How to Relieve Nosebleeds Naturally with These 5 Pressure Points

Introduction

Sudden nosebleeds are frustrating and uncomfortable. Recurring nosebleeds in particular are a signal your body is sending. In traditional Korean medicine, nosebleeds are seen as a symptom of ‘heat’ and ‘blood circulation imbalance.’ Rather than relying solely on pharmacy medications, try acupoint pressing for fundamental relief. For everyday nosebleeds that aren’t emergencies, you can see results with just these 5 acupoint pressures.

5 Effective Acupoints for Nosebleeds

1. Shaoshang — LU11

Location: Approximately 0.1 cun from the outer edge of the thumb nail (outer tip of the nail)

Effects: Strengthens lung function and clears heat from the nose and respiratory tract. It’s a particularly effective point for nosebleeds, colds, and sore throat. It’s recorded in the ‘Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic’ as the primary acupoint for heat-related nosebleeds.

Pressure Method: Find the outer tip of the thumb nail and lightly press for 5 seconds using a nail clipper edge or the edge of a coin. Press until you feel slight tenderness, but avoid pressing too hard. Repeat 3 times on both hands.

2. Yingxiang — LI20

Location: On the outer side of the nostril, at the midpoint of the nasolabial fold (the crease between the nostril and upper lip)

Effects: The highest acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian, directly clearing heat from the nose. It relieves not only nosebleeds but also nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, and nasal dryness. It’s also effective for facial neuralgia.

Pressure Method: Find the wrinkled area beside the nostril using your index or middle finger. Gently massage in circular motions for 20 seconds. If nosebleeds are occurring, massage even more lightly. For prevention, consistently stimulate both sides for 3 minutes each morning and evening.

3. Lidui — ST45

Location: Approximately 0.1 cun from the outer edge of the second toe nail (outer tip of the nail)

Effects: The terminal acupoint of the Stomach meridian, clearing heat from the entire body. It relieves nosebleeds along with oral inflammation, congestion, and high fever simultaneously. It’s particularly excellent for heat-related nosebleeds associated with digestion.

Pressure Method: Find the outer tip of the second toe nail and lightly press for 3 seconds using your finger tip or a pointed tool. Repeat 5 times on both feet, stimulating twice daily (morning and evening). Be careful not to press until the toe tip becomes numb.

4. Yinbai — SP1

Location: Approximately 0.1 cun from the inner edge of the big toe nail (inner tip of the nail on the sole side)

Effects: An acupoint of the Spleen meridian that normalizes blood circulation and regulates excessive blood discharge. It improves not only nosebleeds but also heavy menstrual bleeding and poor digestion. It’s the most effective in clearing ‘blood heat’, the root cause of recurring nosebleeds.

Pressure Method: Find the inner tip of the big toe nail (on the sole side) and lightly press with your fingernail. Either press firmly for 30 seconds or repeat 3 times of 10-second presses followed by 10-second rests. It’s more effective if you press after a warm foot massage.

5. Yinxi — HT6

Location: Approximately 0.5 cun above the inner wrist crease, on the thumb side of the ulnar wrist flexor tendon (inner wrist tendon)

Effects: An acupoint of the Heart meridian that calms heat in the heart and stabilizes blood circulation. It’s particularly effective for stress-induced nosebleeds and also relieves insomnia, anxiety, and palpitations.

Pressure Method: Touch directly above the inner wrist crease and you’ll feel the tendon. Press firmly with your thumb tip on the outer side of that tendon (thumb side) for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 5 times on both arms. Pressing immediately when nosebleeds occur provides quick relief.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Emergency Routine When Nosebleeds Start: First, slowly pinch your nose with your index finger and thumb, and breathe through your mouth. Next, press the acupoints in this order: LU11 (Shaoshang) → LI20 (Yingxiang) → HT6 (Yinxi), each for 10 seconds (30 seconds total). With just these 3 acupoints, you’ll see the nosebleed stop quickly. After the bleeding stops, wait 15 minutes, then press ST45 (Lidui) → SP1 (Yinbai) for 20 seconds each to completely clear the heat. Routine to Prevent Recurring Nosebleeds: Each morning and evening, spend 5 minutes pressing all 5 acupoints in order: LU11 (10 seconds) → LI20 (massage 30 seconds) → ST45 (10 seconds) → SP1 (20 seconds) → HT6 (10 seconds). The acupoints respond better if you warm your hands and feet with warm water before pressing. Consistent practice for 3 weeks or more will significantly reduce the frequency of nosebleeds.