Unblocking the Flow: How TCM Addresses Stagnation
Updated: Oct 14
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is seen as a dynamic balance between internal and external forces. When this balance is disrupted, the body can develop what TCM refers to as pathogenic factors—concepts like wind, cold, heat, dampness, and dryness. While these terms may seem abstract from a Western medical perspective, they can be understood as metaphors for physiological or environmental imbalances. For example, cold might correspond to poor circulation or stiffness, dampness to fluid retention or inflammation, and heat to inflammation or hyperactivity in certain systems. These imbalances can manifest as symptoms ranging from pain and swelling to fatigue and emotional unrest.
Similarly, TCM views stagnation—a disruption in the flow of Qi (vital energy) or blood—as a root cause of many conditions, akin to blockages in physiological processes like nerve signaling, blood circulation, or lymphatic drainage. Whether caused by stress, injury, or illness, stagnation can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and chronic dysfunction if not addressed.
Acupuncture and acupressure are key strategies in TCM for dispersing stagnation and clearing pathogenic factors, allowing the body to return to balance. By targeting specific points, these therapies stimulate the nervous system, enhance circulation, and regulate inflammatory responses, providing relief for both physical and emotional conditions. This article explores some of the key acupuncture points used for these purposes and their practical applications for improving musculoskeletal health and overall well-being.
Article Index
The Role of Acupuncture in Clearing Stagnation
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, stagnation refers to the disruption or slowing of the natural flow of Qi (vital energy) or blood within the body. This stagnation can manifest physically as pain, stiffness, or swelling, and emotionally as stress, frustration, or mental fog. While the terminology may differ, these concepts align closely with modern medical understanding of issues like poor circulation, inflammation, and neuromuscular tension.
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, often located along nerve-rich pathways or areas with dense vascular networks. These points correspond to areas of fascial connection or neuromuscular activity, making them ideal for influencing both local and systemic effects. Stimulation at these points has been shown to modulate nervous system activity, enhance blood flow, and regulate inflammatory cytokines, which can reduce pain and promote healing.
Additionally, TCM’s concept of pathogenic factors—such as “wind” or “cold”—can be reframed in Western terms as environmental or physiological stresses. For example:
Wind: In TCM, wind represents sudden, shifting symptoms like spasms or pain, analogous to nerve irritation or inflammatory flare-ups in Western medicine.
Cold relates to reduced circulation and stiffness, akin to conditions like Raynaud’s phenomenon or musculoskeletal immobility.
Dampness reflects tissue inflammation, edema, or lymphatic stasis.
Heat corresponds to inflammation, often seen in conditions such as tendinitis or systemic hyperactivity.
Acupuncture’s role is to "clear" these factors by improving circulation, decreasing nociceptive (pain) signals, and restoring homeostasis in the affected area. By addressing both physical and emotional components of stagnation, acupuncture offers a holistic approach that complements modern medical therapies, particularly in managing pain, stress, and chronic dysfunction.
Five Key Acupuncture Points for Clearing Stagnation
Each acupuncture point presented below plays a unique role in clearing stagnation, promoting free energy flow, and addressing both physical and emotional imbalances. Alongside the written descriptions, diagrams will illustrate the precise locations of these points to ensure a clear understanding.
Before starting treatment, thoroughly review each point, including any contraindications, such as pregnancy or other potential concerns. These points can be utilized by both practitioners and patients, with practitioners applying techniques like acupuncture or acupressure depending on their scope of practice. Patients can also be provided with this article to perform daily acupressure at home, reinforcing the work done during treatment sessions.
Note:
Patients can perform acupressure on themselves 1 to 3 times daily, depending on their condition and tolerance. Each session should last about 5 to 15 minutes, focusing on the recommended points.
Regular practice helps reinforce the effects of professional treatments, alleviate symptoms, and maintain balance. It’s important to avoid overstimulation and adjust frequency based on individual comfort and results.
