Discover the Top 5 Facial Acupressure Points for Reducing Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes are more than just a cosmetic concern; they can be a sign of stress, fatigue, or aging, impacting not only your appearance but also your self-confidence. Fortunately, there’s a natural, effective solution at your fingertips: facial acupressure. This ancient technique, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, offers a non-invasive approach to improving skin health. It’s particularly beneficial for reducing the appearance of dark circles, harnessing the power of specific pressure points to rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes. In this article, we delve into facial acupressure points for dark circles, providing you with detailed guidance on how to harness these points for maximum benefit. Are you ready to discover how simple yet powerful acupressure techniques can help brighten and revitalize your under-eye area, enhancing your natural beauty?

Facial acupressure is a powerful tool in the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a holistic approach to addressing dark circles by promoting balanced energy flow. By gently stimulating these key acupoints, cosmetic acupuncture improves the appearance of dark circles and supports overall wellness and vitality, creating a radiant and harmonious complexion.”

– Kecia Fowler, DOM, AP at Art of Acupuncture

Understanding the Root Causes of Dark Circles From a TCM Perspective

Understanding the underlying causes of dark circles is crucial in addressing them effectively. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the appearance of dark circles is often seen as a reflection of imbalances within the body, stemming from various lifestyle and health factors.

Aging: As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and becomes thinner, making the blood vessels under our eyes more visible. This change can lead to the appearance of dark circles.

Stress: High-stress levels can disrupt our hormonal balance and sleep patterns, contributing significantly to the development of dark circles. TCM emphasizes the importance of managing stress for overall health and wellness, including skin health.

Poor Sleep Quality: Inadequate or irregular sleep can lead to dark under-eye circles. TCM links good quality sleep to the optimal functioning of the body’s qi (energy flow), which is essential for maintaining a healthy, vibrant complexion.

Lifestyle Factors: Habits like smoking, overconsumption of alcohol, and poor diet can contribute to the worsening of dark circles. TCM advocates for a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of a nutritious diet and avoidance of toxins to maintain skin health.

By understanding these factors from a TCM perspective, we can better address the issue of dark circles through both lifestyle changes and targeted facial acupressure techniques.

Acupressure Points For Dark Circle Under The Eyes

In TCM, dark circles under the eyes could either be “black dark,” “blue dark,” or “brown dark.” When it is “black dark”, the cause is sagging skin, whereas when it is “blue dark”, it’s a result of poor blood circulation.

For dark brown circles, the causative factor is dark spots and dullness of the skin. When you massage the right pressure points for the dark brown circles, melanin pigment excretion will be enhanced through better blood flow and even distribution of nutrients to the skin.

Now that you know the different kinds of dark circles under the eyes and how acupuncture functions to reduce or remove bags under the eyes, here are the acupressure points you need to massage to enjoy the healing effects of acupressure for dark circles under the eyes.

Acupoint: EM-6 (Other Names: Qiu Hou)

The first acupressure point to remove dark circles under the eyes is acupoint EM-6. This special acupoint is called Qiuhou in Chinese, which means Behind the Ball in English. It is located on the face, below the eyes. Qiuhou is just a finger-width from the edge of the eye.

EM-6 is one of the acupressure points for eyes that is effective in treating eye diseases like pigmentary degeneration of the retina, optic neuritis, early-stage cataract, and glaucoma.

A 2015 research found that stimulating Qiuhou and nine other acupressure points improved the visual acuity and light sensitivity of patients suffering from Nonarteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).

To remove dark circles under your eyes with EM-6, locate the acupoint with your index finger, then massage it slowly from the inside to the outside for 2 minutes.

Acupoint: ST-1 (Other Names: Stomach-1/Cheng Qi/Tears Container)

Acupoint ST-1 or Chengqi is the next acupressure point for dark circles under the eyes. Like Qiuhou, ST-1 is also located on the face. To locate this acupoint, look forward into a mirror, then trace a finger directly under your pupil, between your eyeball and the infraorbital ridge.

Chengqi is responsible for driving off wind, clearing heat, and stopping tears. It also benefits the eyes, which s why it is used clinically to reduce or stop swelling around the eyes, redness of the eyes, twitching of the eyelids, and night blindness.

To unlock the benefits of ST-1, locate the acupoint with your index finger and massage it slowly from the inside to the outside for 2 minutes.

Acupoint: Bl-1 (Other Names: Urinary Bladder-1/Jing Ming/Bright Eyes)

Acupoint BL-1 is another of the acupressure points to remove dark circles. It is called Jingming in Chinese which means Bright Eyes in English. This Urinary Bladder meridian acupoint is located on the face, just like the two acupoints discussed earlier. You’ll find this pressure point on both sides of your eyes, above the inside corner of your eyes, beside the bridge of the nose.

