P. Sze 
Acupressure is an ancient healing skill based on traditional Chinese medicine. You apply pressure on particular points on your body with acupressure. Acupoints are the names given to these points. These spots can be pressed to relieve:
- Muscle tension
- Improve blood circulation
- Stimulate the lymphatic system
- Assist with lymphatic drainage
- Improve sleep
- And aid in the treatment of various other health conditions
One way to utilize the benefits of this practice is to utilize the following five acupressure points for swollen lymph nodes in the neck. There are many different causes of swollen lymph nodes. These can include viral infection, bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, and other health issues that trigger a response from your immune system.
Where Are Lymph Nodes Located?
Our lymph nodes are located in a few different places throughout our bodies. The entire lymphatic system includes channels that run throughout our bodies, much like blood vessels. Here is where you can find them:
In your armpits
- Under your jaw
- Above your collarbone
- On either side of your neck
- On each side of your groin
How Do You Fix Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes aren’t too much cause for concern. While we must always consult with our healthcare providers regarding any concerns, there are many ways to treat and eliminate swollen lymph nodes for non-severe cases.
A few available treatment options include:
- Acupressure
- A warm compress
- Adequate rest
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
Acupressure For Swollen Lymph Nodes
There are five acupressure points for swollen lymph nodes in the neck to help the swelling go down and ensure you start to feel better. If you have noticed that the lymph nodes in your neck have become swollen, there are a few acupoints that I recommend you try massaging to help alleviate the swelling.
I am going to describe and review these acupoints and discuss how they can be used to help with swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Please keep in mind that as you try to apply pressure to these acupoints, you should remember to relax, breathe deeply, use firm and deep pressure, and repeat the massage treatments throughout your day.
For Occipital Lymph Nodes
Acupoint: GB-20 (Other Names: Gallbladder-20/Feng Chi/Wind Pool)
The GB-20 acupoint is used to treat many different ailments and health issues and is especially helpful if you are looking for acupressure points to stay awake. This point is located right at the nape of your neck, where there is a slight depression between the beginning of the Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius muscles.
Lymph nodes do not circulate through the body like blood but rather through skeletal muscle contractions. As a result, inadequate muscle movement caused by a lack of activity or stiffness obstructs lymphatic drainage.
In addition to helping with swollen lymph nodes and sleep issues, the GB-20 pressure point can assist in the elimination of shoulder tension, headaches, neck pain, and even pain-related issues regarding the lower back and hips.
To apply acupressure to this location, use your thumb and fingers to apply pressure on both sides (as shown in the picture above). It is best to tilt your neck back and allow the weight of your neck to assist in applying pressure.
For Occipital Lymph Nodes
Acupoint: Bl-10 (Other Names: Urinary Bladder-10/Tian Zhu/Celestial Pillar)
The BL-10 acupoint is also sometimes referred to as the celestial or heavenly pillar. Much like the GB-20 point, it helps to tilt your head back while massaging this acupoint. Both of these points help to stimulate the occipital lymph nodes.
In relation to the GB-20 location, the BL-10 points are located slightly lower. In addition to helping with swollen lymph nodes, these are great pressure points to increase energy if you feel sluggish.
Gently rub the trailing edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle from bottom to top with the pad of your finger in a small circle to stimulate this spot. There are many other ailments that this point is effective in treating. In addition to helping reduce swelling in your lymph nodes, these points can help with neck pain,, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, sinus problems.
For Cervical Lymph Nodes
Acupoint: TE-16 (Other Names: Triple Energizer-16/Tian You/Sky Window)
If the BL-10 is the celestial pillar, then the TE-16 is your celestial window and is for the submandibular lymph node. In addition to utilizing this point for acupressure for swollen lymph nodes, there are a few other indications that this location may require some of your attention.
This point is located at the back of your neck, in line with the mandible or jawbone. Rub the sternocleidomastoid muscle’s trailing edge from bottom to top in a tight circle with the pad of your finger. Other than a swollen lymph node, a few other indications of misalignment at this point include pain in your shoulder and back, headaches, dizziness, neck stiffness, and blurred vision.
For Submandibular Lymph Node
Acupoint: ST-6 (Other Names: Stomach-6/Jia Che/Jaw Bone)
The ST-6 acupoint is located on your cheek, right above your jawline. While this point is useful for relieving swelling in your lymph nodes, it is also one of the important pressure points for facial paralysis.
You can tell when this spot may need acupressure therapy if you have swelling in your cheek, toothaches, or difficulty opening your mouth. Using this spot to activate your body’s natural healing powers and help reduce swelling in the submandibular lymph node.
For Parotid Lymph Node
Acupoint: ST-7 (Other Names: Stomach-7/Xia Guan/Below the Arch)
To stimulate the parotid lymph node, you will want to pay attention to the ST-7 TMJ acupressure acupoints. This point is found at the top of the jawbone, right in front of your ear. It is important to keep your mouth slightly open as you press on this acupoint. This point helps to reduce swelling of the lymph nodes but also assists in relieving or treating other health issues, as well. These issues can include tinnitus, tympanitis, lockjaw, facial paralysis, facial pain.
