Pressure Points Of The Intestines

You may find it hard to believe that your intestines actually have pressure points, but Traditional Chinese Medicine theory holds that your inner organs have energy lines that run along the body, states the textbook "A Manual of Acupuncture." On these lines, called meridians, there are specific points where the energy, or qi, concentrates. By stimulating specific points, an acupressure practitioner can affect different parts of the body. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, and ask about acupressure to see if it would be right for you.

Large Intestine Channel

The large intestine channel is located along the arm, according to the textbook "A Manual of Acupuncture," beginning at the index finger and ending near the nose. All of the channel's points have an effect on the energy of the large intestine; however, there are points that are used specifically to alleviate those symptoms often associated with the intestines, such as diarrhea or constipation.

Large intestine point seven is located approximately five inches above the wrist, on the top edge of the forearm when the thumb is pointing up, states the website Yin Yang House. This point can be selected by your practitioner to help with abdominal pain or distension as well as gas, according to "A Manual of Acupuncture." Large intestine points eight, nine, and 10 are also useful in helping with abdominal concerns such as gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain, states the textbook.

Small Intestine

In Chinese medicine theory, the small intestine does not perform the same functions as it does in western medical theory. According to "A Manual of Acupuncture," the small intestine is linked with the heart and bladder channels, and is mostly used to clear heat and reduce fevers, as well as alleviate urination problems, disorders of the breasts and concerns of the arm, shoulder, throat and neck.

Stomach Channel

Because the stomach channel runs along the front of the body, many of its points are located on the abdomen and over the physical location of the intestines. According to Yin Yang House, the stomach channel points can help to alleviate concerns such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting.

Stomach point 25 is located on the abdomen, approximately two inches lateral to the belly button, states "A Manual of Acupuncture." It is energetically linked with the large intestine, and so is useful for regulating the intestines, diarrhea, gas, bloating, vomiting, indigestion and abdominal pain. Stomach 36 is also a famous point for harmonizing the stomach and intestines. Although it is located on the leg, it is actually the "command point of the abdomen," according to Yin Yang House. Your practitioner will find it in the depression about three inches below the knee and slightly to the outside of the shinbone.

Ren Channel

The ren channel is also known as the conception vessel, and it runs along the midline of the front of the body, from the chin to the perineum, states "A Manual of Acupuncture." Ren point nine is also indicated for disharmonies in the intestines, such as gas, distention, cramping and other pain in the abdomen. It is located a little less than an inch above the belly button, states Yin Yang House.