Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that uses gentle pressure on specific points of the body to promote wellness. It’s similar to acupuncture, but without the needles.
Facial acupressure is an increasingly popular and natural way to rejuvenate your face and improve your well-being.
Read on to learn about the most important facial acupressure points and how to use a facial acupressure points chart to benefit from this ancient practice.
Understanding acupressure and Qi
The fundamentals of acupressure
Acupressure involves putting pressure on certain points on your body to stimulate meridians, which are pathways that vital energy (Qi) travels through. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure doesn’t use needles.
The concept of Qi
Qi is the vital energy that flows through your body. If Qi is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to illness. Acupressure is thought to help regulate Qi flow. Stimulating acupoints can help restore balance and encourage healing.
Key Facial Acupressure Points and Their Benefits
Acupressure uses the same points as acupuncture, but instead of needles, you’re using gentle but firm pressure from your fingers. Here are some key facial acupressure points to know, and what they’re believed to do.
Forehead and Eye Area
- Yintang (Third Eye Point): This point is located between your eyebrows. Applying pressure here is thought to relieve stress, anxiety, and headaches; chair yoga for stress relief may also provide calm and balance.
- Taiyang (Temple Point): Find this point in your temples. It’s believed to help with headaches and eye strain.
Nose and Mouth Area
- LI20 (Large Intestine 20): You’ll find this point on the nasolabial groove, which is the line that runs from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth. Some people use this point to relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
- GV26 (Governing Vessel 26): This point is between your upper lip and your nose. It’s sometimes used in resuscitation efforts and may help with facial paralysis.
Jaw and Ear Area
- SJ17 (Triple Burner 17): Located behind the ear in the supratragic notch, this point is thought to help with earaches and jaw tension.
- SJ21 (Triple Burner 21): Find this point in front of the ear. People sometimes use it for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and facial pain.
Hand Point
- LI4 (Large Intestine 4): This point is on your hand between your thumb and index finger. It’s often used for pain relief.
How to give yourself facial acupressure
Here’s how to give yourself a facial acupressure massage:
- Prepare your space. Make sure you’re in a place that’s quiet and comfortable so you can really relax and get the most out of the experience.
- Find the right spots. Use a diagram or description to find the right acupressure points on your face.
- Apply pressure. Use your fingertips to apply gentle but firm pressure. Massage each point in small, circular motions.
- How long and how often? Massage each point for at least two minutes. Repeat these sessions regularly to get the best results.
- Breathe. Incorporate deep, slow breaths, similar to the practice of Bhastrika Pranayama, to feel calm and reduce tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the acupressure points for facial beauty?
Several acupressure points are believed to enhance facial beauty. Key points include the Third Eye point (between the eyebrows), which can relieve stress and improve skin radiance; the Beauty Point (below the cheekbone), thought to promote lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness; and the Heavenly Pillar (back of the neck), which may improve circulation and reduce tension that contributes to wrinkles. While anecdotal evidence supports their benefits, more rigorous scientific studies are needed.
What pressure points release face tension?
Facial tension can often be eased by targeting specific acupressure points. The Joining of the Wind point (hollows on the back of the neck near the base of the skull) is known for relieving headaches and neck tension that often manifests in the face. The Stomach 2 point (below the eye on the cheekbone) can alleviate sinus pressure and jaw tension. Applying gentle, circular pressure to these points can help relax facial muscles and reduce overall tension.
Does facial acupressure really work?
While many people report positive experiences with facial acupressure, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is still emerging. Some studies suggest that acupressure can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, all of which can contribute to a more youthful and radiant appearance. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and long-term benefits of facial acupressure. It’s often used as a complementary therapy alongside other skincare practices.
Key takeaways
Facial acupressure may help relieve stress, reduce pain, improve blood flow, and even help your face look younger.
However, if you have a serious health condition, it’s important to talk with your doctor before using acupressure. Stop using acupressure if you feel pain or notice bruising.
Consider consulting a qualified acupuncturist or therapist for a personalized treatment plan, or exploring Ayurvedic massage benefits. This is especially important if you have underlying health conditions or are seeking treatment for a specific concern.