Acupressure or pressure points are specific areas of the body that run along meridians or channels through which the energy in our body flows.
These pressure points are rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, which uses them to promote overall wellness.
There are four popular eye acupressure points for eye-related issues.
Massaging the acupressure points for the eyes is a technique you can use at home and on a daily basis. Once you have the right touch, you should be able to apply pressure without causing pain to the pressure point.
Pressure Points of the Eyes
Zan Zhu Point
Location: Along the inner-eye area, next to the nose.
Indication: The Zan Zhu pressure point is used to relieve red, itchy, or painful eyes, excessive tear production, allergies, headaches, and more.
Si Zhu Kong Point
Location: Found at the end tip of the brow, away from the eye.
Indication: Si Zhu Kong is a point that may help relieve headache and migraine pain, which are common complaints with eye strain.
Cheng Qi Point
Location: Directly under the eye and center to the eye area.
Indication: The Cheng Qi pressure point is used to help relieve symptoms of conjunctivitis, eye redness, swelling and pain in the eye, and twitching.
Yang Bai Point
Location: To the left side of the center of the forehead, just above the left eye.
Indication: The Yang Bai point may be helpful when trying to relieve headaches, eye twitching, and even glaucoma.
Tips to Massage Acupressure Points for the Eyes
- When massaging acupressure points for the eyes, use the correct technique and find the right balance.
- Performing any facial acupressure, including eye acupressure, requires knowledge of the specific point and proper technique to massage the area.
- Do not cause pain but at the same time apply firm enough pressure to be effective.
- For a gentler, but still, effective approach, massage the points for the eyes in a circular manner. This is a relaxing way to ease into the practice.
- After massaging the area, hold the point for 10 to 15 seconds, then release for about the same amount of time.
- Repeat this process at the same point between 6 to 10 times, depending on the affliction.
- Remember to breathe. Slow, deep breathing is important during this process.
Note: Acupressure is different from acupuncture, which uses needles to treat a variety of health conditions.