We've all experienced anxiety at some point in our lives, whether it's right before a big speech while lining up for a dance performance, during an important exam, or when someone says, "We need to talk," and then leaves you waiting.
Some people may experience anxiety more than others, which may hinder their daily social, personal, and work lives. If you have persistent anxiety, then you may need to work on it in depth with a mental health professional.
However, there are a few ways to temporarily relieve yourself of anxiety quickly. And that's acupressure! Acupressure works for many things, including relieving symptoms of anxiety. It involves putting pressure on specific points in your body.
In this blog, we will share the 10 best pressure points for anxiety to hopefully relieve you of your nerves and stay calm. However, keep in mind that serious anxiety issues may need to be dealt with through therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Table of Contents
- Pressure Points For Anxiety: Where To Press For Instant Anxiety Relief
- What Is The 333 Rule For Anxiety?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Pressure Points For Anxiety: Where To Press For Instant Anxiety Relief
The best pressure points for anxiety are:
1. Shou San Li Point
The Shou San Li pressure point is located right below the elbow.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety: Bend your elbow 90 degrees and find the pressure point at a distance of two-finger width below the bend on the forearm.
It helps improve:
- Anxiety
- Tightness of the neck
- Shoulder pain
- Diarrhoea
Also Read: 10 Best Acupressure Points For Weight Loss And Their Function!
2. Shoulder Pit
The Shoulder Pit (GB-21) pressure point can be found by pinching the shoulder muscle between your thumb and finger.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety?
- To use the shoulder pit point (GB-21) for anxiety, locate the point at the top of your shoulder, midway between the spine and the acromion.
- Apply firm but gentle pressure with your fingers or palm while taking deep breaths, holding the pressure for several cycles of inhalation and exhalation.
It helps to alleviate:
- Stress
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
Important: This pressure point can induce labour, so avoid it if you're expecting.
3. Large Impact Point
The Large Impact Point is located below where your big toe and second toe meet.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety?
- You can find it by feeling the area between your first two toes until you locate a hollow spot above the bone.
- Press firmly and deeply on that point, and massage for 4 to 5 seconds.
It helps relieve:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Menstrual cramps
4. Pressure Point On The Governor Vessel
Located at the top of the head, in the centre.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety: Trace an imaginary line from the earlobes upward to the midline and apply pressure to this area using small circular motions.
It helps relieve:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Jaw clenching
Also Read: Struggling to Breathe? Check Out These 7 Effective Acupressure Points for Breathing Difficulties
5. Heaven's Gate Point
The Heaven's Gate pressure point is located on the upper shell of the ear in the hollow area.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety: To use this point, gently apply firm pressure and make circular motions with your finger for at least 2 minutes.
It helps relieve:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Stress
6. The Great Abyss
The Great or Big Abyss pressure point is located on the wrist.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety: Trace the area around your wrist just behind your hand, on the side where your thumb is and find a slight indentation. Apply pressure and massage it in a circular motion.
It helps relieve:
- Anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
Also Read: 5 Pressure Points For Increasing Height: Effect Of Acupressure & Acupuncture On Height!
7. Union Valley Pressure Point
The Union Valley (or Hegu) pressure point is located in your hand.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety: Find the point between your index finger and thumb in the strap area and apply pressure.
It helps relieve:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Headaches
- Neck pain
8. Shen Men Point
Shen Men, also known as Spirit Gate, is located on your wrist, on the outer crease below the little finger.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety: Find this point on your wrist on the outer crease below the little finger and massage the area with your finger and thumb for a few minutes when feeling stressed or anxious.
It helps relieve:
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
When you feel stressed or anxious, massage this area with your finger and thumb for a few minutes.
9. Hall Impression Pressure Point
The Hall of Impression (Yin Tang) pressure point is located between your eyebrows.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety?
- To use this point, sit comfortably with your eyes closed, then gently press the pressure point between your eyebrows with your finger or thumb.
- While doing so, breathe slowly and deeply, making circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.
It helps relieve:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Tension
10. Internal Frontier Gate Point
The Internal Border Gate pressure point is located on your arm, near your wrist.
