P. Sze 
Screen Burnout Reset: 5 Simple Pressure Points to Ease Eye Strain, Clear Your Mind, and Restore Energy Fast
If your workday revolves around screens, you probably know the feeling well: dry or aching eyes, a dull headache behind the forehead, tight shoulders, and a foggy mind that makes even simple tasks feel harder than they should. By mid-afternoon, your energy dips, your focus scatters, and another cup of coffee starts to feel less helpful than it used to.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, this isn’t just “too much screen time.” It’s a pattern of energy strain that builds quietly throughout the day. The good news is that TCM also offers simple, practical ways to reset—without leaving your desk or adding another long wellness routine to your schedule.
Below is a clear, desk-friendly acupressure and movement approach to help ease digital fatigue, sharpen focus, and restore a sense of calm in just a few minutes.
Why Screens Drain Your Energy in TCM Terms
In TCM, the eyes are closely connected to the Liver system, which is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and also supports the muscles and tendons. Long hours of intense visual focus—especially on bright screens—can overwork this system.
When Qi around the eyes and head becomes strained or stagnant, symptoms often show up as eye strain, headaches, neck tension, and mental fog. Over time, this strain can also ripple into the shoulders and upper back, making your whole upper body feel tight and heavy.
As Ms. Mai, our TCM therapist, explains:
“Screen fatigue drains the Liver, dimming both clarity of sight and clarity of mind.”
Seen this way, digital fatigue isn’t a personal failure or lack of discipline. It’s a predictable physical response to how modern work demands your attention.
The 5 Pressure Points for a Quick Eye-and-Mind Reset
This short acupressure sequence focuses on points traditionally used to refresh the eyes, clear the head, and support mental focus. You can do the entire sequence in one to two minutes.
How to Use This Sequence
Sit upright with your feet on the floor. Close your eyes. Use gentle but firm pressure—never painful. Breathe slowly and deeply as you press.
1. Jingming (BL-1)
Located at the inner corner of the eye, near the bridge of the nose.
This point is often used to relieve eye strain and refresh tired eyes. Use your index fingers and press lightly for three to five seconds while breathing slowly.
2. Zanzhu (BL-2)
Found at the inner edge of the eyebrows, directly above the inner corner of the eye.
This point helps release tension around the eyes and forehead. Press and release gently, allowing the brow area to soften.
3. Yangbai (GB-14)
Located about one finger-width above the center of the eyebrow.
This point is commonly used for frontal headaches and mental heaviness. Press while inhaling slowly, then release as you exhale.
4. Baihui (GV-20)
At the top of the head, roughly where the midline of your head meets a line drawn between the tops of your ears.
This is a classic point for clearing the mind and lifting energy. Press gently for a few breaths, imagining mental fog lifting upward.
5. Hegu (LI-4)
Located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger.
This point supports overall circulation of Qi and can help with headaches and mental tension. Press for several seconds on each hand.
Repeat the full sequence two or three times if you have a bit more time.
A One-Minute Movement Break to Keep Qi Flowing
Acupressure works even better when paired with small movements that counteract hours of sitting.
Try this simple reset. Sit or stand tall. Inhale and stretch your arms wide, opening the chest. Exhale and gently lower your shoulders. Inhale again and reach your arms overhead. Exhale slowly, letting the arms float back down.
This movement helps release neck and shoulder tension while encouraging smoother Qi flow through the upper body.
Beating the Mid-Afternoon Energy Crash
That familiar two-to-four p.m. slump isn’t just about willpower. In TCM, it’s often linked to low or depleted Qi from prolonged mental effort.
To recharge naturally, take three to five slow, deep breaths. On each inhale, let the belly expand. On each exhale, imagine heaviness draining down through your feet.
You can also briefly press Baihui (GV-20) again or add Qihai (CV-6), located a few inches below the navel, to support overall energy. This kind of pause may feel small, but done consistently, it can prevent fatigue from compounding day after day.
Calming Mental Overload and Restlessness
Constant notifications, task-switching, and information overload place extra strain on the mind. In TCM, excessive mental activity can weaken both the Spleen, linked to focus and processing, and the Heart, linked to calm and rest.
A simple grounding ritual is to warm the inner ankle area known as Sanyinjiao (SP-6) with a warm towel in the evening. Pair this with slow, diaphragmatic breathing before bed or whenever your thoughts feel scattered. This helps signal to your nervous system that it’s safe to slow down.
Small Food and Tea Choices That Support Your Eyes
You don’t need a special diet to support your eyes and energy. A few gentle choices can help. Green vegetables like spinach help nourish the Liver system. Sour flavors, such as citrus, are traditionally associated with Liver support. Chrysanthemum tea is often used in TCM to cool and refresh tired eyes.
These are simple additions, not strict rules, that can complement your daily routine.
One Habit to Prevent Digital Fatigue Before It Builds
If there’s one takeaway to remember, it’s this: don’t wait until you’re exhausted to reset.
Soften your gaze regularly. Look into the distance. Warm your eyes with your palms for a few breaths. These small pauses protect your energy before strain sets in.
Digital fatigue may be common, but it doesn’t have to be your baseline. With a few minutes of intentional care, you can feel clearer, calmer, and more energized right at your desk.
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