Jiache (ST3) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Technique

What is ST3?

ST3 is an acupoint belonging to the Stomach Meridian (足陽明胃經), and it is an important point where Stomach qi gathers on the face. In traditional Eastern medicine, it is widely used to relieve facial pain, swelling, and rhinitis symptoms, and is effective in improving various symptoms in the face where many nerves are distributed.

How to Find the Exact Location

Step 1: Look in a mirror and find the area directly below your pupil.
Step 2: Find a point next to your nose at the same height as the lower edge of your nostril.
Step 3: Going slightly above that point, the hollow area below the cheekbone is ST3.
Tip: The exact location is the point where you feel a dull ache when you press with your finger at the depression area right next to the nostril and below the cheekbone.

Acupressure Method

Basic Acupressure Method:
1. Sit in a comfortable position with your face facing forward.
2. Use the tips of both index fingers to locate the ST3 acupoint.
3. Apply pressure slowly in a vertical direction and press steadily for 3-5 seconds.
4. Slowly release the pressure and rest for 2-3 seconds.
5. Repeat this 10 times.
Intensity: The appropriate level is when you feel a slight soreness and distension sensation along with some relief.
Tip: The effect is better when you press both sides simultaneously using your index fingers.

Main Effects

• Toothache Relief: As a Stomach meridian point, it quickly relieves pain related to tooth disease.
• Facial Pain Improvement: It is effective for various facial pain including facial neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia.
• Nasal Congestion Relief: It improves nasal congestion caused by rhinitis and sinusitis and promotes nasal circulation.
• Facial Swelling Reduction: It reduces facial swelling and brightens the complexion.
• Eye Fatigue Relief: As a point around the eye area, it also helps relieve eye fatigue and elevated intraocular pressure.

When to Press

Optimal Times: It is most effective after waking up and washing your face in the morning, or before bed in the evening.
Recommended Situations: When experiencing severe toothache, nasal congestion, facial swelling and heaviness, facial pulling or numbness, or facial tension from stress
Frequency: It is effective to press 2-3 times per day, 10 times each session. You can press more frequently when symptoms are severe.

Precautions

When to Avoid: Avoid pressing when you have wounds or inflammation on your face or facial skin conditions.
Caution During Pressing: Avoid excessive pressure and be careful not to cause injury with your fingernails.
Pregnant Women: Facial acupoints are safe, but apply gentler pressure.
Medical Consultation: If severe pain persists or you have unexplained swelling, consult a medical professional for diagnosis.