Acupressure Techniques to Soothe Dry Eyes from Screens and Air Conditioning

Dry eyes are a common issue in today’s digital world, especially for those who spend long hours in front of screens or in air-conditioned environments. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a natural and effective way to relieve this discomfort through acupressure. To gain expert insight, we consulted Ms. Mai Sogawa, a certified TCM therapist, who shared a simple acupressure routine using four key points to help soothe dry eyes.

Acupressure is a gentle, non-invasive technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. If you’re new to acupressure, check out our comprehensive guide to acupressure to understand its benefits and techniques.

Try this quick and effective acupressure routine to refresh your eyes and improve circulation.

Jing Ming (BL-1) – Bright Eyes for Clarity

Location: At the inner corners of the eyes, just slightly above the tear ducts.

How to Apply Acupressure:

• Use your index fingers to gently press on both sides of your nose, near the inner eye corners.
• Hold the pressure for about 10–15 seconds while breathing deeply.
• Release and repeat 3 times.

Benefits:

• Stimulates blood circulation around the eyes.
• Helps reduce eye strain and dryness.
• Improves focus and clarity.

Jing Ming, meaning “Bright Eyes,” is a vital point in TCM for overall eye health. By activating this point, you encourage better circulation and relief from dryness.

Cuan Zhu (BL-2) – Relaxing the Eyebrow Region

Location: In the depressions at the inner edge of the eyebrows, directly above BL-1.

How to Apply Acupressure:

• Place your thumbs or index fingers at the inner ends of your eyebrows.
• Apply gentle pressure and slowly massage in small circles for 10–15 seconds.
• Repeat 3 times.

Benefits:

• Relieves tension around the eyes.
• Reduces headaches and eye fatigue.
• Enhances the moisture balance of the eyes.

Cuan Zhu is known for its ability to relax the muscles around the eyes, making it a great point for those experiencing tension headaches due to prolonged screen time.

Si Zhu Kong (TE-23) – Easing Eye Strain

Location: In the small depression at the outer end of the eyebrow, near the temple.

How to Apply Acupressure:

• Press gently on both points with your fingers.
• Hold for 10–15 seconds while keeping your eyes closed.
• Repeat 3 times.

Benefits:

• Reduces eye strain and dryness.
• Alleviates temple headaches caused by excessive screen use.
• Helps with blurry vision.

Si Zhu Kong is excellent for relieving eye discomfort caused by prolonged use of electronic devices.

Cheng Qi (ST-1) – Refreshing Tired Eyes

Location: Below the center of the eye, in the small hollow between the lower eyelid and the cheekbone.

How to Apply Acupressure:

• Using your index fingers, press lightly on this point.
• Hold the pressure for 10–15 seconds.
• Release and repeat 3 times.

Benefits:

• Stimulates tear production.
• Hydrates and refreshes tired eyes.
• Improves circulation to reduce puffiness and dryness.

Cheng Qi helps restore moisture to the eyes, making it particularly useful for individuals suffering from dry eyes due to air conditioning.

Additional Eye-Soothing Techniques

Along with acupressure, Ms. Mai recommends the following simple techniques to further relieve dry eyes:

• Warm Compress: Soak a towel in warm water, wring out excess moisture, and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes to improve circulation.
• Palming Technique: Rub your palms together until warm, then gently place them over your eyes without pressing down. This provides instant relaxation.
• Eye Exercises: Squeeze your eyes shut tightly, then open them wide. Repeat this three times to enhance circulation.

Final Thoughts

Acupressure is a natural and effective way to combat dry eyes caused by prolonged screen use or air conditioning. By incorporating these four key points—Jing Ming (BL-1), Cuan Zhu (BL-2), Si Zhu Kong (TE-23), and Cheng Qi (ST-1)—into your daily routine, you can promote better eye health and reduce discomfort.

Try these techniques whenever your eyes feel dry or fatigued, and don’t forget to take breaks from screens to maintain optimal eye wellness.

Would you like to explore more ways to use acupressure for different health concerns? Check out our comprehensive guide to acupressure for more insights!

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