Acupressure for Constipation – A Practical TCM Guide

Why gut comfort matters more than we think

Let’s be honest—when your digestion feels off, everything feels off. A heavy belly, bloating, that uncomfortable “stuck” feeling… it’s hard to focus, hard to relax, and sometimes even hard to enjoy simple things like going out or eating your favorite meal. And yet, constipation is one of those topics we avoid talking about, even though it quietly affects millions of people every single day.

Gut comfort matters more than we think because it’s deeply connected to how we feel overall. When your digestion is smooth, your body feels lighter, your mood improves, and your energy levels are more stable. When it’s not? You might feel tired, irritated, sluggish, or just “not yourself,” without even realizing your gut could be the reason.

What makes it tricky is that digestive discomfort often builds up slowly. A skipped bathroom day here, some bloating there—it starts to feel normal. But your body is actually sending signals, asking for a bit more care, better habits, or small changes in routine.

The good news? Supporting gut comfort doesn’t have to be complicated or extreme. Sometimes it’s about listening to your body, paying attention to daily habits, and giving your digestive system the support it needs to do its job well.

Because when your gut feels good, life really does feel easier—and that’s something worth caring about.

Constipation – a silent daily struggle

Long hours at a desk, rushed meals, stress, little movement—modern life isn’t exactly gut-friendly. And when bowel rhythm slows down, the whole body seems to complain. That’s why more people are now looking for natural, hands-on ways to support digestive comfort without immediately reaching for harsh solutions.

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How Traditional Chinese Medicine views bowel rhythm

Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at digestion a little differently than we’re used to. Instead of seeing constipation as a single problem to “fix,” TCM treats it as a signal that something in the body is out of balance. Regular bowel movements are a sign that things are flowing smoothly inside. When that flow slows down, discomfort shows up.

In this way of thinking, constipation is like a traffic jam. Nothing is moving the way it should, and pressure starts to build. The gut isn’t working alone—it reflects your daily habits, what you eat, how you sleep, and even how much stress you carry around. Everything is connected.

A key idea in TCM is Qi, often described as vital movement or energy. Qi is meant to circulate freely through the body. When life gets stressful, routines become chaotic, or emotions are bottled up, Qi can slow down or get stuck. And very often, the gut is the first place to feel it.

That’s why mental tension can turn into a heavy, tight feeling in the belly. You may feel bloated, uncomfortable, or just “blocked,” even if you’re eating fairly well. From a TCM perspective, restoring digestive balance isn’t about forcing the body—it’s about gently supporting flow, rhythm, and calm.

When the mind relaxes and daily habits align better with your body’s natural rhythm, digestion often follows. And when digestion improves, everything else tends to feel a bit lighter too.

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What Is Acupressure and Why Does It Make Sense?

Acupressure is a practice with ancient roots, but it fits surprisingly well into modern life. It comes from the same tradition as acupuncture, based on the idea that the body has specific pathways where energy and signals flow. The big difference is simple: instead of needles, acupressure uses your fingers. No special tools, no appointments, no clinical setting. Just intentional, mindful touch that you can use anytime, anywhere.

What makes acupressure especially appealing today is how accessible it is. In a world where we’re constantly rushing, sitting too much, and living in our heads, the body often gets ignored. Acupressure brings attention back to physical sensation. It invites you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what your body is feeling in the moment.

So why does touch matter when it comes to digestion? Gentle pressure on specific points sends calming signals through the nervous system. It helps shift the body out of “fight or flight” mode and into a more relaxed state—where digestion naturally works better. When the body feels safe and calm, the gut can soften, move, and function the way it’s meant to.

You can think of acupressure as a quiet reminder to your system. Not forcing, not fixing—just nudging your gut back into its natural rhythm. Over time, these small moments of touch and awareness can support better digestive flow and a greater sense of overall comfort.

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Can Acupressure Support Bowel Regularity?

What research observations suggest

Several observations published in scientific databases suggest that stimulating certain points may encourage intestinal movement and improve comfort. While not a magic switch, regular practice appears to support bowel rhythm over time.

Real-life observations from practice

In daily practice, many people notice lighter bellies, less tension, and more predictable bathroom habits after one to two weeks of consistent acupressure.

