Acupressure can be administered by someone trained in the technique or it may be practiced at home. The force used on different points varies, but in general, most points call for a steady, downward pressure lasting 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying pressure to a point several times in succession, complete this process on one side of the body before switching to the other side.

The risks of Acupressure are minimal, provided certain cautions are observed. During pregnancy, the points designated Spleen 6 and Large Intestine 4 should never be used, avoid the abdominal area entirely, if possible. Never apply pressure to open wounds, varicose veins, tumors, inflamed or infected skin, sites of recent surgery, or areas where a broken bone is suspected.

Common Acupressure Points

Point	Effect	Indications
Bladder 23	Increases circulation to the urinary tract and reproductive organs.	Vaginitis, urinary tract infection, and lower back pain.
Bladder 28	Master point for the bladder.	Urinary tract infection.
Bladder 60	Increases circulation to the urinary tract and reproductive organs.	Urinary tract infection.
Four Gates	Motion sickness, chicken pox, croup, hay fever, herpes, hyperactivity, pain, fever, poison ivy, sleeplessness, weight problems.	Urinary tract infection.
Kidney 3	Strengthens the bladder and kidneys, and increases the circulation to the reproductive organs.	Bedwetting, urinary tract infection, and vaginitis.
Kidney 7	Strengthens the bladder and kidneys	Bedwetting.
Large Intestine 4	Beneficial to the head and face, relieves congestion and headaches, removes energy blocks in the large intestine, and clears heat.	Acne, common cold, headache, menstrual cramps, teething, sore throat, fever, and toothache.
Large Intestine 11	Relieves itching, and reduces allergic reactions.	Chicken pox, hay fever, and constipation.
Large Intestine 20	Decreases sinus congestion.	Hay fever, sinusitis.
Liver 3	Quietens the nervous system, and also relaxes muscle cramps and spasms.	Asthma, menstrual cramps, teething, headache, eye pain.
Liver 7	Clears the lungs, and moistens the throat.	Asthma, common cold, and sore throat.
Neck and Shoulder Release	Relaxes the muscles of the neck and shoulders, and relaxes the body as well.	Headache, and weight–related problems.
Pericardium 6	Relaxes the chest, relieves nausea, and relaxes the ming.	Asthma, motion sickness, croup, sleeplessness, stomachache, and vomiting.
Points Along Either Side Of The Spine	Improves circulation, relaxes the nervous system, balances the respiratory system, and relaxes the spine.	Anxiety, colic, common cold, menstrual cramps, nervousness, and insomnia.
Spleen 6	Reduces uterine cramping.	Menstrual cramps.
Spleen 10	Detoxifies the blood.	Acne, herpes, impetigo, poison ivy, boils, and vaginitis.
Stomach 36	Tones up the digestive system, and strengthens overall well–being.	Colic, diarrhea, chronic runny nose, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomachache.