pressure point

1a :  an area on the body sensitive to pressure: such as (1) :  a discrete point on the body that when pressed causes pain The technique involves using pressure points along the jaw to cause pain and induce temporary paralysis of the jaw. — Margaret Harding (2) :  a point on the body to which pressure is applied (as in acupressure or reflexology) for therapeutic purposes … an ancient Chinese art and science that uses pressure points in the feet and hands to relax and revitalize the entire body. — Vogueb :  a point on the body where a blood vessel (such as the femoral artery) can be compressed against an underlying bone to slow blood flow and control bleeding … begin controlling bleeding by pressing on pressure points or by applying tourniquets. — Shakava Andresc :  a region of the body where a static position tends to cause circulatory deficiency and the development of bedsores Pressure points of the human body when lying down in bed receive poor blood circulation, which causes the sore. — Mike Cote

2 :  a sensitive critical issue or matter that can be exploited for one's advantage political pressure points