Best Acupuncture Points for Stress
Best Acupuncture Points for Stress
What are the Best Acupuncture Points for Stress?
Stress is a pervasive challenge in modern life, influencing everything from our mood and sleep to our physical health. Acupuncture—defined as the use of an acupuncture needle, and inclusive of numerous styles and techniques—offers a holistic, medication-free approach to managing stress by targeting specific points that help the body self-regulate. Below, we’ll explore some of the most frequently recommended acupuncture points for stress relief, discussing their names, meanings (in the context of traditional acupuncture), locations, and how they alleviate stress.
1. Yin Tang – Hall of Impression
Meaning: This point is revered for its capacity to calm and center the mind; its name, "Hall of Impression," underscores its connection to mental clarity and relaxation.
Location: Midpoint between the eyebrows, easily accessible for acupressure or acupuncture.
Actions: Yin Tang is known for its fast-acting effects in reducing anxiety, clearing the mind, and inducing a sense of calm—a vital ally against daily stressors.
2. Shenmen (Ear Acupuncture Point)
Meaning: Sometimes referred to as “Spirit Gate” in auricular (ear) acupuncture, Shenmen is central to calming the mind and reducing stress.
Location: On the ear’s upper triangular fossa area (the small triangular depression at the top of the ear).
Actions: This auricular point can help regulate the body’s stress response, making it a go-to for anxiety, irritability, and emotional tension.
3. Pericardium 6 (PC6) – Neiguan (Inner Pass)
Meaning: "Inner Pass" alludes to the point’s influence on internal pathways, particularly the autonomic nervous system.
Location: Three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
Actions: PC6 is widely known for its ability to reduce anxiety, soothe palpitations, and alleviate stress-related physical symptoms such as stomach upset or chest tightness.
4. Liver 3 (LR3) – Taichong (Great Surge)
Meaning: “Great Surge” encapsulates this point’s role in regulating the flow of Qi throughout the body, akin to a surging river.
Location: On the dorsum (top) of the foot, between the first and second toes, about two finger-widths from the webbing.
Actions: LR3 helps release pent-up stress, irritability, and emotional tension. By promoting the free flow of Qi, it can restore emotional balance and ease stress-related symptoms such as headaches or tension in the body.
5. Gallbladder 21 (GB21) – Jianjing (Shoulder Well)
Meaning: “Shoulder Well” references its location on the trapezius muscle at the highest point of the shoulder.
Location: Midway between the base of the neck and the shoulder tip.
Actions: GB21 is a master point for releasing muscle tension in the shoulders—an area commonly burdened by stress. By relaxing these tense muscles, it indirectly helps alleviate mental stress as well.
6. Heart 7 (HT7) – Shenmen (Spirit Gate)
Meaning: "Spirit Gate," a name that highlights its calming effect on the mind and emotional well-being.
Location: On the wrist crease, on the side closer to the little finger, in the depression next to the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris.
Actions: HT7 is used to ease stress-induced anxiety, emotional turbulence, and insomnia. It helps regulate the heart’s role in emotional balance, offering a soothing effect on the mind.
7. Du 20 (GV20) – Baihui (Hundred Meetings)
Meaning: “Hundred Meetings” signifies this point’s connection to multiple energy pathways in the body.
Location: At the top of the head, roughly at the midpoint of the line connecting the apexes of the ears.
Actions: DU20 can help clear the mind, alleviate stress, and promote mental clarity. It’s also used to counteract low energy and uplift the spirit, making it a common point for stress management and mental health.
Why Individualized Treatment Matters
Stress manifests differently in each person—some experience muscle tension, others have insomnia, and still others battle with anxiety or digestive issues. While the points listed above are frequently used to target stress, your acupuncturist may select additional points to address your specific symptoms or underlying patterns. This personalized approach ensures the most effective path to restoring balance and tranquility.
Relevant Research
A 2014 study published in Medical Acupuncture found that acupuncture may reduce stress in the short and longer term. A retrospective case series of hypertensive patients monitored over weeks to months used heart rate variability (HRV) to gauge changes in physiologic stress from acupuncture.
Patients received traditional and electroacupuncture protocols targeting hypertension, and HRV data—particularly low-frequency–to–high-frequency (LF/HF) ratios—were tracked during and after treatment sessions. In many cases, HRV improved (reflected by a decrease in LF/HF), both within individual sessions and across the course of treatment, suggesting a cumulative reduction in stress levels.
Although not controlled or blinded, the study adds to evidence that consistent acupuncture may help regulate autonomic balance in hypertensive patients, potentially lowering chronic stress markers and contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Learn About More Styles of Acupuncture
To discover more about the diverse world of acupuncture and its various methodologies, visit our comprehensive guide on different acupuncture styles: The Ultimate List of Acupuncture Styles. This resource offers a broader understanding of the range and depth of acupuncture practices available within the context of a rich and varied healing tradition.
Over to you
If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may be curious about acupuncture for stress.
Sources:
Sparrow K, Golianu B. Does Acupuncture Reduce Stress Over Time? A Clinical Heart Rate Variability Study in Hypertensive Patients. Med Acupunct. 2014 Oct 1;26(5):286-294. doi: 10.1089/acu.2014.1050. PMID: 25352944; PMCID: PMC4203477.
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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