Acupressure Points for Eczema

Eczema is a skin inflammation forming blisters and can be triggered by genetics, environment, and certain irritants. It results in the formation of tiny, sponge-like blisters in the skin's top layers, the epidermis and dermis. These blisters often appear as red rashes which cause significant itching, compelling many to scratch. This itching, combined with the blistering, makes the skin release tissue fluid, giving it a moist appearance, which is why it's sometimes referred to as "wet" eczema. When someone has eczema, their skin lacks a strong barrier, making it vulnerable to external factors.

Various elements can trigger or worsen eczema. Genetics play a crucial role, meaning if your family members have eczema, you're more likely to develop it too. Environmental factors also play a significant role. For example, rapid changes in temperature, transitions between seasons, or conditions like hot summers and dry winters can provoke the skin condition. Additionally, certain irritants such as pet fur, dust mites, plush toys, cosmetic cleansers, chemicals, perfumes, and certain types of fabrics can exacerbate the condition. Emotional factors, particularly high stress levels, can be a trigger for some individuals. Furthermore, certain foods like fish, shrimp, spicy dishes, and even beer might also lead to flare-ups in those who are sensitive.

Traditional Chinese Medicine View on Eczema

In TCM, eczema indicates internal imbalances, often from built-up dampness. Dampness can result from factors like consuming cold drinks, alcohol, and certain foods like melons, fruits, and raw salads. This dampness should typically be expelled through sweat and urine. However, unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not drinking enough water, lack of exercise, irregular sleep patterns, and constipation, can cause this dampness to build up inside the body.

This accumulation weakens vital organs like the spleen and stomach, impairing their ability to process fluids and metabolize toxins. Moreover, external dampness, like moisture during the summer, can also contribute to the condition, especially if the body's internal balance is already disrupted. When these internal and external factors combine, eczema can become more persistent and recurrent.

Pressure Points for Eczema on the Leg

Sea of Blood Point (Xie Hai 血海) SP10 Acupoint

Sea of Blood Point SP10 nourishes blood and helps treat eczema. It is incredibly useful in nourishing and invigorating blood. SP10 is often recommended for treating chronic eczema, thanks to its benefits in dealing with such skin conditions.

Where is the Acupressure Point SP10?

Sea of Blood Point is situated about two inches (roughly two thumb widths) above the inside edge of the knee, on the bulging part of the thigh muscle.

How to Find the Acupuncture Point SP10?

1. Sit down and extend your leg.
2. Locate the inner edge of your knee.
3. Move two inches upwards along the thigh muscle.
4. The point is there on the bulging part of the muscle.

Leg Three Mile Point (Zu San Li 足三里) ST36 Acupoint

Leg Three Mile Point ST36 clears heat and dispels dampness beneficial for eczema. It is a go-to for clearing heat, controlling the spleen and stomach, dispelling dampness. It may be exceptionally beneficial for those with eczema prone to hot or damp conditions.

Where is the ST36 Acupuncture Point?

Leg Three Mile Point can be found on the outer side of the lower leg, around four finger-widths below the knee.

How to Find the ST36 Acupressure Point?

1. Start with your hand at the knee on the outer side of the lower leg.
2. Move about four finger-widths down towards the ankle.
3. The point is there on the outer side of the shinbone.

Bountiful Buldge Point (Feng Long 豐隆) ST40 Acupoint

Bountiful Buldge Point ST40 dispels dampness potentially managing eczema symptoms. It excels at dispelling dampness and phlegm, which could be causing eczema breakouts. Using this point regularly with the Zu San Li point could potentially help manage eczema symptoms over the long term.

Where is the Acupuncture Point ST40?

Bountiful Buldge Point is found at the midpoint of the line connecting the indentation below the outer side of the knee and the outer ankle.

How to Find Acupressure Point ST40?

1. Using your finger, locate the indentation below the outer side of your knee.
2. Draw imaginary line towards the outer side of your ankle.
3. Find the midpoint of this line.
4. The point is located there.

Pressure Points for Eczema on the Hand and Wrist

Union Valley (He Gu 合谷) LI4 Acupoint

Union Valley LI4 clears heat and alleviates itching suitable for eczema. It is excellent for clearing heat, detoxifying, and alleviating itching, ideally suitable for individuals with skin conditions like eczema. Massaging this point could help dispel wind, strengthen the spleen, and eliminate dampness.

Where is the Acupuncture Point LI4?

Union Valley is located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand.

How to Find the Acupressure Point LI4?

1. Turn your hand so your palm is facing down.
2. Identify the area between your thumb and index finger, where the first and second metacarpal bones are.
3. The point is located there.

Labor Palace (Lao Gong 勞宮) PC8 Acupoint

Labor Palace PC8 alleviates stress-induced eczema symptoms and calms heart fire. It can help alleviate eczema symptoms, especially if they are induced by stress. Massage at the Labor Palace point can calm heart fire, regulate qi, and soothe the stomach.

Where is the Acupressure Point PC8?

Labor Palace is located in the center of the palm. When making a fist, the tip of the middle finger and the ring finger indicates this point.

How to Find the Acupuncture Point PC8?

1. Open your hand palm up.
2. Make a loose fist, allowing your middle finger to point to a location on your palm.
3. The point where your middle finger rests is the Labor Palace point.

Spirit Gate (Shen Men 神門) HT7 Acupoint

Spirit Gate HT7 strengthens the spleen and dispels dampness to alleviate eczema. It can help strengthen the spleen, dispel dampness, and eliminate internal toxins, potentially relieving eczema symptoms. This point is situated at the junction of the wrist and the palm, right where the line extending from the little finger to the palm's end converges.

Where is the Acupuncture Point HT7?

Spirit Gate is located at the juncture of the wrist and palm, precisely where the little finger line extends to the palm ends.

How to Find the Acupressure Point HT7?

1. Extend your hand with the palm facing upwards.
2. Locate the crease where the wrist meets the palm.
3. Follow the line that extends from your little finger towards the wrist.
4. The point where this line meets the wrist crease is the Spirit Gate point.

Pressure Points for Eczema on the Arm

Pool at the Bend (Qu Chi 曲池) LI11 Acupoint

Pool at the Bend LI11 dissipates heat and relieves itching, beneficial for eczema. It is phenomenally beneficial for dissipating excess heat from the body and relieving itching, essential for those suffering from conditions like eczema. Using this acupressure point might help reduce inflammation as well as diminish redness or itchiness in an affected area.

Where is Acupressure Point LI11?

Pool at the Bend is located on the outer side of the elbow, right at the end of the crease when you bend your elbow at a right angle.

How to find the Acupuncture Point LI11?

1. Bend your arm at the elbow forming a right angle.
2. Locate the outer side of the elbow where the crease ends when the elbow is bent.
3. The point is exactly at the end of the crease on your elbow's outer side.

How to Manage Eczema with Acupressure Points?

Acupressure, targeting specific points can be used for eczema management. Acupressure offers a holistic, non-invasive method to address eczema, where understanding the body's energy balance is vital. By stimulating specific points like Pool at the Bend, Spirit Gate, Labor Palace, Union Valley, Bountiful Buldge, Leg Three Mile, and Sea of Blood, one can potentially harmonize the body’s energy flow and assist in alleviating eczema symptoms.

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.

It's essential to understand that acupressure, while beneficial, is just one aspect of overall skin health and eczema management. A holistic approach that includes proper skin care, a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and stress-relief techniques is crucial. By caring for your mind, body, and spirit together, you set the stage for sustained skin health and more effective eczema management.

Moxa Acupressure App Can Simplify Your Acupressure Journey for Eczema

The Moxa Acupressure App integrates acupressure into eczema management by providing tailored sessions. Maneuvering through the intricacies of managing eczema with acupressure is made significantly simpler with the Moxa Acupressure App. Customizing acupressure sessions and rituals to align with your specific skin needs, this innovative tool makes the process of identifying and stimulating acupoints crucial for eczema relief more accessible.