Acupoint Guide

Tag: drooling

  • Dicang (ST4) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Technique

    One-Line Summary: ST4 (Dicang) is an important acupoint on the Stomach meridian located on the outer side of the mouth corner that has excellent effects on relieving facial pain, drooling, and facial paralysis symptoms.

    What is Dicang (ST4)?

    Dicang (ST4) is an acupoint belonging to the Stomach meridian and an important acupressure point used in traditional Korean medicine to treat facial nerve disorders. By stimulating the nerves around the mouth, it effectively relieves various symptoms including facial nerve paralysis, drooling, and facial pain. Because it is easily accessible in daily life, many people also use it for self-acupressure.

    How to Find the Exact Location

    Basic Location: It is located approximately 0.4 cun (about 1 cm) lateral to the outer corner of the mouth.

    How to Find It:

    1. Face forward and sit in a comfortable position.
    2. Bring your finger to the mouth area and locate the corner of the mouth.
    3. It is approximately 1 cm (0.4 cun) outward from the corner of the mouth.
    4. When you press on the slightly indented area on the skin surface, you will feel some resistance and soreness.

    Anatomical Location: It is located above the levator anguli oris muscle, at the point where the superior labial vein passes, with rich nerve distribution.

    Acupressure Method

    Step 1: Preparation
    Sit or lie down in a comfortable position and relax your facial muscles. Clean your hands and make sure they are warm before starting.

    Step 2: Locating the Acupoint
    Using the method above, locate the ST4 acupoint precisely and place the tip of your thumb or index finger on it.

    Step 3: Applying Pressure
    Apply pressure slowly and perpendicularly to the acupoint. Press with moderate force that is firm enough to touch the bone without being too strong, and press slowly over 3-5 seconds rather than quickly.

    Step 4: Circular Massage
    While maintaining pressure, perform circular massage in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, about 10 times each.

    Step 5: Release
    Gradually reduce the pressure and remove your finger. If you remove it too quickly, the stimulation will diminish.

    Acupressure Tip: Apply the same method to both sides of the face, and pay attention to any signals of pain or resistance.

    Main Benefits

    • Relief from Facial Pain: Effectively relieves facial neuralgia, tooth pain, and temporomandibular joint pain.
    • Improvement of Drooling: Stimulates the muscles around the mouth to restore the ability to control saliva secretion.
    • Facial Paralysis Treatment: Promotes recovery of nerve function in the initial treatment and recovery stages of facial nerve paralysis (Bell’s palsy).
    • Facial Muscle Relaxation: Releases tight facial muscles and alleviates fatigue.
    • Improved Blood Circulation: Enhances blood circulation in the facial area and promotes nutrient supply.
    • Nerve Rehabilitation: Helps restore diminished sensation caused by nerve damage.

    When is Acupressure Most Beneficial?

    Optimal Time: It is most effective in the morning after waking up when your face feels stiff, or in the evening before bed when you want to relieve fatigue.

    Recommended Frequency: It is recommended to perform acupressure 2-3 times per day for about 3-5 minutes each time. You can do it more frequently if you have acute symptoms.

    Appropriate Situations:

    • When facial nerve paralysis symptoms appear
    • When you experience drooling symptoms
    • When your face feels stiff and painful
    • When your face is swollen or has edema
    • When you have teeth grinding caused by stress
    • For preventive regular maintenance

    Precautions

    Situations to Avoid:

    • Avoid areas with wounds or damaged skin.
    • For severe facial paralysis, you must consult a traditional Korean medicine doctor or healthcare professional. Early treatment within 2-3 months of onset is very important.
    • Avoid acupressure if you have an infection or inflammation.
    • Avoid excessive stimulation and control excessive pressure that causes pain.
    • If you are pregnant, consult with a healthcare professional before performing acupressure.

    Duration of Effects: Although individual results vary, you may start to notice benefits within 1-2 weeks of regular acupressure. Chronic symptoms may require longer-term management.

    Professional Consultation: If symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks or if symptoms worsen, you must consult with a traditional Korean medicine doctor or healthcare professional.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), and LR3 (Taichong) can cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, you must consult with a traditional Korean medicine doctor or healthcare professional before performing acupressure.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, you must consult with a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Simultaneous Relief of Cough and Drooling

    Summary: When cough and excessive drooling appear together, stimulating 5 acupoints that strengthen lung function and regulate the digestive system can provide rapid symptom relief.