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The Key Acupressure Point for Constipation

Zhi Gou (SJ-6) Acupressure – Quick Guide

What this point supports

• Encourages natural bowel movement
• Helps relieve a “stuck” or heavy feeling in the abdomen
• Supports overall digestive flow
• Promotes relaxation when stress affects digestion

Where to find Zhi Gou (SJ-6)

• Turn your palm facing down
• Measure about four finger-widths up from the wrist crease
• Locate the space between the two forearm bones, on the outer side
• Mild tenderness usually means you’ve found the right spot

How to massage the point

• Use your thumb
• Apply comfortable, steady pressure
• Massage in slow, circular motions
• Continue for 3–5 minutes on each arm
• Breathe calmly and relax your belly
• Gentle discomfort is okay; sharp pain is not

When to avoid or be cautious

• Do not massage if the area is injured, swollen, or bruised
• Avoid if you have open wounds or skin infections in that spot
• Use caution during pregnancy—consult a professional first
• Stop if you feel strong pain, dizziness, or discomfort

Helpful tips

• Best done when you’re relaxed, not rushed
• Consistency matters more than pressure
• Pair with warm water and slow breathing for better effect

👉 Want to see exactly how to do it?
Watch our step-by-step massage demonstration on our YouTube channel, where we show the exact location and technique in a clear, easy way- HERE

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Extra Points That Support Digestive Flow

ST36 – the energy booster

Located about four fingers below the kneecap on the outer leg, this point is famous for supporting overall vitality and digestive strength.

LI4 – the flow regulator

Found between the thumb and index finger, this point supports circulation and general flow throughout the body.

SP15 – local gut support

Positioned four finger-widths to the side of the navel, this point directly relates to large intestine comfort.

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Two Everyday Stories from TCM Practice

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, everyday digestive issues are often understood through real-life patterns, not just symptoms. Here are two simple stories that reflect what practitioners see again and again in daily practice.

Desk job, tight schedule, tight belly
A 34-year-old office worker spent long hours sitting at her desk, often skipping breaks and eating quickly. By evening, her belly felt heavy, bloated, and uncomfortable. From a TCM perspective, the lack of movement and constant mental tension slowed internal flow. She began daily acupressure on SJ-6 and ST36, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Within a few days, she noticed her digestion felt lighter. After about a week, her bowel movements became more regular. In similar cases, practitioners sometimes also consider herbal formulas like Ma Zi Ren Wan or Run chang wan to gently support bowel moisture and movement.

Stress, irregular meals, irregular digestion
A 50-year-old man working rotating shifts dealt with constant stress and unpredictable meal times. His digestion felt just as chaotic—sometimes sluggish, sometimes uncomfortable. Alongside acupressure, small lifestyle adjustments, and more regular eating when possible, his abdominal tension slowly eased.

In TCM, stress-related digestive imbalance is often linked to liver Qi stagnation. Formulas such as Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan or Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan are traditionally used to support emotional balance and smoother internal flow. Over time, his digestion became calmer and more predictable.

These stories show how gentle, consistent support can make a real difference—especially when digestion and stress are closely connected.

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Lifestyle Habits That Make Acupressure Work Better

Gentle movement

Walking, stretching, or light Qigong keeps internal movement alive. Sitting all day is like parking the digestive engine.

Warmth and hydration

Warm water or herbal teas are traditionally favored over ice-cold drinks, which may slow internal movement.

Breathing and mental ease

Deep breathing relaxes the nervous system—and relaxed nerves mean a happier gut.

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Foods That Traditionally Support Gut Comfort

Dried plums

Known for their gentle effect on bowel movement, especially when soaked overnight.

Pumpkin

Warm in nature, easy to digest, and traditionally linked with digestive balance.

Rice and wheat bran

Often used to support natural intestinal movement without harsh effects.

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Observations from China That Changed My Perspective

Spending time in China completely changed the way I look at acupressure and self-care. What struck me most was how normal it all felt. Acupressure wasn’t treated as something special, medical, or reserved for clinics. It was simply part of everyday life.

I remember seeing people casually massaging their hands, arms, or legs while chatting with friends, walking down the street, or waiting for the bus. No one made a big deal out of it. It wasn’t called “therapy.” It was more like brushing your teeth—basic hygiene for the body. A small daily habit to keep things flowing and prevent problems before they start.

