Relieving Chest Pain and Facial Pain Simultaneously – Acupressure Techniques for 5 Key Acupoints

Why Does Pain Appear in Both the Chest and Face at the Same Time?

Pain appearing simultaneously in the chest and face is a signal that your body’s qi (energy) flow is blocked. The main causes include stress-related tension, poor posture, and thoracic compression.

In Traditional Oriental Medicine, this is viewed as an energy circulation problem in the thoracic meridians. Since the pericardium meridian and large intestine meridian are connected, qi stagnation in the chest manifests as facial pain. Therefore, to relieve both symptoms simultaneously, you need to stimulate acupoints that normalize this pathway.

5 Acupoints for Relieving Chest and Facial Pain – Comparison Table

Detailed Explanation and Acupressure Techniques for Each Acupoint

1. Hegu (合谷, LI4) – First Choice for Facial Pain

Exact Location: When you spread your thumb and index finger apart, Hegu is the indented area between them. It is located at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone, at the highest point of the bone when your fingers are spread.

Effects: This acupoint directly alleviates facial and head pain through the large intestine meridian. It is especially effective for migraines, facial pain, and temporomandibular joint pain, while simultaneously relieving chest tightness caused by stress.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. Locate Hegu with the opposite thumb.
2. Press firmly (medium pressure) for 5 seconds without causing pain.
3. Perform rotating massage in circular motions for 30 seconds.
4. Release, rest for 3 seconds, then press again. Repeat 10 times.
5. Perform on both hands (approximately 2 minutes per session).

Clinical Observation: Many people experience immediate relief of facial tension and a sense of ease right after pressing Hegu. Particularly for stress-related facial pain, rapid results appear.

2. Neiguan (內關, PC6) – Stabilizing the Heart’s Unstable Qi

Exact Location: On the inner side of the wrist, approximately 2 cun (width of two fingers) away in the direction of the forearm. It is located at the center, between the two tendons (palmaris longus tendon and flexor carpi radialis tendon) of the wrist.

Effects: This acupoint directly regulates the pericardium meridian, stabilizing the heart’s unstable energy. It relieves chest tightness, chest pain, and anxiety simultaneously, while promoting blood circulation to the face to reduce facial pain.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. Using the opposite thumb, locate the point approximately 2 cun from the wrist crease toward the forearm.
2. Press gently and softly, just touching the bone (light pressure).
3. Press for 5 seconds, then slowly release.
4. Rest for 3 seconds, then press again. Repeat 10 times.
5. Perform on both sides (approximately 3 minutes per session).
6. Stimulate 2-3 times daily, especially when feeling tense.

Clinical Observation: Neiguan is so well-known for its stabilizing effects that it is used in motion sickness medications. It rapidly stabilizes the body’s unstable qi. The effect is particularly noticeable when experiencing chest flutter or heart palpitations.

3. Tianzhong (膻中, CV17) – Key Acupoint for Chest Pain Relief

Exact Location: At the center of the sternum, at the point where the line connecting both nipples meets the sternum (the 4th intercostal space). It is located at the center of the chest and has clear anatomical landmarks, making it relatively easy to find.

Effects: As the central acupoint of the Conception Vessel (an important energy pathway), it directly regulates the qi of the heart and lungs. It immediately relieves chest tightness, breathing difficulty, and heart palpitations, while simultaneously smoothing the flow of qi toward the face to reduce facial pain.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position and locate the center of the sternum.
2. Place the middle fingers of both hands overlapping on Tianzhong.
3. Take a deep breath, then slowly exhale while gently pressing.
4. After completely exhaling, slowly release and take a deep breath.
5. Repeat 10-15 times.
6. Perform 1-2 times daily, or apply additional stimulation as needed.

Clinical Observation: Since Tianzhong directly involves pressing on the chest, patients with chest pain often experience the most immediate effects at this acupoint. You can experience deepening breathing and relief of thoracic compression.

4. Lieque (列缺, LU7) – Key Lung Meridian Acupoint for Promoting Qi Circulation

Exact Location: On the inner side of the wrist, approximately 1.5 cun (width of one and a half fingers) from the wrist crease toward the forearm. It is located directly above the radial styloid process (the bony prominence on the wrist).

