Acupressure and Diabetes
Use your index finger and thumb to apply firm but gentle pressure on these pressure points for 2-3 minutes, once or twice every day.
6 Acupressure Points for Diabetes Control and Wellness
Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Acupressure is often used to manage pain and reduce anxiety, supported by data published in medical literature.
For individuals managing diabetes, acupressure can be a supportive complementary therapy to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall well-being.
Read our blog to discover key acupressure points for diabetes management.
The Science Behind Acupressure
Studies have shown that acupressure can help calm the nervous system, increase relaxation, help balance hormones and improve overall physiological function.
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are like energy pathways in the body.
- These pathways carry “Qi,” or energy, to different organs and body parts.
- Acupoints are specific spots on these pathways that regulate the function of different body organs.
- Illness or pain is thought to occur when this flow is blocked or imbalanced.
- Pressing on these acupoints can help move the energy along the meridians, balance the body’s energy, and improve health.
Digital Acupressure points in human body
How Acupressure Helps in Diabetes Management
Diabetic patients can consider acupressure to help reduce their stress and blood glucose levels along with standard medical care.
- Trial involving 102 diabetic patients some text
- The group that received acupressure showed a significant decrease in their HbA1c levels after 12 weeks.
- Results showed that the acupressure group had a significant increase in insulin levels and a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar levels compared to the control group.
- After using acupressure, the average fasting blood glucose levels and stress scores of the group improved significantly compared to the control group.
6 Effective Acupressure Points for Diabetes Control
Use your index finger and thumb to apply firm but gentle pressure on these pressure points for 2-3 minutes, once or twice every day.
a) ST36 Point (below the knees)
Stomach 36 (ST36) is a powerful acupressure point known to help regulate blood sugar levels, boost energy, and improve digestion.
- Measure four finger-widths down from the bottom of your kneecap.
- Then, move one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone. The point is located in a small indentation there.
ST 36 point below knee
b) KD-3 Point (Near the ankle)
The kidneys indirectly affect glucose metabolism by influencing insulin sensitivity and secretion. Kidney 3 (KD3) is an important acupressure point known to support kidney function and overall energy levels, which can be beneficial for managing diabetes.
- Find the depression between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
- KD3 is located in this indentation.
KD 3 at the bottom and SD 6 above SP 6
c) SP-6 Point (above the ankle)
Spleen 6 (SP6) is a key acupressure point known for its ability to support spleen and pancreas function, which are crucial for blood sugar regulation.
- Measure about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone.
- SP6 is located in a tender spot on the inside of your leg, just above the ankle.
d) LIV-3 Point (Between the first and second toe)
The liver plays a critical role in glucose metabolism. Liver 3 (LIV3) is a significant acupressure point that supports liver function.
- LIV3 is located on the top of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second toe.
LIV-3 Acupressure Point
e) BL23 Point (Lower back)
Bladder 23 (BL23) is an important acupressure point known to support kidney function.
- BL23 is located on the lower back, approximately 4 finger-widths away from the spine, on either side.
f) CV-12 Point (stomach)Diabetes medicines can sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues. Conception Vessel 12 (CV12) is a vital acupressure point known to aid digestion.
- CV12 is located in the centre of the abdomen, about four finger-widths above the navel.
Conclusion
Acupressure, alongside regular diabetes care, offers valuable support in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting overall well-being.
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References
- Acupressure. ScienceDirect.
- Yang J, et al. Acupressure: an effective and feasible alternative treatment for anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glob Adv Health Med. 2021;10:21649561211058076. doi: 10.1177/21649561211058076.
- Najafi SS, et al. The effect of acupressure on fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery. 2021;9(2):152-158. doi: 10.30476/ijcbnm.2021.86059.1318.
- Jaberi AA, et al. Effect of self-acupressure on fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin level in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized clinical trial. Electronic physician. 2018;10(8):7155-7163. DOI:10.19082/7155.
- Mood MS, et al. The effect of acupressure on fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and stress in patients with type 2 diabetes. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021;43.
About the Author
Dr. Satish Madiraju, a renowned cardiologist is passionate about consumer heart health and is on a mission to prevent a million heart attacks. He shares his expertise not only on heart health but also on leadership, digital health, and improving patient experience.Acupressure and Diabetes
Acupressure is an ancient technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses stimulation of certain pressure points around the body to help cure ailments. Several studies have shown that acupressure for diabetes is effective in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. There are 5 Acupressure Points for Diabetes, which when pressed gently can help enhance blood circulation and digestion along with a healthy lifestyle. Also know about pp blood sugar
Table of Contents
- Does Acupressure reduce blood sugar?
- Does Acupressure cure Diabetes?
- Is Acupressure good for Diabetic Neuropathy?
What is Acupressure and what is its use?
The purpose of Acupressure and other alternative therapies is to bring back the body’s energy pathways to a state of health and equilibrium, by focusing on the whole and not just one part of the body. Several proponents assert that acupressure addresses not just the body and the energy fields but also the brain, feelings, and soul. Some people even think acupressure therapists can pass on the vital energy known as external Qi to another individual.
