Bloating: Acupressure Points & Self-Care

Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the belly feels full and tight. The belly may also look swollen. Common causes include swallowing air, constipation, overeating, reflux (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome and lactose intolerance.

Traditional use: in TCM, points such as CV-12, ST-36 and SP-15 are traditionally used for bloating and fullness.

Recognizing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • A full, tight belly
  • A belly that looks swollen
  • Burping or passing gas

Primary Points for Bloating

Select a point to learn more.

Additional Support Points

Select a point to learn more.

Self-Care Acupressure Routines

Bloating Routine (5-10 minutes)

  1. Sit comfortably with loose clothing around your waist and breathe deeply into your belly
  2. Gently massage CV-12 in clockwise circles for 1-2 minutes
  3. Apply steady pressure to ST-36 for 1 minute each leg
  4. Press SP-15 gently for 30 seconds each side
  5. Optional: add LI-4 and ST-25
  6. If nauseous: include PC-6 for 1 minute each arm
  7. Finish with gentle clockwise abdominal massage for 2-3 minutes

Everyday Considerations

Everyday habits

  • Eat slowly: Eating more slowly means swallowing less air
  • Drinks: Drink plenty of water and non-fizzy drinks; avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum
  • Trigger foods: Watch for foods that set it off. Avoid milk products if you have lactose intolerance

Pregnancy

  • Traditionally avoided during pregnancy: CV-12, SP-15, LI-4, ST-25. Skip these points if you are or may be pregnant.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact a health care provider for

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in the stools, or dark, tarry stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn that is getting worse
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss