Acupoint Guide

Tag: ST45

  • Lidui (ST45) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Location and Acupressure Technique

    One-line Summary: Lidui (ST45) is an important acupoint on the toe that regulates stomach function and alleviates nausea and insomnia.

    What is Lidui?

    Lidui (厲兑, ST45) is the terminal acupoint of the Stomach Meridian (足陽明胃經), located at the tip of the foot. As the ending point of the Stomach Meridian, it directly regulates stomach function and quickly alleviates various symptoms related to digestive discomfort. It is particularly effective for nausea and vomiting symptoms.

    How to Find the Exact Location

    Step 1: Sit in a comfortable position and observe the second toe.
    Step 2: Face the lateral side of the toe (toward the little toe).
    Step 3: Find the point approximately 0.1 cun (about 3mm) below the edge of the toenail.
    Step 4: Just below the borderline where the toenail and skin meet, in the slightly indented area, is Lidui.
    Tip: The exact location is where you feel slight tenderness (a painful sensation when pressed) when you touch it with your finger.

    Acupressure Technique

    Basic Acupressure Method:
    1. Sit in a comfortable position and place one leg on top of the other knee
    2. Place the tip of your thumb or index finger perpendicular to the Lidui acupoint
    3. Slowly inhale and apply pressure for 3-5 seconds (you should feel soreness rather than pain)
    4. Exhale and slowly release the pressure
    5. Repeat for 1-2 minutes, applying acupressure to both feet

    Advanced Method: Applying vibratory stimulation or massaging in circular motions with warm fingers is also effective.

    Main Benefits

    • Nausea and Vomiting: Normalizes stomach function for immediate nausea relief
    • Insomnia: Stabilizes the nervous system to induce restful sleep
    • Facial Swelling: Promotes fluid metabolism to reduce puffiness
    • Nosebleeds: Reduces stomach heat to stop nosebleeds
    • Digestive Discomfort: Improves abdominal discomfort caused by reduced digestive function
    • Toothache: As the terminal point of the Stomach Meridian, it helps relieve toothaches

    When is the Best Time to Apply Acupressure?

    Optimal Time: There are no specific time restrictions, but applying acupressure immediately when you feel nauseous is effective quickly. If you want to improve insomnia, it’s best to apply acupressure 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed.

    Recommended Situations: Apply acupressure immediately when you have indigestion after eating, feel motion sickness, have facial swelling, can’t sleep at night, or have a nosebleed.

    Precautions

    Contraindications: Avoid if the skin is damaged or inflamed.
    Pressure Adjustment: Avoid excessive pressure and apply acupressure to the point where you feel soreness rather than pain.
    During Pregnancy: While Lidui is relatively safe as the terminal point of the Stomach Meridian, consult with a professional before applying it during early pregnancy.
    If Illness is Suspected: Persistent nausea or nosebleeds may be symptoms of other conditions, so consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine or a healthcare professional before application.
    ⚠️ 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, please consult a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Best Acupoints for Facial Swelling — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-Line Summary: Facial swelling can be relieved in 5 minutes with acupressure on 5 key acupoints. Precise stimulation of Juliao, Xiaguan, Lidui, Chongyang, and Renzhong provides quick swelling reduction.

    Introduction

    When you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, does your face look puffy and make you feel down? Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the face during sleep is a common symptom that everyone experiences. Without complicated devices or expensive cosmetic treatments, you can quickly and effectively reduce swelling using acupressure on meridian points from Oriental medicine. This article introduces 5 powerful acupoints for eliminating facial swelling and the correct techniques for applying pressure.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Facial Swelling

    1. Juliao — ST3

    Location: Directly below the pupil, in the sunken area below the cheekbone at the same height as the base of the nostril

    Effects: Juliao is directly connected to the stomach and quickly removes facial swelling and puffiness. It excels at restoring skin elasticity and defining facial contours.

    Pressure Technique: Apply vertical pressure simultaneously to both Juliao points using your index and middle fingers. Press for 5 seconds and rest for 3 seconds, repeating 10 times. The pressure is more effective when applied slightly upward toward the inside of the bone.

    2. Xiaguan — ST6

    Location: Anterior to the angle of the mandible, on the prominence of the masseter muscle that becomes visible when clenching the jaw

    Effects: Xiaguan promotes lymphatic circulation around the face and jaw area. It sharpens facial contours and improves the dull appearance caused by jaw swelling.

    Pressure Technique: Apply thumbs to the Xiaguan points and gradually increase pressure as you press vertically. Press firmly for 7 seconds and rest for 3 seconds, repeating 8 times. The effect increases when you repeat opening and closing your mouth while applying pressure to add additional muscle stimulation.

    3. Lidui — ST45

    Location: Approximately 0.1 cun (about 3mm) away from the outer edge of the toenail of the second toe

    Effects: Lidui is the final acupoint of the stomach meridian. By normalizing digestive function, it eliminates whole-body swelling. It is a fundamental treatment point that reduces not only facial swelling but also overall puffiness.

    Pressure Technique: Use your fingernail to gently tap and stimulate Lidui. Stimulate each Lidui point alternately, 20 times each. The intensity should be slightly tingling rather than painful. Stimulating morning and evening, once each time, produces good results.

    4. Chongyang — ST42

    Location: On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the base of the second metatarsal bone and the intermediate cuneiform bone, where the dorsal pedal artery pulsates

    Effects: Chongyang is a stomach meridian point on the foot that improves the flow of body fluids ascending to the face. It promotes lymphatic circulation and rapidly reduces swelling around the face and eyes.

    Pressure Technique: Use the fingerprint area of your thumb to slowly press Chongyang and massage in circular motions. Stimulate each side for about 1 minute, alternating between sides. The stimulation reaches deeper when you repeat flexing and extending your toes while applying pressure.

    5. Renzhong — GV26

    Location: At the boundary between the upper 1/3 and lower 2/3 of the philtrum (the groove above the upper lip), precisely slightly above the midpoint of the philtrum

    Effects: Renzhong is an emergency acupoint and a key point for removing facial swelling. Through nerve stimulation, it rapidly alleviates swelling and brightens the complexion. It immediately improves facial dullness caused by fatigue.

    Pressure Technique: Use your index fingernail to gently rub Renzhong from top to bottom (approximately 20 seconds). Then gently press with the fleshy part of your finger in circular motions for 5 seconds. When repeated 3 times after waking in the morning, facial swelling noticeably decreases.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning 5-Minute Facial Swelling Relief Routine:

    Step 1 (1 minute): Press both Juliao points 10 times (5-second press × 10 repetitions)

    Step 2 (1 minute): Apply strong pressure to both Xiaguan points 8 times (7-second press × 8 repetitions)

    Step 3 (1 minute): Gently tap both Lidui points 20 times each

    Step 4 (1 minute): Circular massage to both Chongyang points, 1 minute each

    Step 5 (1 minute): Rub Renzhong (20 seconds) + circular massage (5 seconds) × 3 repetitions

    By practicing this routine every morning, you will notice significant improvement in facial swelling within a week, and your facial contours will become more defined. What matters most is consistency. If you continue without missing a single day, you can maintain a clear face free from swelling.

    🤰 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 possibly pregnant, be sure to consult with a Korean medicine practitioner or medical professional before performing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for health information purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult a medical professional.