Introduction
As spring arrives, if your nose itches, eyes itch, and sneezing won’t stop, you’re one of millions suffering from allergies. If you don’t want to rely on medication, acupressure on acupoints from traditional Chinese medicine can be a natural solution. This guide will show you 5 key acupoints that relieve allergy symptoms and the exact acupressure methods.
5 Acupoints Effective for Allergies
1. Quchi (LI11)
Location: Located at the outer end of the crease that forms when you bend your elbow. Bend your arm naturally, then find the outer end of the elbow crease.
Benefits: Quchi strengthens immune function and relieves inflammation from allergies. It is particularly effective for rhinitis and skin itching, and helps cool the entire body to calm allergic reactions.
Acupressure Method: Gently stimulate with your thumb or finger joint in circular motions for 30 seconds. Start lightly and gradually increase pressure. Repeat 3-5 times daily.
2. Yingxiang (LI20)
Location: Located on the outside of the nostril, at the midpoint of the nasolabial fold (the crease between the nostril and upper lip). It is symmetrically positioned on both sides of the nostrils, so you can stimulate both sides simultaneously with your middle fingers.
Benefits: Yingxiang is a specialized acupoint for nasal conditions, directly relieving nasal congestion from rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. It promotes blood circulation around the nose, reducing nasal swelling and making breathing easier.
Acupressure Method: Use the middle fingers of both hands to gently stimulate the area beside the nostrils in circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Rather than pressing hard, it’s important to find the pressure point around the nostril and maintain medium pressure.
3. Xuehai (SP10)
Location: Located about two finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) above the inner upper edge of the kneecap. When sitting with legs extended, you can feel the protruding inner portion of the vastus medialis muscle above the inner knee, and the soft area above that is Xuehai.
Benefits: Xuehai promotes blood circulation and regulates the immune system to suppress allergic reactions. As blood becomes clearer and circulation improves, skin itching, hives, and pruritis from allergies are relieved.
Acupressure Method: While sitting, slowly press Xuehai with your thumb for 30-40 seconds. Moderate pressure is appropriate when you feel a bone-pressing sensation. Repeat 2-3 times daily.
4. Fengshi (GB31)
Location: On the outer side of the thigh, on the lateral surface of the femur. When standing upright with arms naturally at your sides, the point where your middle finger’s tip touches is Fengshi. Find the midpoint on the outer surface of the thigh.
Benefits: Fengshi is the acupoint that eliminates “wind,” removing wind-pathogen (feng-xie), the primary cause of allergies in traditional Chinese medicine. It is highly effective for relieving allergic rhinitis, hives, and itching. It also improves circulation in the legs and strengthens the body’s resistance.
Acupressure Method: While standing or sitting, stimulate Fengshi with your thumb in circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Start gently and gradually increase pressure. Repeat 3-5 times daily.
5. Fengmen (BL12)
Location: Located at the back of the neck, just below the prominent bone at the base of the neck (the 7th cervical vertebra, C7), on both sides. It is positioned approximately 1.5 cun lateral to the midline of the spine. When lowering your head, find the most prominent bone at the base of the neck and locate the points on both sides below it.
Benefits: Fengmen is an important acupoint alongside Fengshi that removes wind-pathogen, and is excellent for preventing and relieving cold, rhinitis, and allergy symptoms. It alleviates neck muscle tension and improves upper respiratory circulation, immediately reducing nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Acupressure Method: When touching the back of the neck, be careful. Simultaneously stimulate both sides of the back of the neck with your middle fingers in gentle circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Avoid excessive pressure; a mild compression sensation accompanied by warmth is appropriate.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Follow this 5-minute routine every morning and evening:
1. Yingxiang (beside nose) — 30 seconds, stimulate both sides simultaneously
2. Quchi (elbow) — 30 seconds, each arm separately
3. Fengshi (outer thigh) — 30 seconds, each leg separately
4. Xuehai (above inner knee) — 40 seconds, both sides simultaneously
5. Fengmen (back of neck) — 30 seconds, both sides simultaneously
Tip: Morning acupressure prevents allergy symptoms, while evening acupressure relieves fatigue accumulated throughout the day. Drinking warm water after acupressure enhances its effectiveness.
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