Pressure Points for Anxiety and Stress: 3 Spots to Try

September 6, 2026

When stress makes your body feel tight or your thoughts feel busy, a short acupressure break may help you slow down. Three traditional pressure points for anxiety and stress are Qimen (LR14) on the chest, Xingjian (LR2) between the first two toes, and Taichong (LR3) on the top of the foot.

These three points all belong to the Liver channel in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Some people find gentle pressure relaxing, but this exact three-point routine has not been proven to treat an anxiety disorder. Think of it as an optional grounding practice—not a replacement for therapy, medication, or medical care.

Need immediate support? In the United States, call or text 988 if you are in emotional distress or having thoughts of suicide. Call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

A quick 4-minute pressure-point routine

Sit somewhere comfortable and place both feet on the floor. Let your jaw and shoulders soften. Use steady pressure that feels noticeable but not painful.

Take one slow breath before you begin.
Press Qimen (LR14) lightly for 20 to 30 seconds, or skip it if the chest location feels awkward or sensitive.
Press Xingjian (LR2) on each foot for 30 to 60 seconds.
Press Taichong (LR3) on each foot for 30 to 60 seconds.
Finish with three slow breaths and notice whether your body feels any different.

There is no need to press harder if you do not feel calmer. Stop if a point causes sharp pain, dizziness, numbness, or discomfort.

1. Qimen (LR14): on the front of the chest

Where it is: Qimen is in the sixth intercostal space—the space between the sixth and seventh ribs—about four proportional body-inches, or cun, to the side of the front midline. It is traditionally described as directly below the nipple, but bodies vary and the point may lie on or beneath breast tissue.

How to press it: Use the flat pads of two or three fingers. Apply very gentle pressure to the soft space between the ribs for 20 to 30 seconds while breathing normally. Do not push under the rib cage or press deeply into the chest.

Why people use it: In TCM, Qimen is the front-mu point of the Liver channel and appears in routines for a feeling of tightness or emotional "stuckness." That is a traditional explanation, not evidence that this point changes liver function or treats chest disease.

This is the least convenient point in the routine. If you cannot locate it without pressing breast tissue, simply skip it or ask a licensed acupuncturist. Do not press over a breast lump, unexplained chest or breast pain, broken skin, a recent surgical site, or an area changed by pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Never assume chest pain is "just anxiety." Call 911 for sudden squeezing, crushing, or pressure-like chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or dizziness. See the MedlinePlus chest-pain guidance.

2. Xingjian (LR2): between the big toe and second toe

Where it is: Xingjian is on the top of the foot between the big toe and second toe, just behind the web margin where the two toes meet.

How to press it: Place your thumb on the point and support the bottom of your foot with your fingers. Hold steady pressure for 30 to 60 seconds. Release slowly, then repeat on the other foot. You can do two rounds.

Why people use it: Traditional practitioners often include LR2 when stress feels hot, restless, or irritable. The original Chinese source associates it with "Liver fire," a TCM pattern name. It does not mean the liver organ is overheated or damaged.

Skip this point if the skin between your toes is cracked, infected, or affected by athlete's foot. Do not press an injured, swollen, or recently operated foot.

3. Taichong (LR3): on the top of the foot

Where it is: Start at the web between the big toe and second toe. Slide your finger back about one-and-a-half to two thumb-widths along the top of the foot, staying in the space between the first and second metatarsal bones. Stop in the depression before the bones meet.

How to press it: Use your thumb to apply comfortable pressure for 30 to 60 seconds. Release and repeat on the other foot. If steady pressure feels uncomfortable, try tiny circles instead.

Why people use it: Taichong is traditionally used for irritability, tension, and a sense of being emotionally wound up. It is easy to reach and can turn a brief pause into a more intentional self-care routine.

Do not press over swelling, bruising, a fracture, gout, loss of sensation, or an open wound. If you have diabetes-related foot problems or poor circulation, ask your healthcare professional before doing foot massage.

What do "Liver qi stagnation" and "Liver fire" mean?

