LI 20 — Yíng Xiāng (迎香) — Welcome Fragrance
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1. Overview
LI 20 — Yíng Xiāng (迎香) — is an acupuncture point on the Large Intestine meridian. Its English name, Welcome Fragrance, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use LI 20 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
In the nasolabial groove, level with the midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi.
3. Actions
- Opens the nasal passages and dispels Wind
- Clears Heat from the nose and face
- The primary point for all nasal disorders
4. Indications
- Nasal congestion, rhinitis and blocked nose
- Loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
- Sinusitis and nasal polyps
- Allergic rhinitis and hay fever
- Facial paralysis and facial numbness
- Itching of the face
5. Needling
Oblique or transverse insertion 0.3–0.5 cun. No moxibustion.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
LI 20 is the terminal point of the Large Intestine meridian and the meeting point with the Stomach meridian. It is the single most important local point for all nasal conditions and is rarely omitted in the treatment of rhinitis, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Its location on the nasolabial groove makes it one of the most easily identifiable points on the face.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LI 20 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Allergies. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