How to use this pressure point for anxiety?
- Find the point by measuring three finger widths below your wrist in the hollow space between your tendons.
- Now, turn your hand so the palm is facing up and apply firm but gentle pressure to the area, massaging for 4-5 seconds.
It helps relieve:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Pain
Also Read: Exercise and Mental Health: How Physical Activities Alleviate Symptoms of Anxiety And Depression
What Is The 333 Rule For Anxiety?
The 333 rule is a simple but effective technique that can help you regain control and bring a sense of calm to your mind.
What you'll need to do is simply identify:
- 3 things you can see
- 3 things you can hear
- 3 things you can touch
At its core, this rule is a way to distract yourself from your anxiety and unpleasant symptoms (like worry, unwanted thoughts, or even panic) by shifting your attention to your senses and grounding you in the present.
By using Rule 333, you intentionally receive information about your environment using your senses. In practice, you may focus like this:
- What are the 3 things you can see?
Look for specific features of your surroundings, such as colours, shapes, or other notable features. Try looking for things you didn't notice before, like different shades of blue or patterns.
- What are the 3 things you can hear?
Listen to specific sounds around you. Isolating sounds you normally tune out, such as a running fan or traffic noise, can enhance the experience.
- What are the 3 things you can touch or move with?
Exploring the qualities (mass, texture, etc.) of tangible objects near you is a great way to feel grounded. Analyse them: how would you describe them? How does it feel when you touch them?
The 333 rule for anxiety is an easy-to-remember method that can help ease your anxiety and its accompanying symptoms. It creates space between you and anything that triggers disturbing thoughts by focusing on your physical environment as perceived by the senses.
One other effective way to reduce anxiety is through mindfulness exercises, which you can do anywhere, even if you're in a time crunch.
Also Read: 5 Gen Z Mental Health Challenges To Overcome Before 2025!
Expert’s Advice
Managing anxiety is more like a journey than a quick solution. It takes time, patience, and practice.
Apart from acupressure, you may need to look at your overall lifestyle to reduce your anxiety. Perhaps start by ditching that afternoon coffee, as the high amount of caffeine in it can spike adrenaline levels, which sends the body into its fight-or-flight mode. Instead, try incorporating daily exercises, unwinding to soothing music, or prioritising restful sleep. These simple habits, combined with acupressure, can help you calm your mind and ease anxiety over time.
If your condition is interfering with your life, then it may be time to see a mental health professional.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but these simple pressure points offer a gentle way to reclaim your calm. Whether it’s a moment of stress or a wave of unease, tuning into your body’s natural relief mechanisms can bring peace within reach. Take a deep breath, trust in the process, and let these practices guide you toward serenity.
FAQs
1. Where do you press when you have anxiety?
Pressing specific acupressure points, like those on your wrists, between your brows, or on your ears, can help alleviate anxiety and promote calm.
2. Which are effective acupressure points for depression and anxiety?
The following points are known to work for both anxiety and depression:
- Heart 7 (HT 7) - Shenmen
- Liver 3 (LV 3) - Taichong
- Pericardium 6 (PC 6) - Neiguan
3. What are the tapping acupressure points for anxiety?
To alleviate anxiety symptoms, you can use the following points:
- Yin Tang (EXHN3)
- Hegu (LI4)
- Great Abyss (LU9)
4. Is it normal to have anxiety?
Yes, it’s completely normal to experience anxiety, especially during stressful situations, but if it becomes overwhelming or persistent, seeking support or professional help is important.
5. What are the pressure points for stress relief?
You can use these pressure points for stress relief:
- Between the Eyebrows (Yin Tang)
- Union Valley (LI4)
- Shoulder Well (GB21)
References
- https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/what-is-3-3-3-rule-for-anxiety/
- https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_3-3-3_rule_for_anxiety/article.htm
- https://www.verywellmind.com/3-3-3-rule-for-anxiety-8660964
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/acupressure-stress-and-anxiety
- https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/pressure-points-for-anxiety#seeking-support
About ToneOp Fit
ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.
