3D body map
Eleven points, honestly explained
Turn the figure and tap a point, or pick one from the list.
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Drag to turn. Tap a point.Yintang
EX-HN3Midway between the inner ends of the eyebrows.
- In tradition
- Used to settle the mind and ease a tense forehead. Its region is close to a point in India's marma tradition: Near Sthapani marma.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Fengchi
GB20At the base of the skull, in the hollows either side of the neck muscles.
- In tradition
- Used for tension in the head and the back of the neck.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Press gently. Sudden, severe headache needs urgent medical care.
Jianjing
GB21On top of the shoulder, halfway between the neck and the shoulder tip.
- In tradition
- Used for tight shoulders and upper-back tension.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
Neiguan
PC6Inner forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two central tendons.
- In tradition
- Used to settle the stomach and calm the chest.
- In research
- The best-researched point here. A Cochrane review found stimulation reduced nausea and vomiting after surgery compared with sham, including with acupressure wristbands.
Persistent vomiting needs medical attention.
Shenmen
HT7On the wrist crease, on the little-finger side, in the small hollow by the tendon.
- In tradition
- Used for restlessness and unsettled sleep.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Hegu
LI4On the back of the hand, in the fleshy web between the thumb and index finger.
- In tradition
- One of the most used points, for head and face discomfort. Its region is close to a point in India's marma tradition: Near Kshipra marma.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
Shenshu
BL23On the lower back, two finger-widths either side of the spine, at about waist level.
- In tradition
- Used for an aching, tired lower back.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Back pain with numbness, weakness or loss of bladder control is an emergency.
Zusanli
ST36Four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width outside the shin bone.
- In tradition
- Used to support digestion and low energy.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Sanyinjiao
SP6Inner leg, four finger-widths above the ankle bone, just behind the shin bone.
- In tradition
- Used for period discomfort and digestion.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
Taichong
LV3Top of the foot, in the hollow where the big-toe and second-toe bones meet.
- In tradition
- Used for stress, irritability and tension. Its region is close to a point in India's marma tradition: Near Kshipra marma.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
Yongquan
KI1On the sole, in the hollow about a third of the way down from the toes.
- In tradition
- Used to ground and settle before sleep. Foot massage with oil is also a familiar Indian bedtime habit. Its region is close to a point in India's marma tradition: Near Talahridaya marma.
- In research
- We did not find strong trials for this point on its own. Treat it as a gentle self-care practice.
To try a point at home: press firmly but comfortably with your thumb for 1 to 2 minutes while breathing slowly. Skip broken, swollen or injured skin. If you are pregnant, ask us first.
Research sources: Cochrane: PC6 stimulation · NCCIH: Acupuncture. Point locations are approximate on this simplified figure. Marma comparisons show nearby regions, not identical points.