Acupressure for allergies and hay fever

Allergic sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and the “tight head” of hay fever respond well to a small set of acupressure points pressed at the first sign of symptoms. The points open the nasal passages locally, strengthen the body’s defensive Qi (Wei Qi) and calm the immune over-reaction. For seasonal pollen allergies, see the dedicated hay fever condition page; for year-round dust mite, pet or mould allergies, the allergies page covers the deeper clinical approach.

The five core points

LI 20 (Yingxiang) — “Welcome Fragrance”

Location. In the small depression at the side of the nostril, where the nostril meets the cheek.

Technique. Press both sides simultaneously with the index fingers, directing pressure inward and slightly upward. Hold for 1–2 minutes; small circular motion is also effective.

Why. The most direct point for blocked nose and impaired sense of smell. Immediate effect on most acute episodes.

LI 4 (Hegu) — “Joining Valley”

Location. In the web between thumb and index finger.

Technique. Firm thumb pressure for 1–2 minutes per hand. Avoid in pregnancy.

Why. The systemic point for face and nose. Particularly useful when allergies bring facial swelling, eye irritation and frontal headache. The pairing of LI 4 with LI 20 is the classical combination for nasal-passage congestion.

LU 7 (Lieque) — “Broken Sequence”

Location. On the radial (thumb) side of the inner forearm, about 1.5 finger-widths above the wrist crease, in a small depression at the edge of the bone.

Technique. Press firmly with the opposite thumb for 1–2 minutes per wrist.

Why. LU 7 is the Luo-connecting point of the Lung channel and the master point of the Conception Vessel. In classical TCM it disperses external Wind from the upper body — the exact mechanism that drives allergic symptoms (sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose are all “Wind” signs). It also strengthens the Lung’s control over Wei Qi (the body’s defensive layer).

Yintang — “Hall of Impression”

Location. Midway between the eyebrows.

Technique. Firm thumb pressure for 1–2 minutes.

Why. Clears frontal sinus pressure and the “woolly head” that accompanies an active hay fever episode. Particularly useful when nasal congestion produces tension headache.

BL 2 (Cuanzhu) — “Gathered Bamboo”

Location. At the inner end of each eyebrow, in the small depression where the eyebrow begins.

Technique. Press both points with the index fingers for 1 minute.

Why. Addresses the eye component of allergic reactions — itching, watering, redness and the bony pressure across the brow.

Daily Wei Qi-building routine for hay fever sufferers

Begin 4–6 weeks before your usual symptom onset. Daily acupressure to build defensive Qi is more effective than reactive use during a flare:

1. ST 36 (Zusanli) — four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width lateral to the shin. Press 1–2 minutes per side daily.
2. LU 9 (Taiyuan) — on the wrist crease at the thumb side, in the depression. Press 1 minute per wrist daily.
3. LU 7 — as above, 1 minute per wrist daily.

This trio nourishes Lung and Spleen Qi — the two organ systems that produce and circulate the defensive Wei Qi that protects against external allergens.

Acute flare routine

1. Yintang — 1 minute
2. BL 2 on both inner eyebrows — 1 minute
3. LI 20 on both nostrils — 1–2 minutes
4. LI 4 on both hands — 1 minute each
5. LU 7 on both wrists — 1 minute each

Repeat every 2–3 hours during a high-pollen day.

Self-care that reinforces the points

• Keep bedroom windows closed during peak pollen periods
• Shower and change clothes after time outdoors during high pollen days
• Apply a small amount of barrier balm inside the nostrils before going out
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outside
• HEPA air purifier in the bedroom
• Reduce dairy and refined sugar during a flare (Damp-Phlegm in TCM terms)

When to see a practitioner

If symptoms substantially affect work, sleep or daily life despite over-the-counter antihistamines, clinic-based acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine work considerably deeper. See the hay fever page (seasonal pollen) or allergies page (year-round) for the full clinical approach.

Browse the full acupressure hub, the closely-related acupressure for sinus relief guide, or the acupuncture points directory.