7 Acupressure Points for Circulation (TCM Blood Stasis)
October 24, 2026
Discover the 7 most effective acupressure points for circulation in TCM. Learn how to address Blood Stasis with self-massage, diet therapy, and lifestyle changes.
7 Acupressure Points for Circulation (TCM Blood Stasis)
Do your hands and feet feel cold even in summer? Do you notice spider veins, dark under-eye circles, or stabbing pain that stays in one spot? In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these aren't random symptoms — they're signs your blood isn't moving smoothly through your body. This article will show you how to use acupressure points for circulation, based on the TCM principle of addressing Blood Stasis.
Blood Stasis (血瘀 xuè yū) is a TCM pattern where blood flow becomes sluggish or blocked in the meridians and organs, leading to pain, dark discoloration, and poor circulation — think of it like traffic congestion in your body's highway system. When blood doesn't flow freely, oxygen and nutrients can't reach tissues efficiently, and waste products accumulate. Blood Stasis is one of the 9 TCM body constitution types recognized in TCM, and it's increasingly common in Western countries due to sedentary work, chronic stress, and processed diets. Unlike the Western medical concept of clotting disorders, TCM Blood Stasis includes functional circulation problems that may not show up on standard blood tests but manifest as cold extremities, varicose veins, menstrual clots, or chronic localized pain.
- Cold hands and feet, even when the room is warm
- Dark purple or bluish lips, under-eye circles, or tongue (especially with visible purple veins underneath)
- Spider veins, varicose veins, or visible broken capillaries on the face
- Sharp, stabbing pain that stays in one location (unlike dull, moving pain)
- Heavy menstrual periods with dark clots (for women)
- Dry, flaky skin that bruises easily
- Poor memory, mental fog, or difficulty concentrating
- Dark spots or uneven pigmentation on the skin
- Chest tightness or a feeling of pressure in the ribcage
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
The Western Lifestyle Root Causes
Sitting All Day: Eight hours at a desk, then two hours on the couch — your blood pools in your legs and pelvis. Without regular movement, circulation slows, and micro-stagnation builds up in the lower body. This is why office workers often report cold feet and restless legs by evening.
Chronic Emotional Stress: In TCM, prolonged anger, frustration, or anxiety causes Liver Qi Stagnation, which over time transforms into Blood Stasis. When your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight mode, blood vessels constrict, and circulation to the periphery decreases. Think of the tension you hold in your jaw, shoulders, and chest — that's Qi and Blood not moving.
High-Fat, Fried, and Processed Foods: Greasy burgers, cheese-heavy meals, and packaged snacks create what TCM calls "turbid" blood — thick, sluggish, and prone to stagnation. Hydrogenated oils and trans fats inflame blood vessel walls, while excess sugar makes blood sticky. Over years, this dietary pattern lays the foundation for circulatory issues.
Lack of Sweating and Detox Pathways: Air-conditioned offices, minimal outdoor activity, and infrequent sweating mean your body doesn't fully clear metabolic waste. TCM views sweating as one way Blood is "renewed" — when you never break a sweat, stagnant blood and toxins accumulate in the tissues.
Foods to Eat (Move Blood, Warm Circulation)
- Turmeric (姜黄 jiāng huáng): Add to curries, smoothies, or golden milk — curcumin is a powerful blood mover
- Ginger (生姜 shēng jiāng): Fresh ginger tea or grated into stir-fries warms the interior and promotes circulation
- Garlic and onions: Pungent foods that break up stagnation and thin the blood naturally
- Eggplant (茄子 qié zi): Especially the purple skin — moves Blood and clears heat
- Vinegar (醋 cù): A small amount in dressings or as a condiment helps dissolve stagnation
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale): Nourish Blood while keeping it fluid
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel): Omega-3s reduce inflammation and support vascular health
- Berries (blueberries, blackberries): Antioxidants strengthen capillary walls
- Chestnuts, walnuts: Warm the Kidneys and support lower-body circulation
- Small amounts of red wine or rice wine: In TCM, a little alcohol (1-2 oz) can move Blood, but excess has the opposite effect
Foods to Avoid (Promote Stagnation, Thicken Blood)
- Fried and greasy foods: French fries, fried chicken, doughnuts — these create turbid Blood
- Full-fat dairy (cheese, cream, ice cream): Cold and congealing in nature, slows circulation
- Processed meats (bacon, sausage, deli meat): High in saturated fat and sodium, which thicken blood
- Refined sugar and white flour: Create dampness and make blood sticky
- Excessive raw, cold foods: Iced drinks, raw salads in winter — cold contracts blood vessels
- Alcohol in excess: More than one small glass daily damages the Liver and worsens stagnation
The 7 Best Acupressure Points for Circulation
These acupressure points for circulation are chosen specifically to address Blood Stasis. Use firm, sustained pressure (not painful, but noticeable) for 1-2 minutes per point, 3 times per week. Best practiced in the evening after a warm shower, when circulation is already slightly improved.
