The Role of Acupressure and Acupuncture in Liver Health
What’s the difference between acupressure and acupuncture, and what is their place in helping liver health?
Living a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in protecting or enhancing your liver’s ability to function efficiently. But if you want to go one step further and feel drawn to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), you may be considering acupressure and/or acupuncture for improved liver health.
Here we explore each one’s role, starting with how these two forms of TCM are different in case you’re unfamiliar with these practices.
Acupressure vs. Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?
Acupressure and acupuncture have similar names, which makes them easy to confuse. They also both involve the stimulation of certain body points to promote self-healing and improve energy flow (called qi or chi), adding to the confusion. So, how are they different?
- Acupressure is a non-invasive form of TCM that involves applying pressure to specific areas of the body either with one’s hands (usually the fingers or palms) or with the help of specially designed tools.
- Acupuncture is a more invasive form of TCM in that it involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points in the skin, some being inserted more deeply to achieve therapeutic effects.
The Role of Each Therapy in Liver Health
Acupressure can help with a variety of conditions, including various types of pain, digestive issues, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and menstrual cramps. (1)
Acupuncture is also beneficial for pain, as well as helping with numerous emotional, gynecological, digestive, musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory issues, and even potentially assisting with stroke rehabilitation. (2)
But what role do these therapies play in liver health?
How Acupressure Impacts the Liver
Acupressure helps restore the balance between yin and yang, and one of the organs that yin meridians connect is the liver.
A January 2025 review states that an imbalance in functioning between the liver and other organs can contribute to health issues, so restoring balance and improving flow helps improve health, such as by supporting good vision while also promoting blood circulation. (3)
Can acupressure cure fatty liver or other liver diseases?
According to a February 2025 study, it may help. This research involved 100 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD — which has been renamed to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD.
Roughly half received routine intervention and the rest participated in TCM therapy which included acupressure. Liver function indicators were significantly improved and considerably better in the TCM group.
Researchers concluded that this form of therapy can effectively restore liver function, among other improvements. (4)
Can Acupuncture Improve Liver Function?
Research looks promising. For instance, one review of eight different trials found that acupuncture treatment was superior to conventional medicine in improving the clinical effectiveness of NAFLD treatments. It also provided benefits in participants’ liver enzymes and cholesterol levels. (5)
A different review looked at acupuncture’s effects on people with pain due to liver cancer. This analysis published in the World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine reported that acupuncture was superior to Western medicine and effectively improved cancer pain. It was also faster-acting, provided longer-term relief, and prevented relapse while having significantly fewer adverse reactions. (6)
Incorporating Acupressure and Acupuncture into Your Liver Health Plan
Based on studies such as these, finding ways to incorporate acupressure and acupuncture into your life can help support your liver’s health.
The nice thing about acupressure is you can do it yourself, multiple times throughout the day. Just follow some basic guidelines, such as applying pressure that is firm but don’t push so hard that it causes pain. (7)
What are the best acupressure points for the liver? There are three: (8)
- The Liver 3 (LV 3) acupressure points, which are located on the top of the foot, in the depressed area between the top of the first and second toes.
2. The Liver 14 (LV 14) acupressure points, which can be found directly below the nipples, at the bottom of the sternum.
3. The Gallbladder 20 (GB 20) acupressure points, which are at the base of the skull, in the hollows between the ears and spine.
Apply pressure and massage each of these points in a circular motion for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
You can also seek out a qualified acupuncture therapist and let them know your desire to optimize your liver’s health. By placing the needles strategically, these professionals can help improve flow between the liver and other organs.
Natural Wellness also offers a variety of liver support supplements designed to promote health and function in this important organ. Check them out to find one that may be right for you!
(1) American Institute of Alternative Medicine. (2023, May 11). 8 Amazing Benefits of Acupressure. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https://www.aiam.edu/acupuncture/acupressure-benefits/
(2) Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Acupuncture. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
(3) Ramdaniati, S., et al. (2025, January 26). Acupressure Intervention for Children: A Scoping Review. Belitung Nursing Journal. PMID: 39877220
(4) Zhang, L., et al. (2025, February). The Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Sequential Therapy in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. PMID: 39926655
(5) Chen, P., et al. (2021, September 24). The Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Medicine. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000027050
(6) Zhang, X.W., et al. (2022, July-September). Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture for Pain Caused by Liver Cancer. World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. doi:10.4103/2311-8571.351510
(7) Fred Hutch Cancer Center. (2024, September). Acupressure for Anxiety. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https://patient-education.seattlecca.org/documents/Acupressure%20for%20Anxiety.pdf
(8) Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Center. (2021, April 9). How to Balance Your Liver Energy During the Spring (Part 2): Acupressure Points. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https://www.tcmhealingcenter.com/post/how-to-balance-your-liver-energy-during-the-spring-part-2-acupressure-points
About the Author
Christina M. DeBusk, BS is an accomplished health writer and editor with a passion for natural wellness, disease prevention, and holistic treatment options. With certifications as a Nutrition Specialist, Personal Trainer, and Transformation Specialist, Christina brings a wealth of expertise to her writing. Her articles have been featured in numerous health-related publications both online and in print including Woman’s Day, Massage Magazine, Country Living, Chiropractic Economics, and Very Well Mind, empowering readers to lead healthier lives through informed choices and natural solutions.
