6 Acupressure Points for Diabetes Control and Wellness

Key takeaways

• Acupressure involves applying pressure on specific points of the body.
• Acupressure can help blood sugar regulation when used in conjunction with prescribed medications and lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor.
• It does not replace standard medical care in diabetes management but complements it by providing additional benefits, such as reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, or promoting relaxation.

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. 

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. 
• Trial involving 60 diabetic patients some text
  • 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.
• Trial involving 60 patients
  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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‍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

1. Acupressure. ScienceDirect.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.