Gas and bloating can make you feel heavy, uncomfortable, and even in pain. It occurs when gas becomes trapped in the stomach or intestines, causing digestion to slow. If you’re looking for fast relief, acupressure may help.
This ancient Chinese technique works by applying firm pressure to certain points on the body. Doing this stimulates digestion, reduces bloating, and helps release trapped gas. Unlike acupuncture, which uses needles, acupressure is done with your hands.
Acupressure can improve bloating and indigestion by reducing abdominal pressure and improving gut movement. If you feel gassy, sluggish, or too full, massaging these points may help your stomach work better and faster.
How Does Acupressure Work?
Acupressure is based on the idea that energy, or “qi” (chi), flows through the body. When this energy gets blocked, it can cause pain, bloating, and digestive problems. Applying pressure to specific points releases the blockage, allowing the stomach and intestines to function smoothly.
These points are linked to the digestive organs and can stimulate natural gut movement. Massaging them can also relax the body, which is important because stress can slow digestion and cause bloating.
4 Best Acupressure Points for Gas and Bloating Relief
If you want quick relief, focus on these four key points. Each point works in a different way, but they all support digestion and reduce bloating.
1. Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) – The Key Point for Digestive Relief
This point is excellent for improving digestion and relieving bloating and gas. It’s known as one of the most important acupressure points for gas and bloating. Regularly pressing this point helps your stomach work better.
How to massage:
- Find the point just below your knee, about four fingers down and slightly outside of your leg.
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Use your thumb to press the point.
- Move your thumb in a gentle circular motion.
- Press for 2-3 minutes.
- Make sure the pressure is firm but not too hard.
This point is great for daily digestive support and can be used before or after meals.
2. Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao) – The Multi-Function Point
The second point helps with digestion, bloating, and stress. It’s one of the best acupressure points for stomach pain and hormone balance, making it a good choice for women’s health as well.
How to massage:
- Locate the point four fingers above your inner ankle.
- Sit or lie down comfortably.
- Press down firmly with your thumb.
- Hold for 1-2 minutes.
- Take slow, deep breaths while pressing.
- Try to relax your body as you press.
This point is helpful for both digestion and stress relief, as it calms the nervous system.
3. Large Intestine 4 (He Gu) – The Pain Reliever
This point is great for pain relief, especially for stomach cramps and headaches. It also helps reduce bloating and aids digestion by relieving acupressure points for stomach cramps.
How to massage:
- Find the point on the back of your hand, between the thumb and index finger.
- Relax your hand.
- Press the point with the thumb of your other hand.
- Hold for 1-2 minutes.
- Breathe slowly while pressing.
- Release and repeat if needed.
This is a powerful acupressure point, but avoid it during pregnancy, as it is believed to induce labor.
4. Conception Vessel 12 (Zhongwan) – The Center of Digestion
This point is key for improving digestion and easing bloating and gas. It connects to both the stomach and intestines, making it one of the top acupressure points for stomach pain.
How to massage:
- Find the point halfway between your belly button and sternum.
- Use two fingers to press gently.
- Apply pressure for 1-2 minutes.
- Take deep breaths as you press.
- Try to relax your stomach muscles.
- Release slowly after finishing.
This point is useful when you feel too full after eating or have slow digestion.
Other Ways to Prevent Gas and Bloating
Acupressure is effective, but making small lifestyle changes can prevent bloating from happening in the first place.
Dietary Adjustments
Some foods cause gas buildup, while others help reduce bloating.
- Avoid beans, dairy, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners if they make you feel bloated.
- Drink warm water, ginger tea, or peppermint tea after meals.
Hydration
Drinking enough fluids keeps digestion smooth. Warm water is better than cold water, as it aids digestion instead of shocking the stomach.
Lifestyle Changes
- Eat slowly and chew food well.
- Avoid overeating in one sitting.
- Walk for a few minutes after meals to help digestion.
Additional Tips to Prevent Gas and Bloating Naturally
- Dietary Adjustments: Avoid gas-triggering foods like beans, carbonated drinks, dairy, and artificial sweeteners.
- Hydration: Drink warm water or herbal teas like ginger and peppermint.
- Lifestyle Changes: Eat slowly, chew food well, and incorporate light movement after meals.
Final Thoughts
Acupressure is a simple and natural way to ease gas and bloating. By pressing these four powerful points, you can stimulate digestion, release trapped gas, and feel lighter.
You don’t need special tools or expensive treatments—just your hands and a few minutes each day. If you experience frequent bloating, try combining acupressure with dietary and lifestyle changes for long-term relief.
Start today and see how your body responds!
