Introduction
Over 70% of modern people experience eye fatigue in daily life. Prolonged staring at smartphone screens and computer monitors causes the muscles around the eyes to become tense and blood circulation to worsen, intensifying fatigue. While patches and eye drops provide temporary relief, they don’t solve the problem fundamentally. In these cases, acupoint acupressure for eye fatigue passed down through the Donguibogam is highly effective.
5 Effective Acupoints for Eye Fatigue
1. Taichong (太衝) — LR3
Location: Between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones of the foot, in the depression in front of the metatarsal articulation. It’s located between the big toe and second toe on the top of the foot, just in front of the bone border.
Benefits: This acupoint regulates liver (Gan) function, and since the eyes are directly connected to the liver, stimulating Taichong greatly improves eye health. It simultaneously relieves dry eyes, blurred vision, and eye redness.
How to Apply: Using your thumb, firmly press for 5 seconds and rest for 3 seconds. Repeat this 30 times. The appropriate intensity is when you feel a slight amount of tenderness. Apply to both feet.
2. Hegu (合谷) — LI4
Location: In the depression between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand. It’s located at the midpoint of the 2nd metacarpal bone, where your finger touches when you place your thumb between your fingers.
Benefits: This acupoint governs whole-body pain and fatigue, relieving not only eye fatigue but also headaches. It boosts immunity and is particularly effective for eye pain caused by stress.
How to Apply: Using your opposite thumb, slowly apply acupressure in a circular motion for 1 minute. It’s even better to alternate between both hands. Especially when you apply acupressure during work breaks, you can feel immediate relief.
3. Fengchi (風池) — GB20
Location: At the back of the neck, in the depression below the occipital bone. It’s located between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, below the two bony prominences you can feel when you bend your neck forward.
Benefits: It relieves tension in the neck and shoulder muscles and alleviates eye pain caused by cervical discomfort. It promotes eye fatigue recovery by improving cerebral blood flow.
How to Apply: Using both thumbs, simultaneously press firmly for 5 seconds and rest for 3 seconds. Repeat this 20 times. Continue until you feel the neck muscles relax. It’s even more effective to slowly move your neck left and right after acupressure.
4. Yintang (印堂) — EX-HN3
Location: In the center between both eyebrows, at the glabella. It’s where the center line of the forehead meets the eyebrows, and it’s easy to find with your hand.
Benefits: It directly stimulates the qi and blood around the eyes, providing the fastest relief of eye fatigue. It has an immediate effect on decreased concentration, eyelid twitching, and eye redness.
How to Apply: Using your middle and ring fingers, firmly press Yintang for 5 seconds and rest for 3 seconds. Repeat this 15 times. Massaging in a circular motion also improves mental fatigue. Be careful not to press too hard, as it may cause a headache.
5. Xingjian (行間) — LR2
Location: Between the big toe and second toe of the foot, at the border of the webbed area. It’s the depression between the two toes on the top of the foot.
Benefits: This acupoint clears heat from the liver and is excellent for improving stress-related eye fatigue and blurred vision. It also has effects on relieving dry eyes and night blindness.
How to Apply: Using your thumb, press for 5 seconds and rest for 3 seconds. Repeat this 25 times. Since it’s between the toes, it’s important to apply gentle but clear stimulation. Especially when you apply acupressure in the evening, you can also expect improved sleep quality.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Pre-Work Morning Routine (2 minutes): Apply acupressure to Hegu → Yintang → Taichong in order, 30 seconds each, to clear your eyes and increase concentration.
Midday Fatigue Recovery (2 minutes): Apply acupressure to Fengchi → Hegu → Yintang in order, 30 seconds each, to prevent afternoon fatigue.
Evening Relaxation Routine (2 minutes): Apply acupressure to Taichong → Xingjian → Fengchi in order, 30 seconds each, to completely relieve the day’s eye fatigue and promote sound sleep.
Pro Tip: Soaking your hands and feet in warm water before acupressure to promote blood circulation increases the effectiveness by 40%. Also, be careful not to expose yourself to cold air for 30 minutes after acupressure.
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