How to Use Shiatsu for Flatulence and Bloating

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that uses gentle pressure and manipulation to relieve stress and promote overall health. The practice focuses on lines of energy on the body called meridians. When the body is healthy, energy flows through these meridians unhindered. When the energy is blocked, it can cause several problems. For example, a blocked digestive meridian can cause flatulence and bloating. By stimulating pressure points along the meridians, you can relieve that flatulence and bloating.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Knee Pressure Point

  1. Image titled Use Shiatsu for Flatulence and Bloating Step 1
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    Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should bend 90 degrees.
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    Place the tips of all four fingers of your right hand on your right leg, just below the kneecap.[1]
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  3. Image titled Use Shiatsu for Flatulence and Bloating Step 3
    3
    Move your index and second finger to that spot. Press your fingertips into that spot for up to one minute.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Sole Pressure Point

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    Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat and your knees bent 90 degrees.
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    Cross your right ankle over your left knee. If you are left-hand dominant, cross your left ankle over your right knee.
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    Press the flat part of your thumb into the space just below the ball of your foot for up to one minute.
    • This pressure point stimulates circulation around your digestive tract, clears up gas and calms your stomach.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Top of the Foot Pressure Point

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    Sit in a straight-baked chair with your feet flat and your knees bent 90 degrees.
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    2
    Cross your right ankle over your left knee. If you are left-hand dominant, cross your left ankle over your right knee.
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    3
    Press your index and second fingers into the space between the knuckles at the base of your second and third toes.
    • This pressure point stimulates the stomach to eliminate gas.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Wrist Pressure Point

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    Sit or stand or lie in a comfortable position.
    • Remaining comfortable is one key in how to use shiatsu for flatulence and bloating.
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    Bend your left arm 90 degrees with your palm facing downward. If you are left-hand dominant, bend your right arm.
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    Place the tips of your index and second fingers on your wrist below the base of your thumb.
    • This meridian stimulates the large intestine.
  4. 4
    Press the tips of your index and second fingers into this point for up to one minute.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What is Zu San Li point?
    Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
    Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
    Dr. Karina Klimtchuk is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, Faculty Member at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Owner of Kai Wellness. She specializes in holistic health, Chinese herbal medicine, and functional medicine. Dr. Klimtchuk also helps patients through emotional and spiritual trauma. She holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Massachusetts, Boston, a Master's from Emperor's College in Santa Monica, CA, and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
    Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
    Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
    Expert Answer
    Zu San Li, or Stomach 36, is found on the stomach meridian, a little below the outer lower knee cap area. Pressing and massaging this point throughout the day for a few minutes at a time can be a great way to address digestive issues. In fact, some studies show that this pressure point can even stimulate digestive enzyme activity.
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Warnings

  • Pregnant women should avoid the knee pressure point as this point can also stimulate the uterus.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • Straight-backed chair


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References

  1. ↑ Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.
  2. ↑ Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.
  3. ↑ Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.
  4. ↑ Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.
  5. ↑ Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview. 25 August 2021.
  6. Do-It-Yourself Shiatsu: How to Perform the Ancient Japanese Art of Acupressure; Wataru Ohashi; 2001
  7. http://www.rianvisser.nl/shiatsu/e_watis.htm
  8. http://theamt.com/meridian_chart_and_map_of_meridians_meridian_points_acupoints.htm

About This Article

Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
Co-authored by:
Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
This article was co-authored by Karina Klimtchuk, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Dr. Karina Klimtchuk is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, Faculty Member at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Owner of Kai Wellness. She specializes in holistic health, Chinese herbal medicine, and functional medicine. Dr. Klimtchuk also helps patients through emotional and spiritual trauma. She holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Massachusetts, Boston, a Master's from Emperor's College in Santa Monica, CA, and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. This article has been viewed 47,943 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: September 2, 2021
Views: 47,943
Categories: Acupuncture | Flatulence

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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