Traditional wellness · educational
Acupressure for Period Cramps
A gentle routine for the days around your period: one point at the ankle, one at the inner thigh, one on the foot. About two minutes, sitting somewhere warm and unhurried.
Start with these
- SP6 — inner ankle, 4 fingers up · thumb · 60s each side
- SP10 — inner thigh, above the kneecap · thumb · 30s each side
How to press
Tool — your thumb pad or index-finger knuckle. No gadgets needed.
Angle — press straight in, perpendicular to the skin.
Pressure — firm but comfortable: a dull ache, never sharp pain.
Time — 30–60 seconds per point. Breathe slow, press on the exhale.
The points, one by one
SP6 · Sānyīnjiāo
三阴交 · inner ankle, 4 fingers up
Why people try it
Traditionally part of monthly-comfort routines.
How to use
Thumb, 30–60s, both sides.
When to try
Around your period.
How to tell you've got it
A distinct soreness in the soft channel just behind the shin bone.
Common mistake
Pressing on the bone itself. Feel for the dip behind it — that is where the point sits.
⚠️ Traditionally avoided in pregnancy
SP10 · Xuèhǎi
血海 · inner thigh, above kneecap
Why people try it
Traditionally part of monthly-comfort routines.
How to use
Thumb, 30–60s, both sides.
When to try
Around your period.
How to tell you've got it
A dull ache on the muscle, well away from the joint.
Common mistake
Pressing too close to the kneecap. Go about two finger-widths higher, onto the fleshy part.
LR3 · Tàichōng
太冲 · top of foot, between toes
Why people try it
Used in traditional routines for everyday stress and a calmer mood.
How to use
Thumb, 30–60s, both feet.
When to try
When you feel irritable or tense.
How to tell you've got it
A clear ache in the dip between the two bones — one of the more noticeable points.
Common mistake
Searching in the toe webbing. Walk your thumb back toward the ankle until you find the hollow between the long bones of the foot.
The full routine
1SP6
inner ankle · thumb · 60s each side
→
2SP10
inner thigh · thumb · 30s each side
→
3LR3
top of foot · thumb · 30s each foot
Press slowly and let each point have the full count — rushing it defeats the purpose. These three are a traditional monthly-comfort combination, often used alongside a warm compress on the lower belly.
Common questions
Which acupressure points are used for period cramps?
SP6 (four finger-widths up from the inner ankle, behind the shin bone), SP10 (inner thigh, about two finger-widths above the kneecap) and LR3 (top of the foot) are the traditional monthly-comfort combination.
Is there anything to avoid?
Yes. SP6 is traditionally avoided in pregnancy, and so are LI4 and GB21. If you are or may be pregnant, skip this routine entirely and check with a qualified practitioner before using acupressure.
How long does it take?
About two minutes, once or twice a day. Sit somewhere warm and unhurried, press slowly, and let each point have the full count. For persistent or severe monthly pain, see a clinician.
Want all 15 points in one printable guide?
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9 hand-demo clips so you can see the press-and-hold motion, not just read about it.
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Educational use only — not medical advice. Acupressure is a traditional practice, not a medical treatment.
This page describes how the points are traditionally used; results vary, and nothing here diagnoses, treats, or
cures any condition. Points marked as avoided in pregnancy (LI4, SP6, GB21) should be skipped if you are or may be
pregnant — check with a qualified practitioner first. Don't press on injured, inflamed, or broken skin.
For persistent, severe, or worsening symptoms, see a clinician.
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