ST36, LI11, & Sea of Vitality Points for Energy
- Rose
- Aug 27, 2017
- 4 min read
We live in an incredibly fast-paced world. To keep up with this pace, I often end up putting self-care on the back burner while running full-speed ahead into obligations, deadlines, & goals. At a certain point, my body starts telling me that I'm going too fast, that I need to slow down; headaches, poor digestion, fatigue, and anxiety are usually my first signs. Ideally, at this point I'll take some time alone, sleep a lot, do some stretching, receive bodywork,eat good food, spend time outside. Even with little breaks like this, though, the stress of modern life takes a toll on my energy reserves. I know I am not alone in this, because I see it all around me.
So, how can we build our deep wellsprings of energy without overtaxing the body with stimulants? How can we incorporate self-care into our daily lives, even with limited amounts of spare time?
Self-acupressure is one answer! This lil routine takes only 5 minutes or so, and you could even choose just one of the points if your time is more limited. I think this routine would be excellent for athletes, activists, parents, and/or anyone who has a physically or mentally exhausting job (I'm looking at you, teachers, farmers, businesspeople, artists, scholars, humans-on-this-earth-today....)!
For some basic info on how to do self-acupressure & why I believe it's such powerful medicine, check out my first post in this series: PC6 for insomnia, anxiety, & nausea; and some acupressure basics. Remember, acupressure is effective whether or not you remember the name of the point or exactly what it does! Learning just a few points and their correspondences is incredibly empowering for preserving and promoting your own health.
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Remember to breathe deeply in and out of the nose while doing self-acupressure. Deep breathing supplies the body with fresh oxygen, allows Qi to circulate freely, and reduces sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) activity, bringing down blood pressure and improving digestion (think "rest & digest"!).
We'll start with Stomach 36 (ST36), also known as "foot three miles". Apparently it'll help you walk three extra miles without getting fatigued. Though I haven't tested this theory, I find that it immediately helps me feel more grounded and energized. It is one of the most important points for promoting overall wellness, reducing chronic fatigue, and managing stress. This is also a great point for sluggish digestion or stomach troubles, since it is the He-Sea point of the stomach meridian. "He-Sea points are where the Qi of the meridian collects and goes deep into the body". You don't have to remember all of this for it to be effective, though!
ST36 is located 4 finger-widths down from the outside of the knee, right along the bone. When you locate this point, it may feel a little sore there.
Seated on a chair, find ST36 on both of your legs. Using your knuckles, vigorously rub the point up and down for 1-2 minutes. You should feel some heat being generated where you are rubbing. Breathe deeply. Release, and shake out your shoulders a bit.
Next, we'll locate Large Intestine 11 (LI11), or "pool at the crook". This point relieves inflammation and reduces excess heat in the body. It can help with heat-related headaches, digestive pain, nausea, mental/emotional disturbances, and can regulate menstruation. It is a great "mover" of Qi and blood.
LI11 is located just below the crease of the elbow on the outside of the arm. If you make a fist with your hand, a muscle will pop out there. LI11 is right on top of that muscle. Vigorously rub the area with your knuckles for 1-2 minutes on each side, just like with ST36. Remember to take some deep breaths. Shake out the shoulders and hands.
Lastly, we'll do the Sea of Vitality points (BL23 & BL47) on the lower back! These points "fortify the immune system, rejuvenate the internal organs, and relieve pain associated with lower back problems". These are great for someone who spends a lot of time stressed out and sitting down.
As with the other points in this routine, take your fists and vigorously rub these points on your lower back. Continue to breathe deeply as you generate heat in the area for 2-3 minutes. Again, shake out the hands and shoulders.
At the end of the sequence, take a minute or two to continue taking deep breaths, noticing any changes that occurred in your body. Give yourself some gratitude for making time to do something nourishing for yourself.
And that's it! The small amount of time it takes to learn the location of these points will result in unlimited access to increased stability, energy, and stamina. Combined with other nourishing, grounding practices, this is excellent for preventing burnout and improving immune function.
Let me know if you have questions about this routine, acupressure in general, or have a request for the next post in this series. May you be nourished, joyful, and well!
If you're into Western scientific research, here's a really cool study on "PET imaging of brain function while puncturing the acupoint ST36":
Other sources for this post:
Much gratitude to Michael Reed Gach and my incredible acupressure & TCM theory teachers for inspiration for this routine.
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