The arrival of spring is usually something to celebrate: the days are getting longer, the air is warmer, and everything is finally turning green again. But for many of us, this season comes with a side of itchy eyes, endless sneezing, and that heavy, “clogged up” feeling that makes it hard to focus on anything else.
If you find yourself reaching for the tissues the second you step outside, you aren’t alone. Seasonal allergies (often called hay fever) affect millions of people every year, and while over-the-counter meds are a common go-to, they often leave you feeling foggy, drowsy, or just plain “off.”
But what if you could support your body’s natural response to pollen and dust without the midday slump?
As a wellness advocate, I’m a big believer in looking at the body as a whole system. When we experience that classic spring congestion, it’s often a sign that our internal energy is a bit stuck or overwhelmed by environmental shifts. This is where the ancient practice of acupressure becomes a total game-changer.
By applying gentle pressure to specific points on the face and body, you can help move that “stuck” energy, encourage lymphatic drainage, and, most importantly, finally breathe through your nose again.
In this post, I’m breaking down the three simple, natural pressure points that you can use anywhere. Whether you’re at your desk, in your car, or winding down for the night these points can clear your sinuses and reclaim your spring.
What is Acupressure? (A Quick Refresh)
Before we dive into the specific points for allergy relief, let’s do a quick refresh on what acupressure actually is. If you’re new to this practice, I highly recommend checking out my [Acupressure 101: A Beginner’s Guide on How to get Started] for a deeper dive into how this works.
In short, acupressure is an ancient technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s based on the idea that our bodies have “meridians”—or invisible pathways—through which our life energy, known as Qi, flows.
When we get sick, stressed, or bogged down by seasonal allergies, that energy can become stagnant or “blocked.” Think of it like a kink in a garden hose; when the water can’t flow, pressure builds up. In the case of spring allergies, that pressure usually ends up right in your sinuses!
By applying physical pressure to specific points along these meridians, we help “unkink the hose.” This encourages the body to:
- Increase blood circulation to the area.
- Promote lymphatic drainage (essential for moving fluid out of the face).
- Signal the nervous system to relax.
The best part? Unlike acupuncture, there are no needles involved. You have the power to shift your energy and find relief using nothing but your own hands.
1. Large Intestine 20 (LI20): 迎香 (Ying Xiang) – “Welcome Fragrance”
If you can only do one point, make it this one. It is the most effective point for immediate nasal opening and regaining your sense of smell when congested.
Where to Find It
- Locate the widest part of your nostrils.
- Place your fingers in the nasolabial folds (the “smile lines” or creases) right next to the nostril flare.
- You will feel a small physical dip in the bone here.
How to Do It
- Technique: Apply firm, steady pressure with your index fingers on both sides simultaneously.
- Duration: Hold for 1–2 minutes.
- The Goal: Focus on breathing through your nose as you hold the point to encourage the airways to open.
Why It Helps
LI20 helps reduce inflammation in the nasal lining and moves stagnant mucus. It is specifically used in holistic wellness to clear “heat” and irritation from the respiratory system, making it a powerhouse for spring allergy relief.
2. Bitong: 鼻通 (Bí Tōng) – “Penetrating the Nose”
While LI20 focuses on the nostrils, Bitong is the specialized point for deep sinus congestion. If you feel like your head is heavy or your cheeks are throbbing from pressure, this is the point to target.
Where to Find It
- Locate LI20 (next to the widest part of your nostril).
- Slide your finger upward along the nasolabial groove (the smile line).
- Stop at the very top of the crease, where the soft tissue of the nose meets the bridge bone. This area is often quite tender when you have seasonal allergies.
How to Do It
- Technique: Use your index fingers to press inward and slightly upward toward the bridge of the nose.
- Duration: Apply firm pressure for 30–60 seconds.
- Pro Tip: Try a “pumping” motion—press firmly for 3 seconds, release for 1, and repeat 10 times to help manually move stagnant fluid.
Why It Helps
Bitong specifically targets the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. Its name literally means “Opening the Nose,” and it is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to “expel wind” and clear the nasal passages. By stimulating this point, you help the body drain the fluid trapped in the upper facial cavities, which also helps relieve allergy-induced headaches.
3. Yintang: 印堂 (Yìn Táng) – “Hall of Impression”
Commonly known as the “Third Eye” point, Yintang is a powerhouse for treating the upper respiratory system. While the first two points focus on the nose and cheeks, Yintang targets the forehead and eyes.
Where to Find It
- This point is located directly between your eyebrows.
- It sits right in the center, where the bridge of your nose meets your forehead.
How to Do It
- Technique: Use your thumb or middle finger to apply steady, firm pressure.
- Movement: You can also use a gentle upward stroking motion from this point toward your hairline to encourage lymphatic drainage away from the eyes.
- Duration: Hold or stroke for 1–2 minutes. Close your eyes and focus on slow, deep breaths.
Why It Helps
Yintang sits directly over the frontal sinuses, making it the primary target for relieving heavy pressure in the forehead and behind the eyes. It is highly effective for soothing the redness and watery irritation caused by high pollen counts. Beyond physical relief, this point is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to clear “brain fog” and calm the mind. Stimulating Yintang helps reset your nervous system and reduce the stress of a flare-up, making it a perfect addition to a calming evening ritual.
Your 5-Minute Daily Allergy Relief Routine
To get the most out of these points, I recommend performing them in a specific sequence. This “bottom-up” approach starts by opening the airways and finishes by clearing the head, helping to manually move stagnant fluid out of your face.
The Step-by-Step Flow:
- Open the Airways (LI20): Start with 1 minute of firm pressure at the base of the nose. Focus on taking the first few deep breaths through your nostrils as the swelling begins to subside.
- Drain the Sinuses (Bitong): Slide your fingers up to the top of the nose crease. Apply pressure or use the “pumping” motion for 1 minute to encourage drainage from the deeper sinus cavities.
- Clear the Fog (Yintang): Finish by pressing the point between your eyebrows for 2 minutes. This is the “reset” button for your nervous system and helps soothe any lingering eye irritation or forehead pressure.
When to do this: For best results during the peak of spring and summer, try this routine twice a day—once in the morning before you head outside, and once in the evening to clear your head for a better night’s sleep.
Tips for the Best Results
To get the most out of your acupressure practice, keep these three simple tips in mind:
- Be Consistent: Acupressure is cumulative. During high pollen days, try to perform this routine 2–3 times a day rather than waiting until you are completely blocked.
- Hydrate with Warmth: Since we are focusing on drainage, drinking warm water or herbal tea helps thin out mucus, making it much easier for these points to do their job. Try to also avoid foods that are mucus inducing such as dairy.
- Clean Hands are a Must: Since you are touching sensitive areas near your eyes and nose, always wash your hands first to avoid introducing new irritants to your face.
Conclusion
Seasonal allergies don’t have to put your life on hold. By using LI20 (迎香), Bitong (鼻通), and Yintang (印堂), you have a natural, drug-free way to find relief in just a few minutes a day. It’s all about supporting your body’s flow and helping your system navigate the change of seasons with more ease.
I’d love to hear from you: which of these three points gave you the most “instant” relief? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new wellness practice, especially if you have chronic respiratory conditions, are pregnant, or have severe inflammatory symptoms.
