In the spirit of the winter season approaching, I am sharing some easy-to-access acupressure points that I normally teach my patients and students for the treatment of sniffles/sinus congestion and the accompanying symptoms of the common cold.  These first three points are all located on the face and are part of a seven-points routine that can be used both preventatively and at the moment of affliction. A couple of points (no pun intended) when applying self-acupressure for this particular routine:
  • Firm, prolonged finger pressure for about 2-3 minutes on each point is ideal.
  • A general guideline to follow:  the pressure should be firm enough that you feel a “good hurt,” somewhere between pleasant and firm pressure. 
  • Index or middle finger are best, except the thumb when indicated
  • Apply pressure on the point at a 90-degree angle
  • Combine deep abdominal breathing as you hold the points, inhaling deeply into the abdomen, letting your belly expand
The first poetic-sounding name for each point is the Chinese name translated, and the letter/numeral in parantheses is the TCM nomenclature for the point.  

DRILLING BAMBOO- (B2)

Location – In the indentation of the eye sockets, on either side of where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows.
Benefits – Relieves colds, sinus congestion, frontal headaches & tired eyes.

FACIAL BEAUTY- (ST3)

Location – At the bottom of the cheekbone, directly below the pupil.
Benefits – Relieves stuffy nose, head congestion, burning eyes, eye fatigue & eye pressure.

WELCOMING PERFUME- (LI20)

Location – On either cheek, just outside each nostril.
Benefits – Relieves nasal congestion, sinus pain, facial paralysis & facial swelling.

Holding these three points should take you about 5-6 minutes. 

In the part 2 follow-up to this post, I will list four more points to complete this routine. Doing all of them should take you no longer than 10-12 minutes, or you can just press one point individually as needed. 

Any questions?  Contact me.