Acupressure for a blocked nose

A few minutes of acupressure around the nose and hands can open a blocked, stuffy nose without decongestant sprays. The points below sit directly over the nasal passages and on the channels that serve the nose, helping to drain congestion and ease the stuffiness of a cold, allergy or sinus pressure. Many people feel the nose begin to clear within a minute or two. For congestion lasting more than 10 days, one-sided blockage, or congestion with facial pain and fever, see the sinus relief guide and consider seeing a doctor.

The core points

LI 20 (Yingxiang) — “Welcome Fragrance”

Location. In the small groove beside each nostril, where the nostril meets the cheek.

Technique. Press firmly with the fingertips, angling slightly inward and upward towards the bridge of the nose, for 1–2 minutes. Small circular pressure works well.

Why. The single most important point for the nose — its name "Welcome Fragrance" refers to restoring the sense of smell. It opens the nasal passages and clears congestion directly. The Large Intestine channel ends here at the nose.

Yintang — “Hall of Impression”

Location. Between the eyebrows, at the bridge of the nose (the “third eye”).

Technique. Press with the fingertip or knuckle for 1–2 minutes, with gentle downward strokes towards the nose.

Why. An extra point that opens the upper nasal passages and relieves the frontal pressure and heaviness that come with congestion. Also calming, which helps with the broken sleep a blocked nose causes.

Bitong — “Penetrating the Nose”

Location. On the nose, at the top of the groove running alongside it — just above LI 20, where the nasal cartilage meets the bone.

Technique. Press firmly upward and inward for 1–2 minutes.

Why. An extra point whose name says it all — it is used specifically to open a blocked nose and is often the most immediately effective point for stuffiness.

LI 4 (Hegu) — “Joining Valley”

Location. On the back of the hand, in the web between thumb and index finger.

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

Why. The master point for the face; it clears Wind and Heat from the head and supports the local nose points from a distance. Avoid strong pressure in pregnancy.

Supplementary points

BL 2 (Zanzhu) — “Gathered Bamboo”

At the inner end of each eyebrow, in the small notch on the brow bone. Relieves the pressure across the bridge of the nose and around the eyes that accompanies congestion. Press for 1 minute.

GB 20 (Fengchi) — “Wind Pool”

In the hollows at the base of the skull, either side of the neck. Clears Wind — the classical cause of acute nasal congestion — and eases the accompanying headache. Press with the thumbs angled up towards the eyes for 1–2 minutes.

A practical routine

1. Press Bitong and LI 20 beside the nose for 1–2 minutes
2. Stroke and press Yintang between the brows for 1–2 minutes
3. Press LI 4 on both hands for 1–2 minutes
4. Finish with GB 20 at the base of the skull
5. Repeat as often as needed — before bed is especially helpful

Self-care

• Steam inhalation, optionally with a drop of eucalyptus oil
• Stay well hydrated to thin the mucus
• Sleep with the head slightly raised
• A warm compress over the nose and cheeks
• Reduce dairy and cold, raw foods, which increase Damp and mucus in TCM

When to see a doctor

1. Congestion lasting more than 10 days
2. Congestion with facial pain, swelling or a high fever (possible sinus infection)
3. Persistent one-sided blockage
4. Blood-stained or foul-smelling discharge
5. Congestion in a baby that interferes with feeding

Browse the full acupressure hub, the related acupressure for sinus relief and allergies guides, or the acupuncture points directory.