:

• Create a serene environment: Choose a quiet space where distractions are minimal. This calm setting will enhance your focus and heighten the healing effects of acupressure.

• Deep breathing: Initiate your session by inhaling and exhaling deeply. This not only calms your mind but also prepares your body for the acupressure session, making it more receptive to the process.

• Clean hands: Hygiene is essential. Ensure that your hands are clean before you start. This will prevent any potential infections, especially when dealing with sensitive areas.

• Consistency is key: Regular application of these acupressure techniques is more beneficial than sporadic sessions. Aim to integrate these into your daily or weekly routine for a sustained impact

Care and precision in locating and engaging with these points are crucial; if uncertainty arises, do seek guidance from a professional.

Simplify Your Acupressure Sessions with Moxa

Moxa Acupressure App offers personalized, simple guidance for managing fibromyalgia through acupressure. If you're trying to manage fibromyalgia and want a simple, straightforward method to integrate acupressure into your routine, the Moxa Acupressure App is here to help. This app is crafted to make your journey with acupressure straightforward and productive, by giving you personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs and aims, with a particular emphasis on managing fibromyalgia.

The Moxa Acupressure App brings you over 150 acupressure sessions, all designed by licensed acupuncturists, to ensure that acupressure becomes a seamless part of your everyday life. The app provides an array of sessions aimed at various health concerns, including specific options for managing fibromyalgia.