P. Sze 
Best Acupressure Points for Relieving Eye Strain While Sitting at Your Desk
Eye strain is a common issue for many of us, especially if you spend long hours staring at a computer screen. It can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and even headaches. Fortunately, acupressure points for eye strain can be a simple and effective way to provide relief without leaving your desk.
To gain professional insights, we consulted Ms. Mai Sogawa, a TCM therapist from Japan. According to her, certain acupressure points can be pressed gently to help ease tension around the eyes, increase blood flow, and reduce fatigue. She recommends incorporating the following points into your daily routine for quick relief after meetings or prolonged screen time.
Key Acupressure Points to Reduce Eye Strain
1. BL-2 (Cuanzhu) – Brightens Vision and Alleviates Tension
The BL-2 acupressure point, also known as “Cuanzhu” or “Gathered Bamboo,” is located at the inner edge of the eyebrows, right above the eyes. It’s commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to address various eye conditions, including eye strain, twitching, and vision problems.
How to Apply Pressure:
- Locate the depression at the inner ends of both eyebrows.
- Using your thumbs, gently press and hold these points for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Repeat 2-3 times, focusing on deep, steady breathing.
Benefits:
- Alleviates tension headaches.
- Improves blood circulation around the eyes.
- Relieves overall facial tightness.
This point is particularly effective when you feel an intense sensation of tightness around your brow area after long meetings.
2. EM-5 (Taiyang) – Soothes Eye Fatigue and Headaches
The EM-5 point, often referred to as the “Taiyang” or “Great Sun” point, is located in the temple area, in the slight depression about 1 inch behind the midpoint between the outer corner of the eye and the eyebrow. This point is widely used to alleviate various head and eye-related issues.
How to Apply Pressure:
- Place your index and middle fingers on your temples.
- Massage in gentle circular motions for 30 seconds.
- Apply slight pressure and feel the muscle tension gradually release.
Benefits:
- Reduces eye strain and fatigue.
- Relieves tension headaches and migraines.
- Calms the mind and helps to release stress.
Using this point can be especially beneficial when eye strain is accompanied by tension headaches, which often occur after prolonged screen exposure or stressful meetings.
3. EM-3 (Yuyao) – Eases Eye Pain and Blurred Vision
The EM-3 point, also called “Yuyao” or “Fish Waist,” is located in the middle of each eyebrow, directly above the pupil when you look straight ahead. This point is highly effective for addressing pain and discomfort in the eyes.
How to Apply Pressure:
- Locate the midpoint of your eyebrow.
- Using your index fingers, press and hold this point for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Release, then repeat 2-3 times.
Benefits:
- Relieves eye pain and dryness.
- Improves focus and sharpens vision.
- Reduces the sensation of burning or stinging in the eyes.
This point is ideal for quickly easing the burning sensation that often accompanies eye strain, making it a great addition to your mid-day routine.
Incorporating Acupressure into Your Workday
These acupressure points can be integrated seamlessly into your daily work routine. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
- Before a Meeting: Start by pressing EM-3 (Yuyao) to increase blood circulation and reduce initial eye discomfort.
- After a Long Meeting: Follow up with BL-2 (Cuanzhu) to ease tension around the brow area.
- When Feeling Tension Headaches: Use EM-5 (Taiyang) to calm the temples and alleviate headaches.
Incorporating these quick acupressure techniques can make a significant difference in how your eyes feel by the end of a long workday. Aim to perform these techniques several times a day, especially when taking short breaks from the screen.
Additional Tips to Prevent Eye Strain
Alongside acupressure, consider implementing these additional strategies to maintain optimal eye health:
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
- Adjust Your Screen Settings: Ensure that your monitor’s brightness is comfortable, and increase the text size to avoid straining.
- Blink More Often: Consciously blinking more can help reduce dryness and prevent irritation.
- Use Anti-Glare Filters: If you work in a brightly lit environment, consider using an anti-glare filter to minimize reflective glare on your screen.
Final Thoughts
Acupressure is a non-invasive, natural method to alleviate eye strain without requiring special equipment or medications. By using key points like BL-2 (Cuanzhu), EM-5 (Taiyang), and EM-3 (Yuyao), you can quickly reduce discomfort and keep your eyes feeling refreshed, even during a hectic workday.
For more insights into Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupressure techniques, you can read more about our expert, Ms. Mai Sogawa, and her recommendations. Make these techniques a part of your daily routine, and experience the benefits of reduced eye strain and better focus.
