Acupressure Points for Sinus Relief
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Sinus congestion, pressure, and pain are among the most common complaints I see in clinical practice. Whether triggered by allergies, a viral infection, or chronic sinusitis, they are often poorly managed by conventional medicine — antihistamines and decongestants provide short-term relief but do nothing to address the underlying pattern. Acupressure on specific points around the face and body can provide meaningful immediate relief, while a course of acupuncture addresses the root cause.
What Causes Sinus Problems in TCM?
In traditional Chinese medicine, the nose is the opening of the lung, and sinus problems almost always involve the lung. The most common patterns are:
- Wind-cold invading the lung — acute sinusitis or a cold with nasal congestion, clear watery discharge, and sneezing
- Wind-heat invading the lung — acute sinusitis with yellow or green discharge, sore throat, and fever
- Lung qi deficiency — chronic sinusitis with recurrent infections, clear discharge, and low energy
- Dampness and phlegm accumulating in the sinuses — chronic congestion with thick, sticky mucus
Key Acupressure Points for Sinus Relief
LI 20 — Yingxiang (Welcome Fragrance)
Located at the side of each nostril, LI 20 is the most important local point for nasal congestion and sinus pressure. Firm pressure applied with the fingertips for 30–60 seconds typically produces immediate relief of nasal blockage. It is the first point I recommend to patients for self-treatment between acupuncture sessions.
LI 4 — Hegu (Joining Valley)
Located between the thumb and index finger, LI 4 is one of the most powerful points in the body for clearing the face and head, and for expelling wind and pathogens from the upper body. Combined with LI 20, it significantly amplifies the sinus-clearing effect. It is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Yintang (Hall of Impression)
Located between the eyebrows, Yintang calms the mind, relieves frontal headache and sinus pressure, and clears the nasal passages. Sustained gentle pressure for one to two minutes has a noticeably calming and decongestant effect.
ST 44 — Neiting
Located between the second and third toes, ST 44 clears heat from the stomach meridian, which travels through the face and sinuses. It is particularly useful for yellow or green discharge indicating heat in the sinuses.
LU 7 — Lieque
Located just above the wrist on the radial side, LU 7 opens the lung and is the command point for the head and neck. It is particularly useful for chronic sinus problems rooted in lung qi deficiency.
Acupuncture for Chronic Sinusitis
Self-acupressure provides temporary relief, but a course of professional acupuncture addresses the underlying pattern more comprehensively. Clinical research has shown that acupuncture reduces the frequency and severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms, improves quality of life, and reduces reliance on antihistamines. I typically treat sinus conditions with a combination of local facial points and distal points on the lung and large intestine meridians, adjusting the treatment according to whether the pattern is acute or chronic, heat or cold, deficiency or excess.
To discuss sinus problems or allergies, get in touch or book a consultation in Wokingham.