This attitude showed up in clinics too. During visits, practitioners didn’t just focus on treatments done on the table. They spent time teaching patients simple techniques they could use at home: where to press, how long to massage, how to notice changes in the body. The message was clear—you are not passive in your health. You are involved.

What connected the clinics and the streets was this sense of empowerment. People trusted their bodies and knew that small, consistent actions mattered. Acupressure was a way to stay in touch with yourself, release tension, and support digestion or energy without waiting for something to go wrong.

That experience shifted my perspective deeply. It made me realize that real balance often comes from simple practices done regularly, not complicated solutions. And it’s a mindset I still carry with me today.

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Common Mistakes When Using Acupressure

Too much pressure

More force doesn’t mean better results. Subtle signals work best.

Expecting instant results

The body likes consistency. Think days and weeks, not minutes.

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Who Can Use Acupressure and When to Be Careful

Age considerations

It’s suitable for most ages, with lighter pressure for children and seniors.

When to go gentle

Avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy or over injured skin.

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Conclusion – Sometimes the Body Just Needs a Nudge

Sometimes the body doesn’t need fixing—it needs listening. Constipation isn’t always just a gut issue. More often, it’s a reflection of how fast we live, how much pressure we carry, and how little space we give ourselves to slow down. The body reacts to tension long before we consciously notice it.

Acupressure offers a simple, gentle way to interrupt that pattern. It creates a pause in the day—a moment to breathe, soften, and reconnect with your body. No drama. No force. Just intentional touch that reminds your system how to move naturally again. In that sense, it’s not only about digestion, but about restoring rhythm.

What makes this practice powerful is its simplicity. A few minutes a day, done consistently, can support comfort, flow, and awareness. Over time, these small rituals add up, helping the body feel safer, calmer, and more supported.

Sometimes the gut isn’t broken. It’s just tired of being rushed, tense, and ignored. And often, all it needs is a gentle nudge—and a little attention—to find its way back to balance.

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FAQs

1. How soon can I notice changes?
Many people observe subtle shifts within a week of daily practice.

2. Can I combine acupressure with dietary changes?
Yes, they often complement each other well.

3. How often should I massage the points?
Once or twice daily is enough.

4. Is acupressure safe for long-term use?
When done gently, it’s suitable for regular practice.

5. Do I need special training?
No—just awareness, consistency, and a few minutes a day.

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Must-Read Books

One informative resource is: “Acupressure’s Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments” 
👉 [See this book on Amazon paperback][Kindle]

and: “The Acupressure Bible: The Complete Self-Treatment Guide to Relieve Pain, Reduce Anxiety & Restore Energy — Your Natural Healing Companion for the Demands of Modern Life’“
👉 [Check the price on Amazon paperback][Kindle]

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Authentic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Herbal Formulas

If you’re looking for high-quality, practitioner-recommended TCM formulas — available globally — consider the following options. These time-tested products are crafted with care and widely used to support emotional balance, digestion, energy, and overall wellness.

Note: This post contains affiliate links to products we’ve actually tried from reliable, certified sellers. Supporting these links helps maintain our blog. Thank you! 🙏

Top Herbal Formulas

Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan
An emotional & digestive support champion. It helps release stress, ease bloating, PCOS
👉 [See on Amazon]
👉 [Check on eBay]
👉 [Check out Acana herb shop (herbal products are handcrafted)]

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Chai hu shu gan wan
Support emotional balance and smoother internal flow
👉 [See on Amazon]
👉 [Check on Ebay]
👉 [Check out Acana herb shop (herbal products are handcrafted)]

Ma zi ren wan or Run chang wan
Gently support bowel moisture and movement
👉 [See on Amazon]
👉 [Check on Ebay]
👉 [Check out Acana herb shop (herbal products are handcrafted)]

These formulas are based on ancient herbal wisdom and used worldwide by TCM practitioners. Be sure to consult a professional for personalized advice.

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Use promo code TCMHEAL5 at checkout to enjoy an exclusive 5% discount—available only at Arcana Herbs Shop.

At Arcana Herbs Shop in Chicago’s Chinatown, every formula is carefully prepared using traditional methods and natural ingredients. You can also browse and order our selections [here].

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