    Introduction

    Experiencing cough and excessive drooling simultaneously is quite inconvenient and stressful in daily life. In particular, these symptoms can repeat due to seasonal changes, post-cold complications, or chronic weakening of lung function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these symptoms are considered related to reduced lung function. Fortunately, by stimulating specific acupoints, you can improve both symptoms at the same time.

    5 Best Acupoints for Cough and Excessive Drooling

    1. Dazhui — GV14

    Location: Below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra at the back of the neck. When you bend your head forward, it is located in the hollow depression directly below the most protruding bone (vertebra). It is positioned at the boundary between the neck and upper back.

    Effects: Dazhui is the acupoint that governs the body’s yang qi and significantly enhances lung function. It boosts immunity and quickly relieves cough caused by the common cold. Additionally, it stabilizes the nervous system, improving excessive drooling as well.

    Pressure technique: Using a warm finger or thumb, press firmly on the Dazhui acupoint for 3-5 seconds and release. Repeat this 10 times. One set takes about 1 minute, and it is best to perform this 3 times daily. Applying warmth with a warm compress for 5-10 minutes is also effective.

    2. Tianzhong — CV17

    Location: Located on the breastbone in the center of the chest. It is at the midpoint where a line connecting both nipples intersects, which is in the 4th intercostal space (the space between the fourth ribs). Trace your finger down along the breastbone and find the hollow depression in the 4th intercostal space.

    Effects: Tianzhong is an important acupoint that regulates the entire respiratory system. It directly improves lung function and calms cough. It also normalizes the function of the esophagus and pharynx, stopping excessive drooling. It is also effective for asthma and chronic cough.

    Pressure technique: While lying down comfortably, use a clean middle or index finger to press the Tianzhong acupoint slowly for 5 seconds and release. Repeat 15 times. Do not press too hard; apply pressure to the point where you feel slight discomfort. Perform this 2 times daily, morning and evening.

    3. Lieque — LU7

    Location: Located approximately 1.5 cun (about 2 cm) above the wrist crease. It is in the hollow depression above the radial styloid process (the bony protrusion on the thumb side of the wrist). With your hand extended, find the point slightly below the webbing between the thumb and index finger, just above the wrist crease.

    Effects: Lieque is an important acupoint on the lung meridian that restores lung function and facilitates easier breathing. It reduces the frequency of cough and improves dryness in the throat, helping to regulate excessive drooling. It is also highly effective for relieving early symptoms of the common cold.

    Pressure technique: Using the thumb of the opposite hand, press the Lieque acupoint inward. Press for 3-5 seconds and release, repeating 10 times while alternating arms. Perform this 4-5 times daily, taking about 1 minute each time. Stimulation with a rotating motion is more effective.

    4. Fenglong — ST40

    Location: Located on the outer side of the leg, below the knee. It is 8 cun (approximately 24 cm) down from the lateral epicondyle (the protruding bone on the side of the knee) toward the ankle. Find the hollow depression on the outer side of the tibia (shinbone). It is easier to locate with the knee bent.

    Effects: Fenglong is an acupoint that connects the stomach and lungs, improving digestive function while simultaneously normalizing the respiratory system. Excessive drooling often worsens due to weakened digestive function, and Fenglong effectively addresses this. It also calms cough and helps remove phlegm.

    Pressure technique: While sitting, extend your legs and use your thumb to press firmly on the Fenglong acupoint inward and release. Repeat 15 times while alternating legs. One set takes about 2 minutes. It is good to perform this 2-3 times daily. Gentle circular massage is also effective.

    5. Chize — LU5

    Location: Located on the inner side of the arm, above the elbow crease. When the arm is extended, the elbow crease is visible. Find the lateral (thumb side) of the biceps tendon (the tendon of the arm muscle) directly above that crease. You can feel slight discomfort when pressing this point with your finger.

    Effects: Chize is the acupoint that removes heat from the lungs and rapidly relieves cough. It alleviates throat inflammation and regulates the moisture in the mouth that causes excessive drooling. It has direct effects when cough is severe and immediately improves throat discomfort.

