Understanding your cycle through TCM

1. Gentle Circular Pressure: Apply gentle pressure to each point in small circular motions for 2–3 minutes per side.

2. Tune In: Notice sensations like tingling, numbing, or warmth—your body may be revealing where stress or tension is stored.

3. Focus on Tender Points: Points that feel most tender often indicate areas needing more support. Breathe and observe.

4. Mindfulness: Try daily or in the days leading up to your period for best results. Pair acupressure with slow breathing or meditation to amplify emotional balance.

5. *Pregnancy Safety: Avoid certain points during pregnancy (see guide for details).

Location: On the top of the hand, in the webbing between the forefinger and thumb, or at the highest point of the muscle bulge.

Energetics: Promotes letting go and releasing tension. Used with Liver 3, it forms the Four Gates, helping move Qi and relieve stagnation throughout the body. Supports smooth flow, especially for stagnant or sluggish cycles.

*Safety Note: Avoid during pregnancy.

Location: On the top of the foot, between the first and second toes, in the webbing.

Energetics: Helps move Liver Qi and relieve stagnation, supporting emotional balance and gentle release of tension. Used with Large Intestine 4, it forms the Four Gates, helping move Qi and relieve stagnation throughout the body. Ideal for dark or clotted blood, which may indicate Liver Qi Stagnation or Qi & Blood Stagnation.

Location: On the inner leg, about 3 finger-widths above the ankle bone, in a depression behind the shin bone.

Energetics: Nourishes blood and Yin, grounds emotions, and supports overall balance. Corresponds to pale or thin blood, indicating Spleen Qi or Yin deficiency, and promotes calm and emotional resilience.

*Safety Note: Avoid during pregnancy.

Location: On the inner ankle, in the depression between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone.

Energetics: Strengthens Kidney energy and nourishes Yin, supporting hormonal and emotional stability. Helps with pale or scanty blood flow.

Location: On the inner forearm, about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons.

Energetics: Calms the mind, eases anxiety, and supports the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. Related to stagnant energy or irregular flow, complementing the other points for emotional and physical balance.