It’s that time of year again! Runny nose, itchy watery eyes, nasal congestion and sneezing…ring a bell? If you have symptoms related to seasonal allergies, here are some useful ‘self help’ acupressure points you can try on yourself at home. These three points are specifically used for allergy relief and only require a few minutes of your time.
The first point is Large Intestine 20 (LI 20). It is located at the point where your nose and cheek meet on both sides of your nose. It’s a great point for opening the nasal passages and for clearing sinus congestion. Both sides can be stimulated at the same time.
The next point is Large Intestine 4 (LI 4). It is located on the outside of the hand in the webbing between the thumb and the index finger. This point has anti-inflammatory properties and is good for general pain relief and the immune system. Stimulate one point with the opposite hand, and then the other. Strong stimulation of this point should be avoided during pregnancy.
The final point to try is Liver 3 (Lv 3) located on the top of the foot in the webbing between the large toe and the second toe. This point can be helpful in all kinds of allergic reactions, especially itchy, watery eyes. Stimulate one foot at a time.
To use these acupressure points at home, remember to breathe deeply. Use pressure that is mild to moderate – points will usually feel a little sensitive, bordering on ‘good pain’. Hold each of the points for 1 to 2 minutes, alternating sides for the hand and foot points. Here are some images to help you get started locating the points.