Heartburn: Acupressure Points & Self-Care

Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Pregnancy, certain foods, alcohol and some medicines can bring it on.

Traditional use: in TCM, points such as CV-12, PC-6 and ST-36 are traditionally used for heartburn and an upset stomach.

Recognizing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • A burning feeling in the chest or throat

Primary Points for Heartburn

Select a point to learn more.

Additional Support Points

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Self-Care Acupressure Routines

Heartburn Routine (5-8 minutes)

  1. Sit upright and breathe slowly
  2. Gently massage CV-12 in counterclockwise circles for 1-2 minutes
  3. Apply light pressure to PC-6 for 1 minute each arm
  4. Press ST-36 for 30 seconds each leg
  5. Optional: add SP-4 for 30 seconds each foot
  6. If stress-related: include LR-3 for 1 minute each foot

Everyday Considerations

Triggers

  • Common triggers: Certain foods, alcohol, some medicines, and pregnancy

Pregnancy

  • Traditionally avoided during pregnancy: CV-12. Skip this point if you are or may be pregnant.

When to Seek Medical Care

Frequent heartburn

  • Heartburn more than twice a week may be GERD. See a health care provider: over time, reflux can damage the esophagus