Treating both sides of the body during acupressure is often recommended to promote balanced Qi flow, address bilateral connections between meridians, and ensure comprehensive symptom relief, especially in cases where tension or stagnation may not be isolated to one side.
Specific Points
1. LI4 (Hegu)
Function: Clears excess Qi, moves stagnation, and expels pathogenic factors.
Indications: Effective for relieving tension, headaches, stress, and blockages in the upper body, particularly in the face, neck, and head.
Relevance: Often referred to as the "command point" for the face and head, LI4 is like "lifting the lid" off a pressure cooker, releasing built-up stagnation and restoring balance.
Location: Found on the dorsum (back) of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. Apply pressure in the fleshy area for optimal stimulation.
Contraindication in Pregnancy: LI4 (Hegu) is contraindicated during pregnancy as it is believed to strongly stimulate uterine contractions and may increase the risk of premature labor or miscarriage.
How to Perform Acupressure: Apply firm but comfortable pressure to the acupuncture point using your thumb, fingertip, or a soft rounded tool. Hold the pressure for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, alternating between gentle circular motions (clockwise and counterclockwise) and rolling the soft tissue around the point to stimulate the area fully. Focus on breathing deeply to enhance relaxation and effectiveness.
2. LV3 (Taichong)
Function: Moves stagnant Liver Qi, alleviating emotional stress and internal tension.
Indications: Commonly used for irritability, emotional imbalance, tension headaches, menstrual cramps, and digestive issues.
Relevance: This point is critical for balancing emotions and soothing internal "turbulence," making it especially useful for stress-related conditions.
Location: Found on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 1–1.5 inches from the webbing between the big and second toes.
How to Perform Acupressure: Apply firm but comfortable pressure to the acupuncture point using your thumb, fingertip, or a soft rounded tool. Hold the pressure for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, alternating between gentle circular motions (clockwise and counterclockwise) and rolling the soft tissue around the point to stimulate the area fully. Focus on breathing deeply to enhance relaxation and effectiveness.
3. GB20 (Fengchi)
Function: Relieves stagnation in the head and neck, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and Blood while clearing blockages that contribute to tension and discomfort.
Indications: Commonly used for headaches, neck stiffness, dizziness, eye strain, and stress-related tension. It is particularly effective for conditions involving the upper body and head.
Relevance: GB20 is a powerful point for dispersing stagnation in the head and neck, making it invaluable for relieving both physical and emotional tension often associated with stress or overwork.
Location: Found at the base of the skull, in the depression between the upper portion of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles on both sides of the neck.
Contraindications for GB20 (Fengchi): Avoid in cases of severe hypertension, open wounds, or infections near the point, and use caution with pregnancy or neurological conditions like epilepsy. Overstimulation can cause dizziness or discomfort, so it should be applied gently and under professional guidance.
How to Perform Acupressure: Apply firm but comfortable pressure to the acupuncture point using your thumb, fingertip, or a soft rounded tool. Hold the pressure for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, alternating between gentle circular motions (clockwise and counterclockwise) and rolling the soft tissue around the point to stimulate the area fully. Focus on breathing deeply to enhance relaxation and effectiveness.
4. GV20 (Baihui)
Function: Balances Yang energy and helps clear excess mental energy.
Indications: Known for its calming effects on the mind, this point reduces overthinking, mental tension, and insomnia.
Relevance: GV20 acts as a grounding point, helping to center the body and mind while clearing "overwhelming" or chaotic thoughts.
Location: Found on the top of the head, along the midline, approximately at the midpoint between the tips of the ears.
Contraindications for GV20 (Baihui): Avoid in cases of severe hypertension or conditions prone to increased intracranial pressure. Use caution in individuals experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or neurological conditions, and avoid overstimulation to prevent discomfort or light-headedness.
