One-Line Summary: Eye pain and eye strain can be quickly relieved by stimulating the Houxi (SI3) point on the pinky finger, Zanzhu (BL2) inside the eyebrow, Taiyang (EX-HN5) at the temple, Yangxi (LI5) at the wrist, and Bingao (LI14) on the upper arm.
Introduction
As digital device usage increases, more and more people are suffering from eye pain. Whether it’s from wearing glasses or contacts for extended periods or staring at screens, most of us have experienced that uncomfortable, achy feeling in our eyes. Rather than relying on medication, you can achieve remarkable results simply by stimulating acupressure points on your body. We’ll teach you five acupressure points from traditional Chinese medicine that help relieve eye pain, and show you how to manage it yourself with self-acupressure techniques.
Five Effective Acupressure Points for Eye Pain
1. Houxi — SI3
Location: Located on the outer side of the pinky finger, at the junction of red and white skin on the crease at the base of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint. It’s right below the crease that forms when you bend your pinky finger.
Benefits: Houxi is a major point on the Small Intestine meridian and is closely connected to the eyes. It quickly relieves eye fatigue and pain, and is particularly effective when eyes feel heavy or vision becomes blurry. It can also improve migraines and neck stiffness at the same time.
Technique: Use the thumb of your opposite hand to press the Houxi point firmly, then release. Repeat about 10 times, holding each press for 3–5 seconds, with enough pressure to feel slight discomfort. Stimulate it at least twice daily, morning and evening, for best results.
2. Zanzhu — BL2
Location: Located at the inner end of the eyebrow (toward the bridge of the nose), in the depression above the eye socket. Following the indentation where the eyebrow meets the eye bone and moving inward, you’ll find a distinct tender point.
Benefits: Zanzhu is an important point on the Bladder meridian that promotes blood circulation around the eyes, relieving eye pain, eye fatigue, and dry eyes. It also helps improve rhinitis, headaches, and facial swelling.
Technique: Use the thumbs of both hands to press Zanzhu simultaneously. Press at approximately a 30-degree angle upward toward the eyebrow, holding each press for 5 seconds and repeating about 10 times. Since the eye area is sensitive, apply moderate pressure.
3. Taiyang — EX-HN5
Location: Located in the soft indentation about 1 cun (roughly one thumb-width) behind the midpoint between the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye, toward the temple. You’ll feel a distinct tender point when pressing on the temple.
Benefits: Taiyang is an extra point (not part of the eight extraordinary meridians) and is the most effective acupressure point for relieving eye pain and eye fatigue. It quickly improves tension headaches, migraines, and eye redness, and is also effective for relieving facial neuralgia.
Technique: Using the middle and ring fingers of both hands, gently press the temples while making small circular motions. Perform about 10 slow circular massages, repeating 3–4 times daily. It’s beneficial to rest your eyes for about 5 minutes after pressing this point.
4. Yangxi — LI5
Location: On the back of the wrist above the wrist crease, in the indentation between the extensor pollicis longus tendon (the tendon that appears when you extend your thumb) and the extensor pollicis brevis tendon (the tendon that appears when you spread your thumb sideways). When you bend your wrist backward, the depression between these two tendons becomes clearly visible.
Benefits: Yangxi is a major point on the Large Intestine meridian that promotes qi and blood circulation in the face and around the eyes. It relieves not only eye pain but also puffiness around the eyes, dry eyes, and eye redness. It can also address facial swelling and skin problems.
Technique: Use the thumb of your opposite hand to press Yangxi firmly, then release. Repeat about 15 times, holding each press for 3 seconds, maintaining a slightly uncomfortable pressure. Alternate between both hands, stimulating once in the morning and once in the evening.
5. Bingao — LI14
Location: Located on the upper arm at the point where the deltoid muscle attaches, approximately 7 cun (about 5.5 cm or the width of about five fingers) from the outer end of the elbow crease toward the shoulder, in a soft indentation.
Benefits: Bingao is an important point on the Large Intestine meridian that promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the body and specifically improves the flow of qi to the upper body and head. Beyond relieving eye pain and fatigue, it also treats high blood pressure, shoulder stiffness, and arm numbness.
Technique: Use the thumb of your opposite hand to press Bingao firmly, then release. Stimulate about 10 times, holding each press for 5 seconds, applying as much pressure as you can tolerate. Alternate between both arms, and pressing in the evening helps speed recovery from eye fatigue that night.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Even with a busy schedule, you can relieve eye pain in just 5 minutes. Do this routine right after waking up in the morning or during work breaks.
① Houxi Point Massage (1 minute): Stimulate the Houxi point on both pinkies alternately with your thumb, pressing about 10 times each side.
② Zanzhu Point Massage (1 minute): Press both Zanzhu points simultaneously with your thumbs, releasing and repeating about 10 times.
③ Taiyang Massage (1 minute): Using your middle and ring fingers, massage both temples with circular motions about 10 times.
④ Yangxi Point Massage (1 minute): Stimulate the Yangxi point on both wrists alternately with your thumb, pressing about 10 times each side.
⑤ Bingao Point Massage (1 minute): Press the Bingao point on both upper arms alternately with your thumb, pressing firmly about 10 times each side.
Repeating this 5-minute routine twice daily (morning and evening) will significantly improve eye pain and fatigue.
🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupressure points such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or might be pregnant, be sure to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing these techniques.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to consult a healthcare professional.
