In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), internal heat can show up in many ways — agitation, sleeplessness, irritability, night sweats, or even skin outbreaks. It is a condition of excess Yang energy and can be triggered by emotional stress, overwork, hot weather, or even diet. When the body runs too hot on the inside, we not only feel physically uncomfortable but emotionally off-center as well.

Thankfully, TCM offers simple tools to help bring the system back into balance. Acupressure, a gentle form of manual therapy that stimulates acupuncture points without needles, can be an accessible and effective way to release excess heat and settle the mind. These techniques are safe to try at home and can be particularly helpful in the summer or during any time of emotional unrest.

Below are five reliable points I often recommend when someone is feeling overheated, mentally overstimulated, or emotionally stirred up. You don’t need any equipment — just clean hands and a few quiet minutes.

1. Heart 7 (Shenmen) — Spirit Gate

Location: On the wrist crease, in line with the little finger, just at the outer end of the crease.

This point is one of the most important in calming the Heart and settling the Shen, or spirit. Heart 7 is especially helpful for those who feel emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, or have trouble sleeping due to a racing mind. Press gently using your thumb for 1 to 2 minutes on each wrist while breathing slowly. Use circular or steady pressure and focus on relaxing the chest and jaw while doing so.

2. Pericardium 8 (Lao Gong) — Palace of Labor

Location: In the center of the palm, where the middle finger touches when you make a loose fist.

This powerful point clears heat from the Heart and Pericardium channels and is excellent for emotional heat or restlessness. It is often used for anxiety, insomnia, and heat rising symptoms like irritability or red face. You can press or rub this point in both palms using the thumb of the opposite hand. It is especially effective when paired with slow exhalation and quiet surroundings.

3. Large Intestine 11 (Quchi) — Pool at the Bend

Location: At the outer end of the elbow crease, when the elbow is flexed at 90 degrees.

This is a major point for clearing heat from the body, especially when there is visible redness or inflammation. It can be used for skin rashes, fevers, or a general sense of internal overheating. Apply firm pressure or massage in circular motion for 1 minute on each arm. If you are prone to overheating in hot weather, this point can also be used preventatively.

4. Kidney 1 (Yongquan) — Gushing Spring

Location: On the sole of the foot, in the depression just below the ball of the foot between the second and third toes.

When internal Fire rises too high, grounding it through the Kidney channel can bring immediate relief. Kidney 1 helps pull heat downward, calms overthinking, and reconnects us to our physical body. Apply gentle pressure using your thumb or the knuckle of your index finger for about 2 minutes on each foot. This point is also useful when there is dizziness, insomnia, or emotional overload.

5. Liver 2 (Xingjian) — Moving Between

Location: On the top of the foot, between the first and second toes, in the webbing just before it meets the bones.

Liver 2 is used to disperse Liver heat, especially when emotions like frustration or anger are involved. It is great for when you feel “pent up” or reactive. This point helps circulate Qi and relieve that heated stagnation that can show up as emotional tension or even headaches. Apply pressure to each foot for about a minute using slow, steady touch.

Tips for Using These Points Effectively

• Choose 1 or 2 points and work with them daily for a week
• Always breathe deeply and slowly while pressing the points
• Apply moderate pressure — it should feel firm but not painful
• Use the practice as a moment to pause and reconnect with your body

Remember, acupressure works best as a regular, intentional practice. You are not just pressing points — you are guiding your energy back into balance with each breath and touch. The goal is not to fix yourself quickly, but to listen, support, and soften what’s been running too hot for too long.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed from work, overstimulated by heat, or emotionally drained, give your system a chance to cool down and reset. Acupressure can be a subtle but powerful ally on that path.

Warm hands, quiet breath, and a few minutes of stillness can do more than you think.

Stay steady, and let your Heart rest —

Jake