    Pressure technique: Sit in a comfortable position and use the thumb of the opposite hand to press the Chize acupoint. Start with gentle pressure and gradually increase the intensity. Press for 3-5 seconds and repeat 5 times, alternating arms. Perform this 3 times daily, taking about 1 minute each time. Stimulating in the evening is particularly effective for relieving nighttime cough.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    5-minute routine for cough and excessive drooling relief: First, apply warmth to or press Dazhui (GV14) for 1 minute (this can be done while sitting). Next, slowly press Tianzhong (CV17) for 1 minute in a comfortable position. Then stimulate bilateral Lieque (LU7) for 1 minute and press bilateral Fenglong (ST40) for 1 minute. Finally, finish by stimulating bilateral Chize (LU5) for 1 minute. This routine is most effective when performed in the morning after waking and before bed at night. It is particularly beneficial to perform it once more around midday on days when cough is severe. You should feel slight discomfort at each acupoint for it to be effective, so it is important to adjust the intensity according to your constitution.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, be sure to consult with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before proceeding.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Drooling — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-Line Summary: Drooling is a sign of oral muscle weakness and nervous system imbalance. By regularly stimulating 5 acupoints including Chenjiang, Dicang, and Jiache, you can strengthen the muscles around your mouth and regulate saliva secretion.

    Introduction

    If you wake up to find your pillow damp with saliva, or find saliva dripping down unexpectedly while reading a book? Drooling may be more than just an inconvenience—it can signal cranial nerve health, dental health, and your psychological state. In traditional Chinese medicine, drooling is called ‘liuyan’ (流涎), and is viewed as an imbalance in the muscles around the mouth and the nervous system. This guide introduces 5 acupoints that you can stimulate with your fingers without medication.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Drooling

    1. Chenjiang (承漿) — CV24

    Location: Below the chin, in the center of the depression between the lower lip and the chin. It’s the slightly indented area you feel when touching the chin.

    Benefits: This is a key acupoint for regulating saliva secretion. It increases oral muscle tone, stabilizes the nervous system, and directly relieves drooling. It’s also effective for reducing facial swelling.

    Technique: Gently press the point with the fingerprint area of your index finger for 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds. Repeat this 10 times. Don’t press too hard—aim for a warm, soothing sensation.

    2. Dicang (地倉) — ST4

    Location: At the outer corner of the mouth, approximately 0.4 cun (about 1.2 cm) outside the mouth corner. It’s located on the line of the mouth corner crease when your mouth is closed.

    Benefits: It restores elasticity to the muscles around the mouth, stimulates the facial nerve, and normalizes saliva secretion function. It also helps improve sagging around the mouth and clarity of speech.

    Technique: Press both points simultaneously with your thumbs in a gentle pressing and releasing motion, repeating 15 times. Perform this slowly in sync with your breathing. Focused stimulation in the evening is particularly effective for reducing nighttime drooling.

    3. Jiache (頰車) — ST6

    Location: In the depression at the upper end of the jaw muscle (masseter) that appears when you jut your jaw forward. It’s directly below the ear, on the upper border of the jaw angle.

    Benefits: It directly stimulates the chewing muscles, strengthening the muscles around the mouth. Beyond drooling, it helps with jaw joint discomfort, dental health, and improves tongue mobility.

    Technique: Using your middle and ring fingers on both hands, gently massage both points simultaneously in circular motions. Massage 10 circles in one direction, then 10 circles in the opposite direction. Perform this twice daily (morning and evening).

    4. Fengchi (風池) — TE17

    Location: In the depression below and behind the ear, on the upper part of the back of the neck. It’s directly in front of the muscle that protrudes when you move your neck, between the skull and cervical spine.

    Benefits: It regulates the overall cranial nervous system, improving the nervous system imbalance that is the root cause of drooling. It’s also effective for fatigue recovery, improved concentration, and better sleep.

    Technique: Tilt your neck slightly forward, then gently press this point with both thumbs and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Allow the warm sensation to spread throughout your neck.

    5. Hegu (合谷) — LI4

    Location: Where the thumb and index finger meet, in the depression on the back of the hand. It’s in the center of where the bones of the thumb and index finger meet when your index finger is extended.

    Benefits: It promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the body and normalizes nerve signals in the face and mouth area. It’s a versatile acupoint that can improve not only drooling but also headaches, stress, and digestive discomfort.

    Technique: Press the point on the opposite hand with your thumb at an intensity that’s ‘slightly tender but pleasant.’ Maintain the pressure for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then repeat on the other side using the same method. Perform this once in the morning after waking and once before bed.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    This is a golden timing routine for quickly improving drooling. Spend 5 minutes before bed following this sequence: (1) Hold Fengchi for 10 seconds × 1 time, (2) Circular massage on Jiache 20 circles, (3) Gentle press on Dicang 15 times, (4) Press and release on Chenjiang 10 times, (5) Hold Hegu for 30 seconds × 1 time (both hands). Most people see 50% or more improvement in drooling within 3 weeks of this routine. Consistency is key. Aim to practice at least 5 days per week.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or could be pregnant, be sure to consult with a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine or a medical professional before attempting these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a medical professional.