Effects: As a key acupoint of the lung meridian, it regulates the respiratory system and promotes qi circulation throughout the entire body. It simultaneously relieves chest tightness and facial swelling and facial pain, while loosening tight muscles around the neck and face.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. First confirm the location of the radial styloid process on the wrist (the bone that moves when you rotate your wrist).
2. Using the opposite thumb, locate the point directly above this position.
3. Press deeply, but reduce pressure if there is pain.
4. Perform rotating massage in circular motions for 3-5 minutes.
5. Massage for an additional 1-2 minutes while gently rotating your hand.
6. Perform 1-2 times daily.

Clinical Observation: Lieque is a relatively deep acupoint requiring sufficient pressure. When stimulated correctly, breathing deepens and you feel the tension release from the neck.

5. Xinshu (心兪, BL15) – Important Heart Function Acupoint on the Back

Exact Location: At the center of the back, approximately 1.5 cun (width of two fingers) lateral to the inferior border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra. It is located on the inner side of both scapulae, at approximately shoulder height rather than waist level.

Effects: As an important acupoint of the bladder meridian, it directly strengthens heart function. It relieves chest pain, heart palpitations, and insomnia, while improving overall qi circulation in the body to relieve facial pain and stiffness.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. Since self-stimulation is difficult, use a tennis ball or massage ball.
2. Place the tennis ball against your back and lean against a wall, positioning the ball over Xinshu.
3. Slowly apply your body weight to stimulate (reduce pressure if there is pain).
4. Repeat applying light pressure for 3-5 minutes and then releasing.
5. Alternatively, use both middle fingers to slowly massage the area with gentle pressure.
6. Perform once daily, in the evening, to improve sleep quality.

Clinical Observation: Xinshu is located deep in the back, requiring sufficient pressure. Using a tennis ball provides accurate and consistent stimulation, making it effective. Many people experience improved chest comfort and deeper sleep after stimulating this acupoint.

Integrated Acupressure Routine for 5 Acupoints

Preparation Stage: Sit or lie in a comfortable position and take 3 deep, slow breaths. It is important not to rush through the process.

Stage 1 (2 minutes) – Acupoints on the Hands: Stimulate Hegu on both hands simultaneously. Use your thumb to press in circular motions, and repeat releasing and re-pressing every 30 seconds. This immediately relieves facial tension.

Stage 2 (3 minutes) – Wrist Acupoints: Stimulate Neiguan on both arms in sequence. Using the opposite thumb, press for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times on each arm. Then massage Lieque for 3-5 minutes.

Stage 3 (2 minutes) – Chest Acupoint: Stimulate the Tianzhong acupoint. Place both hands overlapping on Tianzhong and repeat gentle pressing and releasing 10 times, synchronized with your breathing rhythm. At this stage, you should experience relief of chest tightness.

Stage 4 (5 minutes) – Back Acupoint: Place a tennis ball or massage ball against your back and stimulate Xinshu for 5 minutes. This is more effective when combined with deep breathing.

Closing (1 minute): After completing all stimulation, take 3-5 deep breaths and completely relax your body. Repeating this routine 1-2 times daily will allow you to feel symptom improvement. The most effective times are morning (after waking) and evening (before bedtime).

Additional Tips for Enhancing Effects

Importance of Breathing: Maintain deep, slow breathing throughout the entire acupressure process. If breathing is shallow, the effectiveness of acupressure is cut in half.

Combining with Heat Therapy: Washing your hands with warm water or applying warm compresses before acupressure increases the responsiveness of the acupoints.

Consistency: Symptoms will not completely disappear after a single acupressure session. You should practice consistently for at least 2 weeks to notice improvement.

Pressure Adjustment: The principle is “strong pressure that does not cause pain.” Pressure that is too light will have no effect, and pressure that is too strong will cause muscle tension.

Precautions and Limitations

Other Causes of Chest and Facial Pain

If stimulating the above acupoints does not produce results, you should consider other meridians or causes. Blockage of the triple burner meridian causes pain on the lateral chest, and weakness of the stomach meridian causes a pale complexion and increased pain. In these cases, a different combination of acupoints is needed.

Learn more about acupoints related to the triple burner meridian and stomach meridian. Additionally, cervical spine (neck) posture problems are also a major cause of chest and facial pain, so practicing cervical spine stretching and posture correction together will be even more effective.

When Professional Consultation Is Necessary

Please consult with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or physician if you have the following symptoms:

• Sudden severe chest pain (suspected myocardial infarction)
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• Symptoms not improving after 2 or more weeks of consistent acupressure
• Worsening pain over time
• Appearance of additional symptoms such as facial swelling or rash

Self-treatment is effective for prevention and relief of mild symptoms, but consulting a professional is essential to identify the underlying cause and establish a long-term treatment plan.