Elix's Guide to Acupressure at Home: Support Stress, Sleep & Hormones

Whether you're seeking natural relief for cramps, stress, mood, or sleep, this guide shows you how to use the Elix Acu-wand and Meridian Massager to activate key acupressure points and meridians—bringing 5,000+ years of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into your modern self-care. Rooted in the mind-body-spirit philosophy of TCM, this ritual is more than physical relief—it’s a way to reconnect with your whole self. Designed to support circulation, ease stress, and bring your body back into balance. 

What Are Acupressure Tools and How Do They Work?

Acupressure is like needle-free acupuncture—stimulating key meridians and points to restore balance and relieve symptoms. Using Elix’s Acu-wand and Meridian Massager, you can bring the healing power of TCM home in just minutes a day. Below is your guide to why these points work and how to use them. TCM is all about empowering you to be your own best healer, so feel free to explore and find areas and techniques that feel good to you! 

How to Use the Acu-wand and Meridian Massager for Self-Healing

Acu-wand

• Rounded end: Use medium pressure and small circular motions to stimulate acupressure points for 1–2 minutes—or longer if it feels good.
• Flat edge: Firmly stroke your skin in one direction—downward or outward—along tense muscles or acupuncture meridians to help move Qi, release tension, and support healthy circulation.

Meridian Massager

Glide the massager over acupoints or along meridians using slow, circular motions. Apply medium pressure—enough to feel a bit of sensation, but never pain. Start with 1–2 minutes per area, or simply follow what feels best for your body. Great for use along your scalp, neck, chest or other tense areas to activate acupressure meridians, support circulation, and calm your nervous system. 

For Menstrual Cramps & Hormonal Pain

In TCM, menstrual cramps are caused by Qi and Blood stagnation in the uterus. These three acupoints work together to ease pain and promote smooth flow, best used the week before your period and during your period. 

Points to Use with the Acu-wand

Use the rounded tip of the Acu-wand on each point for a few minutes 1-2x day the week before and during your period (you can increase frequency and duration on high pain days). 

1. Large Intestine 4 (LI 4)  (Note: Avoid during pregnancy)
Location: In the soft webbing between the thumb and index finger
Helps with: Circulation and relieving pain throughout the body

2. Spleen 6 (SP 6)  (Note: Avoid during pregnancy)
Location: Four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone
Helps with: Relieving cramps, nourishing the reproductive system, and balancing hormones

3. Liver 3 (LV 3)
Location: On the top of the foot, between the big toe and second toe
Helps with: Easing PMS tension, mood swings, and supporting circulation

For Stress + Tension 

Stress in TCM often causes Liver Qi stagnation, leading to irritability, digestion issues, tension, and PMS and period symptoms. These points help release that stagnation and calm the mind.

Points to use with the Acu-wand: 

1. Large Intestine 4 (LI 4)  (Note: Avoid during pregnancy)
Location: In the webbing of the thumb and index finger
Helps with: Releasing tension and supporting circulation 

2. Liver 3 (LV 3)
Location: On the top of the foot between the big toe and second toe
Helps with: Soothing irritability, frustration, and supporting emotional flow

3. Yin Tang
Location: Between the eyebrows
Helps with: Calming the mind and relieving tension headaches 

Points to use with the Meridian Massager 

1. DU 20
Location: At the top of the head, in line with the tops of the ears
Helps with: Lifting mood and easing overwhelm 

2. Gallbladder 20 (GB 20)
Location: At the base of the skull, in the soft dips just outside the spine
Helps with: Neck and shoulder tension, headaches, and dizziness

3. Gallbladder 21 (GB 21)  (Note: Avoid during pregnancy)
Location: On the top of the shoulders, halfway between the base of your neck and the edge of your shoulder.
Helps with: Releasing upper body tension 

4. Bladder 10 (UB 10)  
Location:  At the base of the skull, just next to the spine where your neck muscles meet your head
Helps with: Releasing neck tension, easing stress-related headaches, and calming the nervous system

5. Bladder 11 (UB 11) 
Location: Along the upper back where the neck and shoulders meet, just next to your spine 
Helps with: Promoting relaxation and moving stagnant Qi

How to Use:

• Glide the massager downward and outward from GB 20 towards GB 21
• Glide down the neck from UB 10 towards UB 11 

For Sleep & Deep Relaxation

Sleep issues often relate to an unsettled Heart or overactive mind. These grounding points promote full-body relaxation and emotional stillness.

Points to use with the Acu-wand: 

1. Yin Tang
Location: Between the eyebrows
Helps with: Calming racing thoughts, easing headaches, and promoting sleep

2. Kidney 1 (KD 1)
Location: On the sole of the foot, just below the ball
Helps with: Grounding energy and calming anxiety for better sleep

Points to use with the Meridian Massager 

1. An Mian
Location: About an inch behind your earlobe, in the soft hollow at the base of your skull.
Helps with: Reducing insomnia, restlessness, and nervous system tension

2. DU 24
Location: Just inside the front hairline at the center of the forehead
Helps with: Clearing the mind and calming mental agitation

For Mood & Emotional Support

The Heart and Liver systems manage emotional balance in TCM. These points help soothe anxiety, lift low mood, and restore inner calm.

Points to use with the Acu-wand: 

1. Pericardium 6 (PC 6) 
Location: On the inner forearm, three finger-widths below the wrist crease
Helps with: Calming emotional distress 

2. Heart 7 (HT 7) 
Location: On the wrist crease, in line with the pinky finger
Helps with: Easing anxiety, overthinking, and regulating the mood

3. Liver 3 (LV 3) 
Location: On the top of the foot, between the big toe and second toe
Helps with: PMS mood swings, frustration, and emotional release

Points to use with the Meridian Massager

1. DU 20
Location: At the top of the head, in line with the tops of the ears
Helps with: Uplifting mood and clearing mental fog

2. Ren 17 (CV 17)
Location: Midline of the chest, in line with the nipples
Helps with: Releasing chest tightness and emotional suppression

Want a Personalized Tutorial?

Schedule a 1:1 session with an Elix Health Coach to learn how to use your Acu-wand or Meridian Massager based on your unique needs. Elix’s coaches are board-certified acupuncturists who can guide you step-by-step.

Make It a Daily Ritual: TCM Acupressure for Hormonal Balance

Consistency is key. Even 2 minutes a day can help shift your body back into balance. Combine your acupressure practice with your customized Cycle Balance herbal formula for an even deeper impact on your hormone and overall wellness.

Bring Healing Home—Shop Your Acupressure Tools Today

This article was reviewed by Dr. Liem Le.

Dr. Liem Le is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine Practitioner, and Nutritionist in the Integrative Medicine Department at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. He is on the teaching staff for the Masters program for the Functional Medicine and Human Nutrition program at University of Western States. Dr. Le is currently working on his fellowship in Integrative Medicine with the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine via a scholarship from the White House.