Acupoint Guide

Tag: ST1

  • Chengqi (ST1) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Technique

    One-Line Summary: ST1 is an acupoint located below the eye that is excellent at quickly relieving eye fatigue and discomfort.

    What is ST1?

    ST1 is an acupoint belonging to the Stomach meridian in traditional Chinese medicine. This point is located in the hollow area below the eye and receives the energy of the eyes and face. It is highly effective for relieving eye fatigue and facial pain, which are common issues for modern people.

    How to Find the Exact Location

    Step-by-Step: First, locate the center of your pupil with your index finger. Move down approximately 1cm from there to find the hollow area at the edge of the bone (lower orbital rim). That is ST1. It is located on both eyes. When you apply pressure and feel a slight neurological response (a tingling sensation or mild pain), you have found the correct location.

    How to Apply Acupressure

    Step 1: Touch your face with clean hands. Use your index or middle finger to locate ST1.
    Step 2: Place your finger on the acupoint and slowly press in a perpendicular direction. Do not press too hard; gentle pressure with a warm, slightly tender sensation is ideal.
    Step 3: Maintain the pressure for 3-5 seconds, then slowly release your finger.
    Step 4: Repeat this action 5-10 times per eye.
    Step 5: After stimulating both eyes, close your eyes and rest.

    Key Benefits

    • Eye Fatigue Relief: Quickly improves eye strain from prolonged screen time.
    • Eliminates Eye Pain and Foreign Body Sensation: Quickly relieves eye pain and the sensation of something in the eye.
    • Regulates Excessive Tear Production: Normalizes excessive tearing from irritation.
    • Facial Pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia Relief: Effectively relieves nerve-related pain around the eyes and face.
    • Supports Vision Improvement: Maintains eye health through regular acupressure.

    When is the Best Time to Apply Acupressure?

    ST1 acupressure can be performed anytime, but certain times are particularly effective. 9am to 11am is when the Stomach meridian’s energy is most active, making acupressure especially effective during this time. You can also apply pressure whenever your eyes feel fatigued during work, or in the evening to wind down for the day. It’s particularly helpful to apply acupressure after using a smartphone or computer, or after removing glasses or contact lenses, as eye fatigue will recover quickly.

    Precautions

    Remember these important precautions when applying ST1 acupressure. First, the skin around the eyes is very thin and sensitive, so never press too hard. It’s important to apply moderate pressure with a warm sensation. Second, pressing with fingernails or rough hands can damage the skin, so always touch gently with your fingertips. Third, if you have an eye infection or inflammation, or if it’s shortly after surgery, consult a professional before applying acupressure. Fourth, excessive stimulation can have adverse effects, so apply acupressure about 3-4 times per day. Finally, if symptoms are severe or persistent, be sure to consult an ophthalmologist or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints, such as SP6, LI4, and LR3, may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, be sure to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before applying 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, be sure to consult a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Excessive Tearing — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: Excessive tearing can be improved through acupressure on 5 acupoints including Jingming, Chengqi, and Tongziliao. Start with a simple 5-minute daily self-care routine.

    Introduction

    Have you ever felt frustrated by tears flowing constantly? Symptoms of frequent tearing without emotional reasons are a common discomfort experienced by many people. While Western medicine refers to this as epiphora, traditional medicine views it as an imbalance of vital energy and blood. Fortunately, symptoms can be significantly alleviated through acupoint acupressure.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Excessive Tearing

    1. Jingming (晴明) — BL1

    Location: Located at the inner corner of the eye, in the slightly concave area of the medial orbital wall. It is situated on the inner side of the closed corner, approximately 0.1 cun above the inner eye corner.

    Effects: A representative acupoint for eye conditions, it improves eye fatigue, excessive tearing, and dry eye syndrome. By addressing problems related to the optic nerve, it is particularly effective at regulating tear secretion.

    Acupressure Method: Slowly press for 5 seconds with the tip of your thumb, then release. Repeat this 3 times per day, approximately 10 times per session, being careful not to press too hard.

    2. Chengqi (承泣) — ST1

    Location: Located directly below the pupil, at the midpoint of the infraorbital rim (the bone below the eye). It is approximately 1cm below the eye, in the concave part of the bone.

    Effects: It promotes blood circulation around the eye to regulate tear secretion. It is excellent at alleviating excessive tearing symptoms along with eye redness, eye pain, and eyelid drooping.

    Acupressure Method: Gently massage in circular motions using the fingerprint area of your index finger. Perform for 1 minute on each eye, 2 times per day. Since the skin around the eye is sensitive, adjust the pressure accordingly.

    3. Tongziliao (瞳子髎) — GB1

    Location: Located approximately 0.5 cun lateral to the outer corner of the eye, in the concave area where the bone is hollow. It is located slightly outward from the very end of the outer eye corner.

    Effects: An acupoint of the Gallbladder meridian, it improves circulation to the lateral aspect of the eye and alleviates excessive tearing, eye twitching, and eye pain. It normalizes tear regulation function while improving wrinkles at the outer corner of the eye.

    Acupressure Method: Slowly press with your thumb for about 3 seconds, then release. Repeat 10-15 times on each side, 2 times per day. Applying pressure with a slight pulling sensation toward the temple is more effective.

    4. Taiyang (太陽) — EX-HN5

    Location: Located in the concave area between the outer corner of the eye and the outer end of the eyebrow. It is in the temple region, approximately 1.5cm between the eye and the ear.

    Effects: As an extra point, it relieves overall eye fatigue and regulates tear secretion. Along with alleviating headaches and migraines, it fundamentally resolves excessive tearing by improving circulation around the eye.

    Acupressure Method: Gently massage in circular motions using your middle and ring fingers. Perform for 1 minute on each area, 3 times per day. Breathing slowly while applying pressure enhances the relaxation effect.

    5. Sizhukon (絲竹空) — TE23

    Location: Located in the concave area at the outer end of the eyebrow. It is in the hollow area slightly outward from the very tip of the eyebrow.

    Effects: An acupoint of the Triple Burner meridian, it relieves tension in the muscles around the eye. It improves excessive tearing, dry eye syndrome, and eye twitching, while also alleviating headaches caused by eye fatigue.

    Acupressure Method: Slowly press with your middle finger for 5 seconds, then release for 3 seconds. Repeat 15 times on each eyebrow area, 2 times per day. Pressing too hard can trigger headaches, so maintain appropriate pressure.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Performing this routine immediately upon waking is most effective.

    Step 1 (1 minute): Slowly apply acupressure to Jingming 10 times with your thumb. Starting from the inner corner of the eye promotes circulation.

    Step 2 (1 minute): Massage Chengqi with your index finger in circular motions. Move gently along the bone below the eye.

    Step 3 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to Tongziliao, Taiyang, and Sizhukon in order for 30 seconds each. Progress from the outer to inner aspect of the eye.

    Step 4 (1 minute): Gently tap the entire area around the eye with both fingers to finish. This provides a final boost to blood circulation.

    Step 5 (1 minute): With your eyes closed, repeatedly open and close your eyes wide 5 times. This relaxes the eye muscles and normalizes blood circulation.

    Tip: Rinsing your eyes with warm water after acupressure doubles the circulation-promoting effect. In the evening, repeat the same routine about 1 hour before bed, but at slightly lower intensity.

    🤰 Pregnant Women Caution: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or medical professional before performing this routine.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article was written for the purpose of providing health information and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a medical professional.