Introduction
Are you struggling with toothaches, migraines, or temporomandibular joint pain? Facial pain can be a major inconvenience in daily life, and visiting a hospital is often difficult. Fortunately, by knowing five acupressure points passed down through traditional medicine, you can relieve pain anytime, anywhere with just a finger. This article introduces scientifically-backed acupoints and precise pressure techniques.
Five Effective Acupoints for Facial Pain
1. Hegu (Union Valley) — LI4
Location: In the depression between the thumb and index finger. Located at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone, it is the highest area when the hand is extended.
Effects: This is the representative acupoint for managing pain throughout the face. It particularly relieves toothaches, migraines, and facial swelling rapidly, and also releases jaw tension caused by stress. It is also effective for strengthening immunity and improving digestion.
Technique: Locate LI4 with the opposite thumb and press slowly and deeply. You may feel some mild pain initially, which is normal. Press for 10 seconds and rest for 3 seconds, repeating this pattern for 1-2 minutes per session. Practicing 2-3 times daily is effective.
2. Lieque (Broken Sequence) — LU7
Location: Above the wrist crease, approximately 1.5 cun (about 2 cm) above the radial styloid process on the thumb side. It is a depression when the wrist is slightly flexed.
Effects: This acupoint opens the pathway for qi and blood flowing to the face and head. It is highly effective not only for facial pain, but also for migraines, colds, nasal congestion, and sore throat. It also helps improve skin radiance and strengthen immunity.
Technique: Locate LU7 precisely with the opposite thumb, then press vertically with moderate depth. Press for 10-15 seconds and rest, repeating 3-5 times. Practicing acupressure twice daily (morning and evening) also provides good preventive effects.
3. Yingxiang (Welcome Fragrance) — LI20
Location: On the outer side of the nose, in the middle of the nasolabial fold between the nostril and lip. A slight depression can be felt when pressed with a finger.
Effects: This acupoint directly relieves nasal and anterior facial pain. It rapidly improves sinusitis, rhinitis, toothaches, and facial swelling, and brightens skin complexion. It relieves facial tension and softens your facial expression.
Technique: Locate LI20 simultaneously with both index fingers and press slightly upward. Press for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times; about 1 minute of acupressure per session is sufficient. It is particularly effective when you have nasal congestion.
4. Zanzhu (Bamboo Gathering) — BL2
Location: An acupoint located at the inner end of the eyebrow (near the nose). It can be found in the depression of the supraorbital ridge.
Effects: It relieves pain around the eyes, forehead, and throughout the entire face. It has immediate effects on migraines, eye fatigue, and supraorbital pain. It is also excellent for improving wrinkles around the eyes and promoting fatigue recovery.
Technique: Locate BL2 with both thumbs and slowly press and release, pressing slightly inward and upward. Press for 20-30 seconds per session, and practice acupressure 3-4 times daily to quickly relieve eye fatigue and headaches. Be sure to practice this when you feel tired in the evening.
5. Chengqi (Receiving Tears) — ST1
Location: Directly below the pupil, at the center of the infraorbital ridge. A slight space can be felt when pressed with a finger.
Effects: This acupoint manages pain throughout the midface from below the eye to the mouth. It relieves toothaches, facial neuralgia, facial twitching, and perioral swelling. It also helps improve dark circles under the eyes and enhance facial complexion.
Technique: Gently locate ST1 with both index fingers, then press for 10 seconds with slight downward pressure. Repeat this 5 times, and practice acupressure 2-3 times daily. Avoid pressing too hard as this may irritate the eyes; use gentle pressure.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning (Before Work): Press LI4 → LU7 → LI20 in order, 1 minute each (3 minutes total). This energizes your day and relieves facial tension.
Evening (After Work): Press BL2 → ST1, 1 minute each, then add 1 more minute of LI4 acupressure (3 minutes total). This relieves accumulated fatigue and facial pain.
When Pain Occurs: Intensively press LI4 (2 minutes) → the relevant acupoint (1 minute). For example, press BL2 additionally for migraines, or LI20 for toothaches.
With consistent daily acupressure, prevention effects are excellent, and chronic facial pain noticeably improves within 2-3 weeks.
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