Liver qi stagnation describes a traditional pattern of feeling emotionally stuck or constrained—associated with frequent sighing, irritability, tension along the sides of the body, or digestive and menstrual complaints.
Liver fire describes a more intense "heat" pattern associated with agitation, headaches, a red face or eyes, a bitter taste, or poor sleep.

These are historical pattern descriptions used within TCM. They are not the same as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver inflammation, or abnormal liver tests. A licensed healthcare professional should evaluate persistent or concerning symptoms.

Does acupressure really help anxiety?

Research suggests acupressure may reduce short-term anxiety in some situations, but important limits apply.

A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis included 27 studies and found lower anxiety scores with acupressure. However, the studies differed substantially in participants, settings, and quality. The authors said the high variation means findings should be interpreted cautiously. Read the PubMed abstract.

An earlier review of seven randomized trials reported improvement in anxiety before surgery or treatment. Yintang (EX-HN3) and Shenmen (HT7)—not the three Liver-channel points in this article—were the most common points. Evidence for one acupressure routine does not prove that every combination works. See the 2015 systematic review.

The practical takeaway: gentle acupressure can be a low-cost relaxation cue if you enjoy it. It has not been shown to cure generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, or trauma-related symptoms.

Everyday stress or an anxiety disorder?

Occasional worry is part of life. An anxiety disorder is different: symptoms can persist, worsen over time, and interfere with work, school, relationships, or sleep. The National Institute of Mental Health explains the major types and where to find support.

Talk with a healthcare or mental health professional if worry is hard to control, keeps returning, or disrupts your daily life. Effective care may include psychotherapy, medication, or both. See the NIMH guide to generalized anxiety disorder.

If you take medication for anxiety, do not stop or change it because a pressure-point routine seems to help. Discuss changes with the prescriber.

When to get urgent help

Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. Available 24 hours a day in the United States. You can also use 988 Lifeline chat. Call 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency.

Seek urgent medical care when symptoms that feel like anxiety include new chest pressure, fainting, severe trouble breathing, sudden weakness, or confusion. Panic symptoms and medical emergencies can overlap—do not rely on acupressure to decide which one is happening.

Safety tips

Keep pressure gentle and comfortable. More force is not better.
Do not press broken, infected, numb, swollen, bruised, or recently operated skin.
Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, nausea, numbness, or worsening anxiety.
Do not needle, puncture, bleed, scrape, burn, or strongly heat these points at home.
Do not press directly on a breast lump or use chest acupressure to evaluate breast symptoms.
Ask a healthcare professional before starting if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or have a serious health condition.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best pressure points for anxiety?

There is no single best point for everyone. Qimen (LR14), Xingjian (LR2), and Taichong (LR3) are traditional Liver-channel points used in this routine. Results from studies using other points cannot prove this three-point combination works.

How long should I hold an anxiety pressure point?

Start with 20 to 60 seconds of comfortable pressure. Release slowly and repeat once if it feels helpful. Stop if the point becomes painful or you feel worse.

Can acupressure stop a panic attack?

Acupressure may work as a grounding cue, but it is not a guaranteed way to stop a panic attack and cannot rule out a medical emergency. Follow the plan you made with your clinician.

Can pressure points cure an anxiety disorder?

No. Acupressure has not been shown to cure an anxiety disorder. Persistent or disruptive anxiety deserves professional evaluation and may be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.

Is "Liver qi stagnation" the same as liver disease?

No. Liver qi stagnation is a traditional Chinese medicine pattern description, not a diagnosis of hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or abnormal liver function.

When should I seek professional help for anxiety?

Seek professional help when anxiety is persistent, difficult to control, or interfering with sleep, work, relationships, or daily activities. In the United States, call or text 988 for crisis support.

The bottom line

These three pressure points for anxiety and stress can provide a short, structured pause when you feel tense or irritable. Use gentle pressure, keep expectations realistic, and skip Qimen if the chest location feels uncomfortable. Acupressure can complement evidence-based care, but it cannot diagnose or cure an anxiety disorder.

Editorial note: This article is educational and is not medical advice. A licensed U.S. clinician and a licensed acupuncturist should review it before publication.