Using more screen time than ever before? Acupressure can help your eyes.

While most of us are now under self-quarantine and practicing social distancing, a lot of us may find that like it or not, we’re spending more time glued to screens than ever before.

Some of it may be inevitable - we’re working from home, watching the news, checking Twitter for any updates or news during these unprecedented times. But it may be affecting our bodies an a variety of ways, especially our eyes.

Thankfully, acupressure can help. And, you can do it at home!

The Points

Four of the most popular eye acupressure points for eye related issues include:

ZanZhu: located along the inner-eye area, next to the nose. This point is known to relieve red, itchy or painful eyes, excessive tear production, allergies, headaches and more.

Si Zhu Kong: a common point located at the end tip of the brow (away from the eye) that is known to help relieve headache and migraine pain

Cheng Gi Point: located directly under the eye and centered to the eye area, this point is especially helpful for those suffering from conjunctivitis

Vang Bai Point: Located to the left side of the center o the forehead, just above the left eye, this point is helpful to relive headaches, eye twitching, and even glaucoma

How to Perform Self Acupuncture

The best way to perform any facial acupressure, including eye acupressure is to do so first, carefully, and then with firm enough pressure to be effective. This should never be painful, but you should feel a sense of acute pressure in the area you are applying acupressure to.

For a gentler but still effective approach, massaging these points in a circular manner is a relaxing way to ease into the practice. Then,  I typically hold a point for ten to fifteen seconds, then release for about the same amount of time, and then repeating at the same point between 6-10 times, depending on the affliction.

The Benefits

It is believed that certain eye acupressure points can improve vision problems such as nearsidedness and nightblindness. I have not had any patients seek treatments for these ailments so I can’t speak to personal experience, though I know many have had success improving these issues via acupressure and acupuncture.

The benefits of massaging these areas near the eye are endless. They relieve tension and headaches, provide a sense of relaxation and can help alleviate twitching or weakness, too.

Especially in a time when we are constantly looking at our devices — it’s so important to take care of our eyes. Acupressure is a great, noninvasive way to give our eyes a bit of TLC and help them recover from the stressors of the day.