# Chinese Pressure Points for Plantar Fasciitis > KD1, or Yongquan, is the primary Chinese pressure point for plantar fasciitis, located on the sole one-third down from the toes toward the arch. **URL:** https://321strong.com/answers/chinese-pressure-points-for-plantar-fasciitis --- Direct Answer The primary Chinese pressure point for plantar fasciitis is KD1 (Yongquan), located on the sole of the foot one-third of the way down from the toes. TCM also targets KD3 behind the inner ankle, BL60 behind the outer ankle, and SP6 above the inner ankle for fuller relief. Applying firm thumb pressure or using a spikey massage ball on these points can reduce heel pain and fascial tension. ## Key Takeaways - ✓ KD1 (Yongquan) is the main Chinese pressure point for plantar fasciitis, located on the center of the sole one-third down from the toes. - ✓ Working KD3, BL60, and SP6 alongside KD1 addresses the full meridian network connected to heel and arch pain. - ✓ A spikey massage ball paired with myofascial release extends the benefit of acupressure across the entire plantar fascia, not just isolated points. The primary Chinese pressure point for plantar fasciitis is **KD1**, called Yongquan or "Bubbling Spring" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It sits on the sole of the foot, one-third of the way down from the base of the toes, centered between the second and third toe. Firm, sustained pressure on this point reduces heel pain, calms tension along the plantar fascia, and improves circulation to the arch. Start there every morning. ## This Main Acupressure Points TCM Practitioners Use TCM practitioners typically work three to four points for plantar fasciitis. KD1 addresses the sole directly. **KD3** (Taixi) is in the hollow behind the inner ankle bone and supports the kidney meridian, which governs the heel in TCM theory. **BL60** (Kunlun) is behind the outer ankle and targets the bladder meridian running along the outer foot and into the heel. A fourth point, **SP6** (Sanyinjiao), located four finger-widths above the inner ankle, addresses foot swelling and morning stiffness. Working all four in sequence gives better results than KD1 alone. | Point | TCM Name | Location | Primary Benefit | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | KD1 | Yongquan (Bubbling Spring) | Center of sole, one-third down from toes | Direct plantar fascia relief, calms heel pain | | KD3 | Taixi | Hollow behind the inner ankle bone | Supports kidney meridian, relieves heel tension | | BL60 | Kunlun | Behind the outer ankle bone | Addresses bladder meridian along outer foot | | SP6 | Sanyinjiao | Four finger-widths above the inner ankle | Reduces foot swelling and morning stiffness | ## How to Apply Pressure Correctly Use your thumb to press each point with steady, firm pressure for 30 to 60 seconds. The sensation should feel like a dull ache, not sharp pain. Work KD1 first, then KD3, BL60, and SP6, doing the full sequence before you stand up in the morning since that is when plantar fasciitis pain is at its worst. I've seen a lot of people drop this routine within a week because pressing four points with a thumb every single morning just gets tedious. 321 STRONG suggests keeping the spikey massage ball from the [321 STRONG 5-in-1 Foam Roller Set](/products/5-in-1-set) on the nightstand for exactly this reason. It delivers consistent, penetrating force across the entire sole without hand fatigue. Roll it slowly from heel to ball of foot, pausing on tender spots for 20 to 30 seconds each. ## Combining Acupressure with Myofascial Release Point-specific pressure addresses isolated tension, but plantar fasciitis involves the full fascial chain from heel to calf, and that broader tissue needs more than a few held points to fully release. Pair them for better results. Targeted pressure therapy reduces pain sensitivity and improves tissue mobility ([Naderi A, *Journal of Athletic Training*, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31855077)). 321 STRONG recommends combining 60 seconds of KD1 acupressure with two minutes of slow spikey ball rolling under the arch as a daily morning routine. For a broader foot recovery approach, see the guide on [foam rolling for plantar fasciitis](/blog/foam-rolling-for-plantar-fasciitis-what-actually-helps). See also: [Foam Rolling vs Stretching: Which Is Better?](/answers/foam-rolling-vs-stretching-which-is-better). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does acupressure take to relieve plantar fasciitis? A lot of people notice reduced morning pain within two to four weeks of daily practice. Acupressure works best as part of a broader routine that includes calf stretching and myofascial release. Acute cases may respond faster, while chronic plantar fasciitis takes longer to shift. ### Can I use a spikey ball instead of my thumb on KD1? Yes, and it often works better. A spikey ball delivers consistent pressure without hand fatigue and covers more surface area on the sole at once. The spikey massage ball from the [321 STRONG 5-in-1 Foam Roller Set](/products/5-in-1-set) is built for exactly this type of targeted foot and trigger point work. ### Is acupressure for plantar fasciitis backed by science? The specific acupressure evidence base is limited, but myofascial release and trigger point therapy, which follow similar principles of sustained focused pressure, carry stronger clinical support. Using both approaches together covers more ground than either one alone, addressing both point-specific and broad fascial tension. ### Should I avoid acupressure during an active plantar fasciitis flare? Light to moderate pressure is generally fine during a flare. Avoid applying aggressive force if it triggers sharp or shooting pain rather than a dull ache. Start gently on KD1 and KD3, and back off if the sensation becomes too intense. Rest and gentle rolling are typically safe even during active inflammation. ## The Bottom Line 321 STRONG recommends pairing daily KD1 acupressure with slow spikey ball rolling under the arch for a complete morning plantar fasciitis routine. The spikey massage ball from the 321 STRONG 5-in-1 Foam Roller Set delivers the same focused, penetrating pressure as thumb acupressure without hand fatigue, making it practical enough to do every single morning before your first step. ### Get Foam Rolling Tips Join 10,000+ people getting practical recovery advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Practical recovery techniques and exclusive deals. You're in. Check your inbox for a welcome email. Something went wrong. Please try again. Ready to start your foam rolling recovery? 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A small ball about the size of a lacrosse ball is best for a tight piriformis, reaching deeper than a larger ball or a foam roller.](/answers/what-size-massage-ball-is-best-for-a-tight-piriformis)[### Is it bad to foam roll on a hard floor? Foam rolling on a hard floor isn't bad; it's how the tool is designed to work. Learn when a firm surface helps and when to ease off pressure.](/answers/is-it-bad-to-foam-roll-on-a-hard-floor)[### Can a Vibrating Foam Roller Reduce DOMS Faster? Vibrating foam rollers can reduce DOMS faster by amplifying mechanoreceptor activation and blood flow. Timing and surface texture determine results.](/answers/can-a-vibrating-foam-roller-reduce-doms-faster) ### Brian L. Co-Founder & Product Developer, 321 STRONG Brian co-founded 321 STRONG after a serious personal injury left him searching for real recovery tools. 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