How to Perform Acupressure: Apply firm but comfortable pressure to the acupuncture point using your thumb, fingertip, or a soft rounded tool. Hold the pressure for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, alternating between gentle circular motions (clockwise and counterclockwise) and rolling the soft tissue around the point to stimulate the area fully. Focus on breathing deeply to enhance relaxation and effectiveness.
5. ST36 (Zusanli)
Function: Tonifies Qi and Blood, clears dampness, and resolves physical stagnation.
Indications: Enhances energy levels, supports digestion, and relieves heaviness or weakness in the body. It’s also effective for improving immunity.
Relevance: Often called the "point of longevity," ST36 strengthens systemic balance and clears physical "heaviness."
Location: Found on the anterior lower leg, about three finger-widths below the bottom of the kneecap and one finger-width lateral to the tibia.
Contraindications for ST36 (Zusanli): Avoid in cases of acute infection or inflammation near the point, such as cellulitis. Use caution during pregnancy, especially in the later stages, as strong stimulation may influence uterine activity.
How to Perform Acupressure: Apply firm but comfortable pressure to the acupuncture point using your thumb, fingertip, or a soft rounded tool. Hold the pressure for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, alternating between gentle circular motions (clockwise and counterclockwise) and rolling the soft tissue around the point to stimulate the area fully. Focus on breathing deeply to enhance relaxation and effectiveness.
Applications for Health Issues
Stress and Anxiety
Acupressure and acupuncture points such as GV20 (Baihui) and LV3 (Taichong) are highly effective in regulating the body's response to stress through their influence on both the nervous and endocrine systems. GV20, located at the apex of the skull, helps calm overactive neural pathways by modulating activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. This results in reduced cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and alleviating symptoms like overthinking, restlessness, and insomnia.
LV3 (Taichong), located on the dorsum of the foot, plays a critical role in releasing Liver Qi stagnation, which in TCM is often linked to emotional stress, irritability, and tension. From a Western medical perspective, this corresponds to improving vagal tone and enhancing autonomic regulation, which can lead to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure while promoting emotional stability. Together, these points offer a holistic approach to managing stress, targeting both physical and emotional symptoms.
Pain Management
For musculoskeletal pain and headaches, GB20 (Fengchi) and LI4 (Hegu) are recognized for their significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. GB20, located at the base of the skull, addresses tension in the occipital region by improving blood flow through cervical muscles and modulating activity in the trigeminal and occipital nerves. This makes it particularly effective for relieving cervicogenic headaches, migraines, and neck pain. Additionally, its ability to relax the suboccipital muscles helps to reduce stiffness and improve range of motion in the cervical spine.
LI4 (Hegu), located on the dorsum of the hand between the thumb and index finger, is known as a powerful distal point for pain relief, particularly in the head, neck, and shoulders. It works by influencing descending inhibitory pain pathways through the release of endorphins and the modulation of nociceptive input at the spinal cord level. Studies suggest that LI4 can reduce inflammation and alleviate tension, making it an ideal complement to GB20 for treating headaches and upper body pain.
Conclusion
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a holistic approach to managing both physical and emotional health by addressing the root causes of imbalance, such as stagnation and pathogenic factors. Points like LI4 (Hegu) and GB20 (Fengchi) effectively relieve musculoskeletal pain, while GV20 (Baihui) and LV3 (Taichong) regulate stress and emotional tension, demonstrating TCM’s versatility in addressing modern health challenges.
With growing scientific support for its physiological mechanisms—such as improving circulation, calming the nervous system, and reducing inflammation—TCM bridges ancient practices with modern medicine. These techniques empower patients and practitioners alike to achieve balance and well-being, whether through clinical treatments or daily acupressure routines at home.
References
Chou, R., Qaseem, A., Snow, V., Casey, D., Cross, J. T., Jr., Shekelle, P., & Owens, D. K. (2007). Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture in Pain Management: A Systematic Review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 147(7), 478–491.
Han, J. S. (2004). Acupuncture and endorphins. Neuroscience Letters, 361(1-3), 258–261.
