Acupressure Points for Sinus Relief
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham, Berkshire
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.
On this page
- Signs and symptoms of sinus problems
- Causes of sinus congestion
- What causes sinus problems in TCM?
- Key acupressure points for sinus relief
- How to apply acupressure
- Acupuncture for chronic sinusitis
- Lifestyle and self-care
- Frequently asked questions
Signs and symptoms of sinus problems
Sinus problems present in a variety of ways, and identifying the pattern helps target treatment:
- Facial pressure and pain — across the cheeks, forehead, or between the eyes, often worse bending forward
- Nasal congestion — blocked or stuffy nose on one or both sides
- Nasal discharge — clear and watery (viral/cold pattern) or thick yellow-green (bacterial/heat pattern)
- Post-nasal drip — mucus dripping down the back of the throat, often causing cough or throat clearing
- Reduced sense of smell and taste — common with congestion
- Sinus headache — dull, pressing headache particularly in the forehead and around the eyes
- Toothache in upper teeth — the maxillary sinuses sit above the upper teeth
- Ear fullness or pressure — particularly with Eustachian tube involvement
- Sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy throat — suggests allergic rather than infective cause
Causes of sinus congestion
Common causes and contributors include:
- Viral upper respiratory infection — the most common trigger of acute sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis and hay fever — see my article on Chinese medicine for hay fever
- Chronic sinusitis — lasting more than 12 weeks, often with structural or immune contributors
- Bacterial sinusitis — typically a secondary infection after a viral cold
- Deviated septum and nasal polyps — structural causes
- Dry indoor air — central heating dries and irritates the mucous membranes
- Smoking and passive smoke
- Dental infections — upper tooth infections can spread to the maxillary sinus
- Dairy and other dietary triggers — in some patients, reducing dairy helps sinus mucus production
Chronic sinus symptoms warrant GP assessment to exclude structural causes, polyps, and bacterial infection.
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, sneezing, and aversion to cold
- 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
- Damp-Phlegm obstructing the sinuses — chronic congestion with thick, sticky mucus and a heavy feeling in the head
- Damp-Heat in the sinuses — chronic sinusitis with yellow-green thick discharge and facial pain
- Spleen qi deficiency with dampness — underlying deficiency that generates phlegm which collects in the sinuses
Key acupressure points for sinus relief
LI 20 — Yingxiang (Welcome Fragrance)
Located at the side of each nostril in the nasolabial groove, LI 20 is the most important local point for nasal congestion and sinus pressure. The name literally translates as "Welcome Fragrance" — reflecting its ability to restore the sense of smell by opening the nasal passages. Firm pressure applied with the fingertips for 30–60 seconds typically produces immediate relief of nasal blockage.
LI 4 — Hegu (Joining Valley)
Located in the web between the thumb and index finger (at the highest point when the thumb and index finger are pressed together), LI 4 is one of the most powerful points in the body for clearing the face and head. It expels wind and pathogens from the upper body. Combined with LI 20, it significantly amplifies the sinus-clearing effect. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Yintang (Hall of Impression)
Located in the midline between the eyebrows (the "third eye" position), 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. It is also excellent for the anxiety and tension that often accompany chronic sinus issues.
Bitong (Side of Nose)
Located just above the wing of the nostril, roughly midway between LI 20 and the inner corner of the eye, Bitong is specifically indicated for nasal blockage and loss of smell. It is often more effective than LI 20 for nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis.
ST 2 — Sibai
Located below the eye in the infraorbital foramen (you may feel a small depression), ST 2 addresses maxillary sinus pressure and pain around the cheeks. It is particularly useful for sinus headache and the facial pressure of acute sinusitis.
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, and for sinusitis associated with toothache.
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.
GB 20 — Fengchi (Wind Pool)
Located at the base of the skull in the depression on either side of the spine, GB 20 clears wind from the head and relieves the headache and heaviness that often accompany sinus problems.
How to apply acupressure
Use the pad of your thumb or index finger (not the nail). Apply firm, steady pressure — enough to feel a deep ache but not sharp pain. Hold for 30–60 seconds per point, or longer (up to 2 minutes) for sustained effect. Breathe deeply and slowly throughout. Repeat the sequence 3–4 times daily during acute sinus symptoms, or once or twice daily for chronic management. For facial points, stay away from the eyes themselves and apply pressure on solid bony structures where possible. For children, use gentler pressure. Avoid acupressure over broken skin, acne, or significantly inflamed areas.
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. A systematic review of 13 RCTs found significant improvements in symptoms and medication use with acupuncture compared to sham treatment. 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.
For chronic sinusitis with an underlying deficiency pattern, Chinese herbal medicine significantly accelerates recovery. Formulas such as Yu Ping Feng San (for wei qi deficiency with recurrent infections) or Bi Yuan Wan (for chronic sinusitis with damp-heat) are commonly used. See my article on natural treatment for allergic rhinitis for a fuller discussion.
Lifestyle and self-care
Several self-care measures significantly support acupressure and acupuncture treatment:
- Steam inhalation — plain water or with a drop of eucalyptus oil, 5–10 minutes
- Nasal saline rinse — neti pot or squeeze bottle with sterile saline; highly effective for allergic and chronic sinusitis
- Adequate hydration — thins mucus and aids drainage
- Humidify the bedroom — particularly in winter with central heating
- Reduce dairy and mucus-producing foods if you notice a clear trigger pattern
- Warm foods — warm soups, broths, and cooked vegetables rather than cold raw foods during acute episodes
- Spicy foods (moderate) — horseradish, ginger, and chilli can clear acute congestion
- Avoid known allergens — dust mite covers, removing carpets if severe
Frequently asked questions
Does acupressure really work for sinus problems?
Yes — acupressure on the right points provides meaningful immediate relief of sinus congestion and pressure. The effect is temporary rather than curative, but useful for self-management between acupuncture sessions or alongside conventional treatment.
Which acupressure point is best for blocked sinuses?
LI 20 at the side of the nostril is the most important single point for nasal congestion. Combining LI 20 with LI 4 (on the hand) amplifies the effect significantly. For sinus pressure across the forehead, Yintang between the eyebrows is also very effective.
How long does acupressure relief last?
Immediate relief of congestion typically lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours. With regular use throughout the day, cumulative benefit develops. For lasting change, acupuncture and addressing the underlying pattern is needed.
Can acupressure cure chronic sinusitis?
Acupressure alone is unlikely to cure chronic sinusitis, but combined with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine targeting the underlying pattern, and lifestyle changes, significant improvement or resolution is achievable for most patients.
When should I see a doctor for sinusitis?
See your GP if sinus symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, if symptoms worsen after initially improving (suggests secondary bacterial infection), if you have fever above 38.5°C, severe facial pain, vision changes, or any neurological symptoms. Recurrent sinusitis (more than 4 episodes per year) warrants ENT referral.
Is acupressure safe in pregnancy?
Most sinus acupressure points are safe in pregnancy, but LI 4 (Hegu) should be avoided throughout pregnancy as it has traditional contraindication. SP 6 and BL 60 are also avoided. LI 20, Yintang, and ST 2 are safe to use.
To discuss sinus problems or allergies, get in touch or book a consultation at my Wokingham, Berkshire clinic.
