What is ST2?
ST2 is an acupoint belonging to the Stomach meridian. The name “Sa” means 4 and “Baek” means white, referring to its location below the white of the eye. It has been widely used in Oriental medicine for treating eye and facial conditions since ancient times.
How to Find the Exact Location
Step 1: Sit facing forward and align the center of your pupil.
Step 2: Move downward directly below your pupil and find the hollow area in the bone. This is the infra-orbital foramen.
Step 3: About 1 cun (approximately 1cm) below the pupil, in the hollow area of the bone, is ST2.
Finding tip: Press along the area below your eye with your finger, and you’ll feel slight tenderness where the bone is hollow. That’s the correct location.
Acupressure Technique
Preparation: Sit or lie in a comfortable position and relax your facial muscles.
Step 1: Gently place the tip of your ring finger or thumb on the ST2 acupoint.
Step 2: Repeat pressing and releasing vertically. Apply pressure with just enough force to feel warmth without pain.
Step 3: Continue for 1-2 minutes per session, and you can also perform small circular massage movements.
Tip: Applying acupressure to both ST2 points simultaneously is more effective.
Main Benefits
- Eye fatigue relief: Quickly alleviates eye strain from prolonged screen time or reading small text.
- Facial pain relief: Effectively soothes trigeminal neuralgia, facial pain, and pain below the cheekbones.
- Headache improvement: Particularly excellent for relieving headaches around the forehead and eyebrows, and migraines.
- Dizziness relief: Improves dizziness and vertigo caused by inner ear issues.
- Additional benefits: Also helps with sinusitis, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
When Should You Apply Acupressure?
Optimal timing: 1-2 times daily, preferably in the morning and evening. Applying acupressure in the evening when eyes are fatigued helps promote better sleep.
Situational use: Apply during breaks while working on a computer, after using your phone, when a headache starts, or when you feel discomfort wearing glasses. Immediate application is most effective.
Consistency matters: Daily and consistent acupressure maximizes symptom improvement.
Precautions
Situations to avoid: If the area around your eyes is swollen or inflamed, or if you’re undergoing treatment for an eye condition, consult a healthcare professional before proceeding. Pregnant women should avoid excessive stimulation.
Correct technique: Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause skin damage or bruising. Maintain gentle but firm pressure. If discomfort persists after acupressure, stop and consult a professional.
Respect individual differences: Results vary depending on personal constitution and symptom severity. For acute conditions or severe symptoms, always visit a medical facility.
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