The Top Reflexology Points for Women: Fast Relief for Stress, Digestion & Tension

I rediscovered them because of my baby… and now I use them on myself daily. Motherhood has a way of reconnecting you to ancient wisdom you didn’t even realize you had. For me, that wisdom came through my daughter’s tiny feet.

When she was about two months old, her little body struggled with gas. Nights were rough, her belly was tight, and you could tell she wanted relief but didn’t yet have the strength or coordination to move things through. We tried everything- bicycle legs, warm baths, fridamom windis, gas drops and gripe water, but the real shift came when we started learning about infant chiropractic care and reflexology.

One of the biggest discoveries? The soft spot right under her heel is connected to the intestines. A simple, gentle pressure + the right posture helped her pass gas or poop within minutes. (I have the video here if you want to see exactly how to get things moving) It was wild, beautiful, and honestly… kind of magical.

And here’s the part that surprised me: Nine months later, I still rub her feet with intention before bed, especially if her stomach is off or she’s clingy and dysregulated. And recently, while doing her little nightly foot ritual, I caught myself thinking:

“Why am I not doing this for myself?” Why am I not using reflexology and acupressure on my fiancé? Why did I reserve these tools only for my baby when my grown-up nervous system needs just as much support?

So I dove back into the basics, and I want you to know them too. Below are the top 3 acupressure/reflexology points every woman should master; for digestion, relaxation, and pain relief.

1. Digestion Support: Stomach + Intestinal Point

Location: You have two great options:

• On the bottom of your foot, just below the ball of the foot and above the heel

• Or on the outer side of the knee, near the tibia (a classic digestion acupressure point called ST36).

Why it works:

These points influence the stomach, intestines, and overall flow of energy through your digestive tract. When stimulated, they help:

• Relieve bloating

• Reduce gas

• Improve motility

• Ease cramps

• Support regular bowel movements

The connection is energetic, neurological, and mechanical, pressure stimulates nerves that signal the gut to relax or activate.

How to do it:

• Apply firm, circular pressure for 1–2 minutes

• Breathe deeply, inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly

• Aim to relax your belly, not tighten it

• After meals or before bed is ideal

I do this while watching TV, winding down, or even in the shower.

2. Deep Relaxation; The Third Point Along the Spine

Location:

This point sits on either side of the spine, around the level of the third vertebra down from the base of the neck. Think of the tender notch between your shoulders.

Why it works:

This point is powerful for:

• Nervous system regulation

• Releasing shoulder + neck tension

• Calming the mind

• Signaling “safety” to the body

• Easing anxiety or overwhelm

When pressed, it communicates with the parasympathetic nervous system; the system that helps the body rest, digest, and reset. No wonder babies melt instantly when you rub and pat this area.

How to do it:

• Use your thumbs or fingertips

• Apply steady pressure for 10–20 seconds

• Repeat 3–5 times

• Add slow breaths and drop your shoulders intentionally

  
  

It feels like someone just hit your “off switch” in the best possible way.

3. Pain Relief; The Thumb & Pointer Finger Point (LI4)

Location:

The fleshy web between your thumb and index finger.

Why it works:

This point is a classic for:

• Headaches

• Jaw tension

• Period cramps

• Back pain

• General aches

• Stress + irritability

It helps move stagnant energy, increase circulation, and release endorphins. It’s one of the fastest ways to reset your body’s pain response.

How to do it:

• Squeeze gently but firmly

• Hold for 20–30 seconds

• Switch sides

• Repeat as needed

Fun fact: this is the point many women naturally press during labor contractions.

Why These Methods Work So Well on Babies (And Adults Too)

Babies react so fast to acupressure and reflexology because:

• Their nervous systems are pure and responsive

• They carry less chronic tension

• Their fascia isn’t hardened yet

• Their bodies communicate instantly

But here’s the thing:

Your adult body still knows how to respond.

You’ve just learned to ignore your signals.

When you apply pressure to these points, you’re:

• Calming the vagus nerve

• Increasing blood flow

• Releasing stored tension

• Supporting organ function

• Helping the brain feel safer

It’s the same mechanism, just a more complex body. Babies reminded me of this. Motherhood reconnected me to it.

Get Curious Again

We live in a culture where we reach for medicine or distraction before we reach for our own hands. Your body wants to be touched It wants to be supported. It wants to feel safe in the simplest ways.

So try these three points tonight:

• For your digestion

• For your nervous system

• For pain relief

Experiment. Pay attention. See what shifts. The more you know your own body, the more you can support your child’s. And the more tools you have for moments when life gets crunchy.

xoxoxo Jade Morning