1. SP10 (Xue Hai, 血海 — Sea of Blood)
Location: On the inner thigh, 2 cun (about 3 finger-widths) above the upper border of the kneecap, in the bulge of the muscle when you flex your thigh.
Technique: Sit with knee bent, press firmly with your thumb in small circles. You'll feel a tender spot — that's the point. This is the single most important point for moving Blood and breaking up stagnation anywhere in the body.
2. SP6 (San Yin Jiao, 三阴交 — Three Yin Intersection)
Location: On the inner lower leg, 3 cun (4 finger-widths) above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shin bone.
Technique: Press with your thumb, angling slightly toward the bone. SP6 harmonizes Blood, benefits circulation to the pelvis and lower body, and is especially useful for menstrual clots and cold feet. (Avoid during pregnancy.)
3. LV3 (Tai Chong, 太冲 — Great Surge)
Location: On the top of the foot, in the valley between the big toe and second toe, about 2 finger-widths back from the webbing.
Technique: Press firmly with your thumb, moving slightly up and down the channel. LV3 moves Liver Qi and Blood, and is essential for anyone with stress-related circulation problems or chest tightness.
4. PC6 (Nei Guan, 内关 — Inner Gate)
Location: On the inner forearm, 2 cun (3 finger-widths) above the wrist crease, between the two tendons.
Technique: Press with your thumb while flexing and extending your wrist — you'll feel the tendons move around the point. PC6 opens the chest, calms the Heart, and improves circulation to the upper body and brain.
5. LI4 (He Gu, 合谷 — Joining Valley)
Location: On the back of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger, in the highest point of the muscle when you bring your thumb and finger together.
Technique: Pinch firmly with your opposite thumb and index finger. LI4 is a powerful point to move Qi and Blood in the upper body, relieve pain, and promote overall circulation. (Avoid during pregnancy.)
6. BL17 (Ge Shu, 膈俞 — Diaphragm Shu)
Location: On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the T7 vertebra (roughly at the level of the bottom of the shoulder blades). This point is difficult to reach yourself — have a partner press it, or use a tennis ball against a wall.
Technique: Apply sustained pressure for 2-3 minutes. BL17 is called the "Influential Point of Blood" in TCM — it regulates Blood production and circulation throughout the body.
7. ST36 (Zu San Li, 足三里 — Leg Three Miles)
Location: On the outer lower leg, 3 cun (4 finger-widths) below the kneecap, about one finger-width lateral to the shin bone.
Technique: Press firmly with your thumb or knuckle in small circles. ST36 tonifies Qi and Blood, improves digestion (which produces Blood), and enhances circulation to the legs and feet. It's one of the most versatile points in the body.
Seasonal Adjustments
Spring (March–May): Liver energy rises — this is the best season to address Blood Stasis. Add more sour and pungent foods (vinegar, radishes, scallions). Increase outdoor walking as the weather warms.
Summer (June–August): Blood naturally flows more freely in heat, but don't overdo iced drinks — they can re-constrict circulation internally. Focus on berries, leafy greens, and staying hydrated. Morning is the best time for acupressure.
Autumn (September–November): As temperatures drop, circulation tends to slow. Add warming spices (cinnamon, ginger, black pepper) to meals. Begin a daily 10-minute self-massage routine before bed.
Winter (December–February): Blood Stasis worsens in cold weather — keep your neck, lower back, and feet covered. Drink warm ginger tea daily, and practice acupressure in a warm room or after a hot bath. Avoid raw, cold foods entirely during this season.
Try It Yourself
Ready to take action? Start with our Acupressure Self-Care Finder — a quick, interactive tool that identifies the best acupressure points for circulation based on your specific symptoms. It takes about a minute and gives you a personalized self-massage routine. If you're curious about your full constitutional picture beyond Blood Stasis, take our free TCM Body Type Quiz to discover how all 9 dimensions of your health interact — most people have more than one pattern at play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to see results from acupressure for circulation?
A: Most people notice warmer hands and feet, or reduced pain, within 1-2 weeks of consistent practice (3-4 sessions per week). Deeper changes — like fading spider veins or improved skin tone — may take 6-8 weeks. Acupressure works cumulatively, so regularity matters more than intensity.
