Where are the traditional Chinese medicine massage points for thyroid nodules?

Dec 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, traditional Chinese medicine massage for regulating thyroid nodules commonly involves acupoints such as Tian Tu (CV 22), Ren Ying (ST 9), Feng Chi (GB 20), He Gu (LI 4), and Tai Chong (LR 3). Stimulating these points can help unblock meridians and regulate qi to dissipate nodules. When performing massage on these areas, it is important to observe contraindications and precautions, control the pressure applied, and avoid excessive force that could damage local tissues.

Generally, traditional Chinese medicine massage for regulating thyroid nodules commonly involves the following acupoints: Tianyu (CV 22), Renying (ST 9), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4), and Taichong (LR 3). Stimulating these points can help unblock meridians and regulate qi to disperse nodules. Specific details are as follows:

1. **Tianyu (CV 22)**: Located on the anterior midline of the neck, in the central depression of the suprasternal fossa. Massaging this point helps unblock meridians in the neck region, alleviates stagnation of qi in the thyroid area, and may assist in relieving symptoms such as chest tightness and a foreign body sensation in the throat caused by nodules.

2. **Renying (ST 9)**: Situated at the level of the laryngeal prominence, anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, beside the pulsation of the common carotid artery, approximately 0.5 cun lateral. This acupoint is close to the thyroid gland; massaging it promotes blood and qi circulation in the neck, regulates local qi flow, and helps relieve neck discomfort associated with thyroid nodules.

3. **Fengchi (GB 20)**: Found in the posterior neck region, beneath the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper ends of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. Massaging Fengchi helps dispel wind, regulate qi, and unblock meridians. It can assist in relieving accompanying symptoms such as dizziness and neck stiffness related to thyroid disorders.

4. **Hegu (LI 4)**: Located on the dorsum of the hand, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. As a commonly used point for clearing heat and regulating qi, massaging Hegu helps release exterior pathogens, disperse wind, regulate qi, and resolve nodules. It aids in balancing the body's overall qi flow, thereby indirectly improving the condition of thyroid nodules.

5. **Taichong (LR 3)**: Found on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression just anterior to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones. Taichong is a key point for soothing the liver and regulating qi. In traditional Chinese medicine, thyroid nodules are often associated with liver qi stagnation. Massaging this point helps relieve liver constraint, regulate qi, promote blood circulation, and assist in resolving nodule-related issues.

When performing massage on these points, it is important to observe contraindications and precautions. Massage pressure should be controlled to avoid excessive force that could damage local tissues. For larger nodules or cases accompanied by other abnormalities, professional medical treatment should be sought, and proper massage techniques must be strictly followed.

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