Introduction
Experiencing nasal congestion from seasonal changes or a cold is really inconvenient. When your nose is blocked, your sleep is disrupted, your concentration drops, and your quality of life deteriorates rapidly. Especially if you don’t want to rely on medications, or if you’re suffering from long-term nasal congestion due to allergic rhinitis, you’re probably looking for a natural solution.
In traditional Chinese medicine, nasal congestion is viewed as poor qi and blood circulation around the nasal cavity. By stimulating specific acupoints distributed around the nose, face, and neck, we can promote blood circulation and ease inflammatory responses, naturally improving nasal breathing. The five acupoints introduced in this article are clinically proven to relieve nasal congestion, and since they can be easily stimulated with your fingers, self-acupressure is possible anytime, anywhere.
Five Acupoints to Relieve Nasal Congestion
1. Yingxiang (LI20) — The Representative Acupoint for Nasal Congestion
Location: Outside the nostril, at the point where the nasolabial fold ends (2 total, one on each side)
Acupressure method: Use the tip of your index or middle finger to press vertically upward on the side of the nostril for about 10 seconds, then release. Repeat this 5 times. When nasal congestion is severe, you can also gently massage in circular motions.
Benefits: Yingxiang means “facial impression area” and is the acupoint closest to the nose. In traditional Chinese medicine, it belongs to the Large Intestine Meridian (Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel). It reduces congestion of the nasal mucosa and widens the nasal passage. You can expect immediate effects on runny nose and nasal congestion in the early stages of a cold, making it the most efficient acupoint.
2. Yintang (EX-HN3) — The Mysterious Acupoint Between the Eyebrows
Location: The center between the two eyebrows, i.e., between the brows (1 total)
Acupressure method: Bring your index and middle fingers together and slowly press the area between the eyebrows vertically, maintaining gentle pressure for about 30 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this 3-4 times.
Benefits: Yintang is a special acupoint where the Governing Vessel and several facial meridians meet. It greatly improves blood circulation around the nose and eyes, relieving not only nasal congestion but also headaches and fatigue. By increasing blood flow to the brain, it’s also effective for restoring concentration.
3. Tongtian (BL7) — The Acupoint That Opens the Passage of the Forehead
Location: About 1.5 cm above the area between the eyebrows, in the center of the forehead (1 total) or 1.5 cm to the left and right of the area between the eyebrows (some interpretations include 2 points)
Acupressure method: Slowly press with the tip of your thumb while maintaining pressure for 30 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this 3-4 times. A slight sensation of tenderness is appropriate.
Benefits: Tongtian, belonging to the Bladder Meridian (Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel), fulfills its role like the character “open”—unblocking what is obstructed. It’s particularly effective for nasal congestion caused by allergic rhinitis, and it restores nasal sensation through stimulation of the olfactory nerve.
4. Fengchi (GB20) — The Hidden Powerful Acupoint at the Back of the Neck
Location: In the hollow between two prominent muscles below the base of the skull at the back of the neck (2 total, one on each side)
Acupressure method: Simultaneously press with both thumbs for 5 seconds and rest for 2 seconds. Repeat this 5 times. You can also massage slowly in circular motions to relax the neck muscles.
Benefits: Fengchi means “where wind gathers,” and in traditional Chinese medicine, it’s the best acupoint for expelling pathogenic wind. It relieves tension in the neck muscles to improve blood flow to the nasal cavity, and it’s excellent for preventing early symptoms of colds.
5. Hegu (LI4) — The All-Purpose Acupoint That Circulates Qi and Blood Throughout the Body
Location: In the hollow between the thumb and index finger (2 total, one on each side)
Acupressure method: Slowly press with the opposite thumb to the point of mild discomfort, holding for 30 seconds, then release. Repeat this 3 times on both hands. Start gently at first and gradually increase the pressure.
Benefits: Hegu is called the “universal acupoint” and is the representative acupoint of the Large Intestine Meridian (Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel). It improves blood circulation around the face and nose, and through enhanced immunity, it’s effective for both cold prevention and nasal congestion relief. Because it helps qi and blood circulation throughout the body, it increases our body’s natural healing power overall.
5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine — Effective Order and Time Distribution
Preparation (30 seconds): Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Rub your hands together to warm them and promote blood circulation.
Step 1: Yingxiang (60 seconds)
Apply acupressure to both sides of the nostrils a total of 20 times. (10 times on each side, 3 seconds each time)
Step 2: Yintang (45 seconds)
Apply acupressure to the area between the eyebrows 3-4 times repeatedly. (Hold for 30 seconds each time)
Step 3: Tongtian (45 seconds)
Apply acupressure to the center of the forehead 3-4 times repeatedly. (Hold for 30 seconds each time)
Step 4: Fengchi (60 seconds)
Apply acupressure to the back of the neck with both thumbs 5 times repeatedly. (5 seconds of pressure + 2 seconds of rest each time)
Step 5: Hegu (60 seconds)
Apply acupressure to Hegu on both hands, 3 times each. (Hold for 30 seconds each time)
Finishing (30 seconds): Take a deep breath in through your nose to normalize your breathing. Drink a sip of warm water to replenish fluids.
💡 Tip: When nasal congestion is severe, repeat the above routine 2-3 times a day. It’s most effective when performed right after waking in the morning, during lunch time, and before bedtime. If practiced regularly, it not only improves symptoms but also helps prevent recurrent nasal congestion.
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