Introduction
I’m sure everyone has experienced sudden nasal congestion and the feeling of stuffiness. Nasal congestion from colds, rhinitis, or allergies reduces daily focus and interferes with sleep. Rather than relying solely on medication, try stimulating specific acupoints on your body to naturally help relieve congestion. This article introduces 5 of the most effective acupoints for nasal congestion and self-massage techniques.
5 Effective Acupoints for Nasal Congestion
1. Yintang (印堂) — EX-HN3
Location: Located in the center between both eyebrows, at the glabella. When viewing the face from the front, it is at the exact midpoint where the inner ends of both eyebrows meet.
Benefits: This acupoint helps provide the fastest relief from nasal congestion. It clears the mind and stabilizes the nervous system, relieving tension in the muscles around the nose. It also improves headaches and fatigue.
Massage Technique: Using the tips of both thumbs, apply strong pressure for 5 seconds, pushing upward on the Yintang point. Repeat 10 times, and it’s more effective to stimulate the point while exhaling. Circular massage with warm fingers is also beneficial.
2. Yingxiang (迎香) — LI20
Location: Located on the outer side of the nostril, at the midpoint of the nasolabial groove connecting the nostril to the cheek. It is precisely located at the natural depression on both sides of the nostrils.
Benefits: An important acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian that directly promotes blood circulation around the nose. It’s highly effective for all nasal symptoms including rhinitis, sinusitis, and reduced sense of smell. It also helps relieve facial swelling.
Massage Technique: Using the index and middle fingers of both hands, simultaneously stimulate both sides of the nostrils. Apply pressure for 3 seconds while gently pushing toward the nose, then massage in circular motions. Warm massage using warm fingers or a heating pad for 5 minutes or longer is even more effective.
3. Zanzhu (攢竹) — BL2
Location: Located at the inner end of both eyebrows (where the eyebrows end toward the nose). It’s important to precisely locate the notch above the eye socket, where the facial bone is naturally indented.
Benefits: An important acupoint of the Bladder meridian that activates the neural connection between the eyes and nose. It improves not only nasal congestion but also eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. It promotes blood circulation in the upper face, supporting skin health.
Massage Technique: Using both thumbs, gently push upward on the Zanzhu point while maintaining strong pressure for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times, and pressure that produces a slight fatigue sensation is appropriate. Circular rubbing is also effective.
4. Tianzhu (天柱) — BL10
Location: Located at the back of the neck, below the occipital bone (the rounded bone at the back of the head). It’s about 1.3 cun (approximately 4cm) lateral to the midline of the neck (spine), at the indentation on the outer edge of the thick muscle on the side of the neck (trapezius).
Benefits: It activates blood flow and nerve signals to the brain, rapidly reducing inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It relieves tension at the back of the neck, also improving secondary symptoms in the muscles around the nose. It’s also excellent for relieving mental fatigue and stress.
Massage Technique: Gently bend the neck forward to easily access the Tianzhu point, then apply pressure for 5 seconds using both thumbs, pushing downward on the point. Repeat 10 times, and massage in circular motions with one finger is also effective.
5. Shenting (神庭) — GV24
Location: Located at the center of the forehead, approximately 0.5 cun (about 1.5cm) above the anterior hairline (where the hair begins). You can find it on the midline connecting the crown of the head and the center of the forehead.
Benefits: An important acupoint of the Governing Vessel that regulates the brain and nervous system overall. It improves mental fog caused by nasal congestion, clears the mind, and increases concentration. It’s particularly effective for stress-related nasal congestion.
Massage Technique: Using the middle or index fingers of both hands, press the Shenting point upward for 5 seconds. It’s good to massage in circular motions with gentle pressure. Stimulating this point 2-3 times daily, morning and evening, also helps prevent nasal congestion.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
5-Minute Acupressure Routine to Relieve Nasal Congestion:
Step 1 (1 minute): Stimulate Yintang and Shenting separately with medium pressure for 30 seconds each.
Step 2 (1 minute): Perform warm massage on the Yingxiang point by rubbing it gently.
Step 3 (1 minute): Stimulate both Zanzhu points simultaneously for 5 seconds each, repeat 10 times.
Step 4 (1 minute): Press the Tianzhu point downward for 5 seconds each, repeat 10 times.
Step 5 (1 minute): Repeat the entire sequence once more while taking deep breaths through the nose.
Practicing this routine morning and evening will significantly relieve nasal congestion within 48 hours. Especially practicing before sleep improves sleep quality.
Leave a Reply