MacPherson, H., Vertosick, E. A., Foster, N. E., Lewith, G., Linde, K., Sherman, K. J., ... & Vickers, A. J. (2017). The persistence of the effects of acupuncture after a course of treatment: a meta-analysis of patients with chronic pain. Pain, 158(5), 784–793.
Napadow, V., Kim, J., Clauw, D. J., Harris, R. E., & White, P. (2008). Acupuncture modulates resting state connectivity in default and sensorimotor brain networks. Brain Research, 1231, 269–277.
Litscher, G., & Wang, L. (2010). Evidence-based research on the effectiveness of acupuncture in neurological conditions: A review. Neurochemical Research, 35(5), 847–853.
Lee, J. H., Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., Lee, H., Shin, B. C., & Ernst, E. (2013). Acupuncture for acute low back pain: A systematic review. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 29(2), 172–185.
Zhao, Z. Q. (2008). Neural mechanisms underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology, 85(4), 355–375.
Vickers, A. J., Cronin, A. M., Maschino, A. C., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., ... & Linde, K. (2012). Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444–1453.
Huang, W., Pach, D., Napadow, V., Park, K., Long, X., Neumann, J., ... & Witt, C. M. (2012). Characterizing acupuncture stimulation with fMRI: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. PLoS ONE, 7(4), e32960.
Langevin, H. M., Bouffard, N. A., Badger, G. J., Churchill, D. L., & Howe, A. K. (2006). Subcutaneous tissue fibroblast cytoskeletal remodeling induced by acupuncture: Evidence for a mechanotransduction-based mechanism. The Journal of Cell Biology, 170(5), 691–701.
Yuan, Q. L., Wang, P., Liu, L., Sun, F., Cai, Y. S., Wu, W. T., ... & Shen, J. (2016). Acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of sham-controlled randomized clinical trials. Scientific Reports, 6, 30675.
Wang, S. M., Kain, Z. N., & White, P. F. (2008). Acupuncture analgesia: I. The scientific basis. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 106(2), 602–610.
DR. BRIAN ABELSON, DC. - The Author
Dr. Brian Abelson is a chiropractor, author, and educator with more than 30 years of clinical experience in musculoskeletal care, rehabilitation, and sports performance. His educational work focuses on musculoskeletal conditions, human movement, sports biomechanics, and evidence-informed approaches to treatment and rehabilitation.
He is the developer of Motion Specific Release (MSR) and Clinical Director of Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Why Choose Our MSR Courses and MSR Pro Services?
For Healthcare Practitioners
Motion Specific Release integrates assessment, clinical reasoning, manual therapy, exercise, and patient education within one adaptable approach to musculoskeletal care.
MSR Pro and MSR courses support different parts of that learning process:
Structured Clinical Education: MSR courses connect applied anatomy and biomechanics with orthopedic and neurological assessment, myofascial procedures, fascial expansions, joint mobilization, manipulation, and rehabilitation.
Hands-On Skill Development: Live training provides opportunities to refine palpation, patient positioning, force application, and clinical decision-making through practice and direct feedback.
MSR Pro Clinical Library: Members receive access to more than 200 MSR procedures, downloadable and fillable clinical forms, examination resources, rehabilitation progressions, and exercise-prescription materials.
Extensive Video Resources: More than 800 videos support examination, treatment procedures, exercise rehabilitation, and clinical application.
Patient Education: A library of 50 condition articles helps practitioners explain common musculoskeletal problems and provide patients with practical information.
Continued Development: Resources are updated as MSR courses and clinical education continue to evolve.
Videos and articles can introduce concepts, but hands-on proficiency develops through deliberate practice, feedback, and experience. MSR is designed to help practitioners connect technique with clinical reasoning and adapt care to the individual rather than apply the same protocol to everyone.
Explore MSR Pro | View Online and Live Courses
Comments