How to Use Acupressure for Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common patient complaints. Most people deal with it occasionally. Some deal with it chronically. The conventional approach involves fiber, water, and stool softeners, which help some patients but do not address the underlying patterns that produce chronic constipation in the first place.

Acupressure is one of the strongest non-medication tools for constipation. The technique addresses several of the mechanisms that drive the pattern, including sluggish intestinal function, stress-related bowel irregularity, and the muscular dimension that most conventional care ignores. The points can be used in the moment when things are not moving and as a daily practice for chronic patterns.

Here are six points that work, why they work, and when to get help if they do not.

What to Press and Why

Each point addresses a different aspect of the constipation picture. You can use them individually when a specific situation arises, or work through the full protocol once or twice a day for chronic constipation.

1. Press on ST25 next to your navel for the primary bowel regulation point. ST25 sits about two finger-widths to either side of the navel. Press firmly with your thumbs on both sides for one to two minutes. ST25 is the Front Mu point of the Large Intestine, which means it is the primary point on the abdomen for regulating bowel function. In Chinese medicine, this point directly addresses the Large Intestine channel and produces measurable effects on peristalsis.

2. Press on LI4 in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. LI4 sits in the soft tissue webbing between the thumb and index finger, in the muscle that bulges out when you press your thumb against the side of your index finger. Press firmly with the thumb of the opposite hand for one to two minutes on each hand. LI4 is the command point for the Large Intestine channel and one of the strongest points for moving stagnation of any kind. The point should not be used during pregnancy.

3. Press on ST36 below your knee for digestive function. ST36 is located about four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width to the outside of the shin bone. Press firmly with your thumb for one to two minutes on each leg. ST36 is the workhorse point for digestive health and supports the overall gastrointestinal function that underlies healthy bowel regularity. Daily use is reasonable for chronic constipation.

4. Press on SP15 to the side of your navel for the muscular dimension. SP15 sits about four finger-widths to either side of the navel, level with the umbilicus. Press firmly with your thumbs on both sides for one to two minutes. SP15 addresses the muscular dimension of constipation, particularly when the pattern involves abdominal tension, cramping, or the sense of being physically blocked rather than just slow.

5. Press on LR3 on the top of your foot for the stress dimension. LR3 sits on the top of the foot in the depression between the big toe and second toe, about two finger-widths up from where the toes separate. Press firmly with the thumb for one to two minutes on each foot. Constipation often overlaps with a Liver Qi stagnation pattern, particularly when the pattern gets worse during stressful periods or alternates with loose stools. LR3 is the primary point for releasing that pattern.

6. Press on TB6 on the outer forearm for chronic constipation. TB6 (also called SJ6) sits about three finger-widths up from the wrist crease on the back of the forearm, between the two bones of the forearm (radius and ulna). Press firmly with the thumb for one to two minutes on each arm. TB6 is a powerful point for constipation that has been used clinically for centuries, particularly for chronic patterns that do not respond to other approaches. The point is often paired with ST36 for maximum effect on the digestive system.

Why This Works

Constipation has multiple drivers that often overlap. Sluggish intestinal motility slows the passage of stool through the digestive tract. Chronic stress and sympathetic nervous system activation shut down the digestive function that supports regular bowel movements. Muscular tension in the abdomen and pelvic floor interferes with the physical process of elimination. Dehydration produces dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass. Diet, activity level, and medication side effects all contribute to the baseline pattern.

Acupressure works on several of these mechanisms simultaneously.

The points stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the autonomic nervous system that supports digestive function. This shift produces measurable effects on gut motility.

The points affect the enteric nervous system, sometimes called the “second brain,” which regulates digestive function independently of the central nervous system. The point stimulation communicates with this network to support the coordinated activity that healthy bowel movements require.

The points reduce muscular tension in the abdomen, which addresses the physical dimension of constipation that is often overlooked.

The NIDDK summary on constipation describes the mechanisms and conventional treatment options, and complementary approaches like acupressure fit within the broader lifestyle-first framework.

The NCCIH summary on acupuncture describes the research showing acupuncture affects digestive function through nervous system pathways. The mechanisms identified apply directly to acupressure, which uses the same points and the same clinical logic without the needles.

A 2020 systematic review of acupuncture for functional constipation confirmed that the treatment produces meaningful improvements in bowel frequency and stool consistency, with effects comparable to or better than pharmaceutical alternatives in the studies reviewed.

The chronic stress dimension is worth naming directly. Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and shuts down the digestive function that supports regular bowel movements. The fuller picture of the stress-gut connection is in Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Get Upset?. The broader picture of how chronic stress affects the body is in What Is Cortisol and Why Do I Have So Much of It?.

The Broader Picture

Acupressure addresses the body’s response to constipation. The lifestyle factors that drive chronic constipation also need attention.

• Hydrate properly. Dehydration is one of the most consistent drivers of chronic constipation. Adequate water intake throughout the day is a baseline requirement.
• Increase fiber intake. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains provide the fiber that supports healthy bowel function. Five foods to improve digestion covers the foods that support this directly.
• Move regularly. Physical activity supports intestinal motility. Sedentary lifestyles are a consistent driver of chronic constipation.
• Address the stress picture. Chronic stress shuts down the digestive function that supports regular bowel movements. Anxiety, Stress, and Depression covers how acupuncture treats the underlying stress patterns that drive many chronic conditions.
• Watch your medications. Many common medications, including pain medications, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications, can cause constipation. If you started a new medication and constipation followed, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
• Establish a routine. The bowels respond to consistent patterns. Regular meal times, regular bathroom time, and adequate time to actually complete a bowel movement all support the underlying pattern.

When to Get Clinical Help

The tools above work for most everyday constipation. They are not the answer for constipation that comes with blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or a sudden significant change in bowel habits. These need medical evaluation and should not be managed with self-care alone.

If you are dealing with persistent or recurring constipation that is not responding to lifestyle changes and acupressure, acupuncture treatment offers a more substantial intervention. The full picture of what the practice offers is in Acupuncture, Cupping & Lifestyle Coaching.

Reach out to Above and Beyond Acupuncture on North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale to schedule a consultation.

Schedule an appointment online or call us today to start your journey to relief.

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The points above are only as effective as the technique used to apply them. Where to press, how firmly, and for how long all affect the result. For a full breakdown of how to perform acupressure properly at home, read Performing Acupressure in 3 Easy Steps.