What is Yingxiang (LI19)?
Yingxiang (迎香, LI19) is an acupoint belonging to the Large Intestine meridian and is one of the important acupoints in the meridian system. Yingxiang, which means “welcomes fragrance,” is located in an area where sensory nerves of the face are concentrated, making it effective in alleviating various ENT symptoms such as pain around the nostrils, nosebleeds, and nasal congestion. In particular, it is the first acupoint used when symptoms related to the nose occur.
How to Find the Exact Location
Step-by-Step Location Finding:
1. Start with your face facing forward in a relaxed, comfortable state.
2. Follow a line extending from the tip of your nose to both sides, and find the most outer rounded part of the nostril.
3. Yingxiang is located at the point where the outer side of the nostril meets the outer end of the groove under the nose (philtrum).
4. There is one acupoint on each side of the face, for a total of 2 Yingxiang acupoints.
5. When you press with your finger and feel slight pain or a blunt sensation, you have found the correct location.
Acupressure Method
Basic Acupressure Technique:
1. Sit in a comfortable position and keep your face facing forward.
2. Gently place the index finger or middle finger of both hands on the Yingxiang acupoint.
3. Slowly press vertically approximately 5-7mm to create depth.
4. While maintaining pressure for 3-5 seconds, massage by drawing small circles in a circular motion.
5. Gradually release pressure and remove your fingers.
6. Repeat the same process on both sides 3 times, or perform 5-10 times depending on your symptoms.
7. It is important to avoid excessive pressure and proceed within a pain-free range.
Main Effects
- Nosebleed Prevention and Relief: It improves blood circulation in the nose to quickly calm nosebleed symptoms.
- Nasal Congestion Relief: It stimulates nerves and blood vessels around the nose to improve nasal airway patency.
- Facial Pain Relief: It relieves tension in the trigeminal nerve area to alleviate headaches, migraines, and facial neuralgia.
- Nasal Itching Improvement: It quickly soothes nasal itching caused by allergic rhinitis.
- Improved Sense of Smell: It stimulates the olfactory nerve to enhance the ability to smell.
When Is It Best to Apply Acupressure?
Optimal Times and Situations:
Yingxiang is most effective when acupressure is applied immediately upon symptom onset. It is beneficial to use it as first aid when the nose feels stuffy or painful, or when a nosebleed occurs. During allergy season or cold season, it is recommended to apply acupressure regularly 2-3 times a day for prevention. Particularly, if the nose is very congested upon waking in the morning, applying acupressure immediately after waking is effective, and applying it before bedtime at night can help you sleep comfortably throughout the night. It is safe to repeat the acupressure up to 5-10 times a day when nasal symptoms are severe.
Precautions
Important Precautions for Safe Acupressure:
When applying acupressure to Yingxiang, excessive force can damage nasal tissue, so always maintain gentle pressure. Be careful not to scratch the skin with your fingernails, and wash your hands thoroughly before acupressure to prevent infection. If there is inflammation or the skin is damaged, it is best to avoid acupressure. For chronic rhinitis or serious nasal conditions, acupressure alone has limitations, so it is recommended to also consult with a healthcare professional. For pregnant women or those with specific medical conditions, it is recommended to proceed only after consulting with a healthcare professional.
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