Acupressure is a technique in alternative systems of medicine, which is often used in conjunction with allopathic medical system and pharmacological therapies. It is based on the traditional chinese medicine concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body.Acupressure is performed by applying physical pressure by hand, by elbow, or with various devices to specific places in the body called Acupressure Points. The pressure applied at these points are said to trigger these points and help clear blockages in their meridians. Also know about medications for diabetes.
Benefits of Acupressure
Acupressure has numerous health benefits, including:
- Acupressure helps in releasing muscle tension
- Helps in stress management
- It aids in faster healing
- It helps in pain relief
- It promotes blood circulation
- It helps in managing headaches and motion sickness
How does Acupressure work?
You lay clothed on a plush massage table for acupressure treatment. The practitioner gently presses your body’s acupressure spots. For example, the practitioner presses the acupressure points for diabetes for people with diabetes. They can also use stretching and acupressure massage with acupressure-specific tools. Typically, a session lasts for an hour. The most satisfactory outcomes could need multiple sessions.
Side Effects and Risks
Acupressure is very often complication-free when done correctly and at the right point. Some rare side-effects may include-
- Exhaustion
- Light irritation, soreness, or tenderness in the treated region
- Pain and swelling
- Dizziness
- Bruising brought on by too much pressure
- Indentions made with acupressure tools
- Redness around the treated region
Important Acupressure Points for Diabetes
Following are the important acupressure points for diabetes from the chart:
1. Palm
This acupressure point is in your palm’s fleshy region, between your index finger and thumb. It alleviates pain, helps regulate conditions such as diabetes and digestive disorders, reduces excessive heat in the body, and controls these conditions. You may apply pressure for up to 5 minutes, and then you can switch hands.
2. Wrist
An acupressure point lies on the side of your wrist, near your little finger. It helps minimise the stress placed on the heart tissues, and it also helps enhance circulation, which is beneficial for diabetes. Apply pressure to this spot for around 5 minutes daily. It may help regulate your blood glucose levels and maintain them within the recommended range
3. Knee
This spot is located 2 mm below your knees on the outside. You may control diabetes by massaging this spot clockwise and counterclockwise daily for 5 minutes. This spot is also well recognised for treating indigestion and arthritic symptoms.
4. Feet
An acupressure point for diabetes is located between the first two toes, also called the liver point. This spot may help lower your blood sugar levels if you press it counterclockwise for 3 to 5 minutes daily. In addition to helping with diabetes, it helps with problems like anxiety, stress, liver issues, insomnia, hypertension, and high blood pressure.
5. Spleen point
This point is situated in your lower leg, above the ankle and immediately below the shin bones. The function of the spleen, an organ that is a component of your immune system, can be improved, and diabetes can be managed by exerting firm pressure on the spleen spot daily for around 3 minutes.
6. Kidney point
The Kidney Point is located inside the Foot. Locate the precise Kidney Point for acupressure between the ankle bone and Achilles tendon. Every day for three minutes, locate the Kidney Point location and apply pressure there. Regular pressure on Kidney Point can enable you to enhance the body’s operation and increase insulin production.
7. Stomach
Acupressure Stomach Point is located on the inside side of the lower thigh. On the top side of the outer malleolus, the Stomach Point is precisely eight cm away. The bony outgrowth at the lower end of the fibula on each side of the ankle is called a malleolus. To remove unneeded poisons from the body, locate the Stomach Point and push hard on the point location.
8. Intestine Point
This point is located in the joint between the thumb of your hand and the first finger. By pressing on these points, your digestion is corrected and weight is reduced. Which helps you a lot in diabetes management. In addition, pressing this point reduces stress and helps reduce excess heat present in the body.
Bottomline
Acupressure cannot replace your diabetes medications but it can certainly help you reduce sugar levels, when practised along with prescribed medication and a healthy lifestyle. When stimulated, the human body has several pressure points that may assist the management of diabetes and improve overall health. Make sure that you have a well-rounded approach towards controlling diabetes which includes what you eat, what you drink and your exercise. Remember, acupressure therapy should be used in place of treatment prescribed by your doctor, especially if you are taking insulin or other medicines. Also read about random blood sugar levels
FAQs
Does Acupressure reduce blood sugar?
When done accurately, Acupressure has shown to be effective in reducing fasting/post-meal blood sugar, bring control to your pancreas’ activity and insulin levels.
Does Acupressure cure Diabetes?
According to the research, currently, there is no cure for diabetes. However, glucose levels can return to a normal range (complete remission) or pre-diabetes glucose level (partial remission) through acupressure, regular exercise, following a recommended diet, and the doctor’s advice. Some other advantages include enhanced blood sugar control, preserved the islet function of the pancreas, and reduced insulin resistance. Also know about fasting blood sugar level.
Is Acupressure good for Diabetic Neuropathy?
Acupressure is known to promote blood flow to repair nerve injury, making it a valid candidate for pain relief in neuropathy.
References
- https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment
- https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/type-2-diabetes-5-acupressure-points-to-help-treat-diabetes-and-control-blood-sugar-levels/375355
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122868/
This website’s content is provided only for educational reasons and is not meant to be a replacement for professional medical advice. Due to individual differences, the reader should contact their physician to decide whether the material is applicable to their case.
