Edited by Acupressure Guide Editorial TeamContent reviewed for accuracy on June 1, 2026
Interactive Tool

Where Does It Hurt?

Click a region on the body to see the most common causes of pain there, the red-flag symptoms that mean you should see a doctor first, and the best acupressure points and guides to try. Built as a starting point — not a diagnosis.

HeadFaceNeckShoulderShoulderChestAbdomenBack(opposite side — bladder meridian)ArmHandHandLegLegFootFoot

Tap or click a region

How Do You Use This Map?

  • Start where it hurts: tap the matching body region to see what commonly causes that discomfort and which acupressure points are worth trying.
  • Read the "See a doctor if" list first. Acupressure is for everyday tension and minor discomfort — it is not a substitute for medical care.
  • Click any point card to open the full guide with exact location, how to press, and how long to hold.
  • If you feel pain in several regions at once, the condition guides (headache, back pain, sleep, anxiety, nausea) show complete routines that combine points across the body.
  • Prefer browsing by anatomy? The interactive atlas organizes the same twelve regions with point location guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a medical diagnostic tool?
No. It maps common everyday causes of pain and the red-flag symptoms that need a doctor's attention, based on how acupressure practitioners and primary care generally categorize these complaints. It cannot replace an examination.
Why does the map show the back as the opposite side?
The most important back points sit along the Bladder meridian in two lines beside the spine, so the back is drawn separately with a dashed outline for clarity.
I have chest pain. Should I press a point?
If chest pain comes with sweating, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to the jaw or arm, seek emergency care immediately — do not delay to try acupressure. For mild stress-related tightness, the chest region guide shows gentle points, and the anxiety guide offers a full routine.
Which region should a beginner start with?
The hand and foot regions. Their points are easy to find and reach, and they cover common needs such as headaches, nausea, stress, and sleep.

Acupressure has been evaluated in clinical trials for pain, nausea, anxiety, and sleep, with evidence described as promising but requiring further high-quality research.

— Song HJ, Seo HJ, Lee H, Son H, Choi SM, Lee S. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2015;23(1):68-78. PMID 25637155.

Verifiable sources

  1. Song HJ, Seo HJ, Lee H, Son H, Choi SM, Lee S. Effect of self-acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2015;23(1):68-78. PMID 25637155 · DOI
  2. Lee EJ, Frazier SK. The efficacy of acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2011;42(4):589-603. PMID 21531533 · DOI

Evidence for acupressure from published systematic reviews.