Q: Can I do acupressure every day, or is that too much?
A: Daily acupressure is safe for most people, but 3-4 times per week is usually sufficient for Blood Stasis. Over-stimulating points can cause mild soreness or bruising. If you're working on a chronic issue, alternate between upper-body points (PC6, LI4) and lower-body points (SP6, SP10, ST36) on different days.
Q: What's the difference between Blood Stasis and poor circulation in Western medicine?
A: Western medicine typically diagnoses poor circulation when blood flow is measurably reduced due to blockages, valve problems, or vascular disease. Blood Stasis in TCM is broader — it includes subclinical circulation issues that don't show up on standard tests but cause fatigue, pain, and coldness. Think of Blood Stasis as the early-stage functional problem that, if ignored, can eventually become a diagnosable circulatory disorder.
Q: Are there any risks or contraindications for these acupressure points?
A: Avoid SP6 and LI4 during pregnancy, as they can stimulate uterine contractions. Don't press directly on varicose veins, open wounds, or inflamed skin. If you're on blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, etc.), consult your doctor before starting acupressure, as moving Blood could theoretically interact with anticoagulant therapy. This information is for general wellness education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Q: Can I combine acupressure with other treatments for circulation?
A: Absolutely. Acupressure works well alongside moderate exercise (walking, swimming, yoga), herbal teas (ginger, hawthorn), and dietary changes. Many people also combine it with professional acupuncture, massage, or physical therapy. Just don't stop or change prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider.
References
Helpful Picks
Items traditionally used for what this article covers.
Hawthorn Berry (Shan Zha) Tea
Traditionally used to support healthy circulation.
$13.80
Check Price on Amazon →
Gua Sha Stone Tool
Used for self-massage traditionally linked to moving stagnant Blood.
$27.99
Check Price on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, TCMType earns from qualifying purchases linked above.
Discover Your Body Type — Free Quiz
Answer 15 questions. Get your constitution in 3 minutes. Unlock your personalised 7-day plan.
Take the Free Quiz →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results from acupressure for circulation?＋
Most people notice warmer hands and feet, or reduced pain, within 1-2 weeks of consistent practice (3-4 sessions per week). Deeper changes — like fading spider veins or improved skin tone — may take 6-8 weeks. Acupressure works cumulatively, so regularity matters more than intensity.
Can I do acupressure every day, or is that too much?＋
Daily acupressure is safe for most people, but 3-4 times per week is usually sufficient for Blood Stasis. Over-stimulating points can cause mild soreness or bruising. If you're working on a chronic issue, alternate between upper-body points (PC6, LI4) and lower-body points (SP6, SP10, ST36) on different days.
What's the difference between Blood Stasis and poor circulation in Western medicine?＋
Western medicine typically diagnoses poor circulation when blood flow is measurably reduced due to blockages, valve problems, or vascular disease. Blood Stasis in TCM is broader — it includes subclinical circulation issues that don't show up on standard tests but cause fatigue, pain, and coldness. Think of Blood Stasis as the early-stage functional problem that, if ignored, can eventually become a diagnosable circulatory disorder.
Are there any risks or contraindications for these acupressure points?＋
Avoid SP6 and LI4 during pregnancy, as they can stimulate uterine contractions. Don't press directly on varicose veins, open wounds, or inflamed skin. If you're on blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, etc.), consult your doctor before starting acupressure, as moving Blood could theoretically interact with anticoagulant therapy. This information is for general wellness education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Can I combine acupressure with other treatments for circulation?＋
Absolutely. Acupressure works well alongside moderate exercise (walking, swimming, yoga), herbal teas (ginger, hawthorn), and dietary changes. Many people also combine it with professional acupuncture, massage, or physical therapy. Just don't stop or change prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider.
References & Citations
- Wang J, et al. Constitution of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Related Factors in Women of Taiwan. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:635147. [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Standardization Administration of China. Classification and Determination of Constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine (GB/T 39616-2020). Beijing: Standards Press of China; 2020.
- Xu J, et al. Blood-Stasis Syndrome: Examination from Gene to Protein. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;2014:937969. [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Cho SH, Whang WW. Acupressure for Primary Dysmenorrhoea: A Systematic Review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2010;18(1):49-56. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region. Geneva: WHO; 2008. [www.who.int]
- Zhang B, et al. Clinical Application of Blood-Activating and Stasis-Removing Herbs in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2018;38(4):639-645.