Jingming is beneficial to the eyes; it removes heat and releases wind. As the name implies, Bright Eyes is effective in treating blurry vision. It is used clinically in treating cataracts, myopia, redness of the eyes, and color blindness. It is also one of the facial acupressure points for wrinkles.

A 2018 research compared the use of BL-1 and artificial tears in improving the symptoms of patients with Dried Eye Disease (DED).

To activate this acupoint for dark circles, simply trace the pressure point with your index finger and massage it slowly from the inside to the outside for 2 minutes.

Acupoint: ST-2 (Other Names: Stomach-2/Si Bai/Four Whites)

Acupoint ST-2, Sibai, or Four Whites is a stomach acupressure point that helps reduce bags under the eyes. Like the others, ST-2 is also located on the face. You’ll find ST-2 below ST-1, at the indentation on the cheek that is directly below your pupils.

Because of its location, ST-2 helps the eyes. It is one of the acupressure points for dry eyes. You can use ST-2 to treat myopia, itching of the eyes, wry face, twitching eyelids, and any pain on the face.

All you need to do to unlock the benefits of ST-2 is to trace a finger to the pressure point and massage gently. Avoid pushing the pressure point too hard. Maintain comfortable pressure, and stay away from pressing your eyeballs.

Acupoint: GB-1 (Other Names: Gallbladder-1/Tong Zi Liao/Pupil Crevice)

Acupoint GB-1 is called Tongziliao in Chinese. It is another of the facial acupressure points for dark circles that you need to know. You’ll find this acupoint in a bony depression, 0.5 cun from the outer edge of your eyes.

Like the other acupressure points discussed above, GB-1 is very useful in treating issues relating to the eyes. Applying gentle pressure on GB-1 for two minutes will relieve you of headache, restore failing vision, reduce redness of the eye, and stop the foggy vision.

You can also check out any of these TMJ acupressure points if you’re having jaw pains.

Holistic Approaches and Other Acupressure Techniques for Reducing Dark Circles and Enhancing Beauty

Alongside targeting specific acupressure points for under eye bags, incorporating holistic skin care practices is essential for reducing dark circles effectively. These practices not only complement facial acupressure but also enhance overall skin health.

Hydration for Healthy Skin
Hydrating sufficiently is vital for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and minimizing dark circles. Drinking adequate water throughout the day helps keep the skin hydrated and supports the detoxification processes that are essential for a healthy complexion.

A Balanced Diet for Skin Nourishment
Your diet plays a significant role in skin health. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and essential fatty acids contribute to skin repair and rejuvenation. Incorporating these nutrients into your diet can amplify the effects of your skincare routine, providing the necessary building blocks for healthy skin.

Quality Sleep for Skin Regeneration
Sleep is a critical component of skin health. It’s during rest that your skin undergoes repair and rejuvenation. A regular sleep pattern not only helps in reducing dark circles but also aids in overall skin health, keeping it vibrant and youthful.

Integrating Acupressure into Your Skincare Routine
Acupressure can be a powerful addition to your daily skincare regimen. By focusing on specific acupressure points, you can target common skin concerns like under-eye bags, dull complexion, and puffiness. For instance, incorporating acupressure points for under-eye bags into your routine can specifically help in reducing the appearance of eye bags, enhancing the effects of your hydration and sleep practices. Similarly, including acupressure points for skin glow can boost your skin’s radiance and vitality. Lastly, acupressure for puffy eyes is an effective method to alleviate puffiness and improve overall eye health. These targeted acupressure practices, when combined with hydration, a balanced diet, and quality sleep, can significantly elevate your skincare routine, leading to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

Can Acupuncture Help With Dark Circles?

While the causes of dark circles may vary, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that dark circles occur when your blood flow is stagnant. When your blood does not flow smoothly, it affects the glow of the skin, causing dark circles under the eye.

Acupuncture then serves as a solution to remedy this problem. Acupuncture, which deals with the root cause of bodily problems, not only relieves you of the problem but also enhances the wholeness of the mind and body.

When you stimulate the acupoints for dark circles under the eyes, your blood circulation improves, your internal organs begin to function better, your hormones get adjusted, and the metabolism of your skin is speeded up. What this means is that you get healing on your skin that starts from the inside of your body before radiating outside.

Can Acupuncture Get Rid Of Dark Circles?

Yes, acupuncture can help with dark circles. The kind of acupuncture that is responsible for clearing dark circles under the eyes is called cosmetic acupuncture. Acupuncture is well suited for dark circles because it is a treatment therapy that is concerned about the general health and wellness of people.

When acupuncture is administered for dark circles, trapped energies are released, the body is stimulated, and endorphins are created. These endorphins or happy hormones bring a feeling of contentment that revives your mind and body. Also, acupuncture for dark circles enhances the skin cells to produce collagen that repairs the skin.

Therefore, when you undergo cosmetic acupuncture, your circulatory system functions better, energy flow throughout the body is unhindered, and you’ll feel relaxed.