Acupressure for sinus relief

A small cluster of acupuncture points around the nose, eyes and base of the skull is remarkably effective for clearing sinus congestion, easing facial pressure and reducing the headache that comes with both. The points work locally on nasal drainage and the trigeminal nerve pathways, and globally by descending Lung Qi and expelling Wind in Chinese medicine terms. Acupressure is best used at the first sign of congestion — the earlier you start, the more effective it is. For chronic sinusitis or persistent perennial allergies, clinic-based acupuncture reaches considerably deeper.

The four 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. Use the tips of both index fingers to press inward and slightly upward toward the bridge of the nose. Hold firm pressure for 30 seconds to a minute, then make small circular movements for a further minute.

Why. LI 20 is the most direct point for nasal congestion in classical TCM. The name — “Welcome Fragrance” — reflects its role in restoring the sense of smell. Most people feel immediate movement in a blocked nostril within seconds.

Bitong (Extra) — “Through the Nose”

Location. In the small groove at the upper edge of the side of the nose, just below where the nasal cartilage meets the bone of the cheek — about half a centimetre above LI 20.

Technique. Press firmly with the index finger, directing pressure inward toward the centre of the head. Hold 30 seconds, release, repeat.

Why. Bitong is an extra point specifically named for its decongestant function. It works particularly well when LI 20 alone is insufficient.

Yintang — “Hall of Impression”

Location. Midway between the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose.

Technique. Press firmly with the thumb or knuckle. The pressure can be sustained for 1–2 minutes, or applied with small downward strokes.

Why. Yintang clears frontal sinus congestion, eases the heavy “woolly head” feeling, calms the mind and is also the first-choice point for tension headaches that arise from sinus pressure.

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 simultaneously with the index fingers, directing pressure slightly upward and inward. Hold for 30 seconds, ease off, repeat.

Why. BL 2 specifically addresses the bony pressure across the brow that accompanies frontal sinusitis. It also relieves the eye pain, watering and photophobia common with sinus inflammation.

Supplementary points

GB 20 (Fengchi) — “Wind Pool”

At the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the spine where the neck muscles meet the skull. Pressing firmly here (mother thumbs in, fingers wrapping the head) clears the back of the head and reduces the postnasal-drip headache that travels up from the neck to the temples.

LI 4 (Hegu) — “Joining Valley”

In the web between thumb and index finger. The master point for facial pain — classical Chinese medicine says “the face and mouth are governed by Hegu”. Firm pressure for one minute on each hand supports all the local sinus points.

A practical sinus-clearing routine

For an acute blocked nose or sinus pressure:

1. Press LI 20 on both nostrils for 1 minute
2. Press Bitong on both sides for 30 seconds
3. Hold Yintang firmly for 1 minute
4. Press BL 2 on both inner eyebrows for 1 minute
5. Press GB 20 at the base of the skull for 1 minute
6. Press LI 4 on both hands for 1 minute each

The whole sequence takes around 6–7 minutes. Repeat 3–4 times a day during an acute episode.

Self-care to support the points

Steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil before doing the acupressure routine warms the sinuses and softens the mucus, allowing the points to work more easily. A saline nasal rinse (cooled boiled water plus isotonic saline) once or twice a day clears stagnant mucus mechanically and reduces the inflammatory load. Avoid dairy and refined sugar during a flare — both generate what TCM calls Damp-Phlegm, which accumulates in the respiratory tract.

When to see a practitioner

Self-acupressure is excellent for mild and acute sinus presentations. If symptoms are severe, persistent beyond two weeks, accompanied by high fever, or recurring repeatedly through the year, clinical care is needed. See the full sinusitis page for the deeper acupuncture and Chinese herbal approaches I use at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

Browse the full acupressure hub for guides covering other conditions, or the acupuncture points directory for detailed profiles of each point.