P. Sze 
The human body is covered in hundreds of acupuncture points, so why are some more popular than others? I noticed that the small intestine 18 acupressure point has received a lot of attention compared to other acupressure points, and for a good reason. The small intestine 18 pressure point is versatile and can be combined with other acupressure points to enhance their healing effects. Here are some of the reasons why this is one of my go-to acupressure points, and tips on how you can incorporate it into your life as well!
How Many Points Are In The Small Intestine Meridian?
There is a total of 19 points on the small intestine meridian. These points are so impactful on the body’s natural functions because the small intestine contributes to the digestion tract, hydration, the uptake of essential amino acids, bile acid production, and dispersion of nutrients that all areas of our body depend on for survival. A healthy small intestine makes for a healthy body.
Where Is The Small Intestine 18 Located?
Understanding the location of small intestine 18 is crucial to reaping its benefits. The small intestine may be located in your digestive tract, but don’t be fooled. The small intestine 18 pressure point is located on the face, not the gastrointestinal tract. To locate SI-18, start by tracing your thumbs down your cheek, starting at the outer corner of each eye. After you pass your cheekbones, you should feel an indent on both sides of the face. You will need to apply pressure right at the base of your cheekbone where you feel that indent, and that point should remain in line with the outer corner of your eyes.
Acupoint: SI-18 (Other Names: Small Intestine-18/Quan Liao/Cheek Bone Crevice)
SI-18 is revered for its ability to dispel pain and expel any stagnant wind. These qualities help relieve nerve pain in the face, regardless of if it is related to a chronic condition or an acute injury. The stimulation of nerves caused by activating the small intestine 18 acupressure point also makes it a prime acupressure point on the face for glowing skin. Skin looks firmer and any swelling or fluid retention in the cheek region is reduced when the SI-18 acupoint is activated.
Use the following acupressure points together with SI-18
Acupoint: ST-3 (Other Names: Stomach-3/Ju Liao/Large Bone Hole)
While SI-18 is impactful on its own, it is amplified when combined with other acupuncture points, like stomach-3. This is one of a few acupressure points for skin tightening that are well known for their ability to reduce the appearance of pores and bring a youthful glow to the face, even as normal tissue loses its electricity with age. Research using clinical trials has shown that facial acupuncture, when done correctly, has many benefits, including the tightening of epithelial cells and improved muscle tone. When SI-18 is used with ST-3, the two points work together to improve the complexion, function, and fullness of your face. This provides an overall reduction in facial skin sagging.
If you are looking directly forward, the ST-3 point is located directly below your pupils at the level of your nose. Here you will feel an indentation under the cheekbone where you should apply firm pressure for 3 to 5 seconds before releasing for 3 to 5 seconds. You can repeat this cycle of pressure and release it up to 5 times in a session, and do not apply so much pressure that you experience any form of pain.
Acupoint: EM-5 (Other Names: Tai Yang)
The small intestine 18 point is not just for enhancing your physical appearance. It can also enhance your mental state. When combined with EM-5, one of the acupressure points to stay awake, it can relieve brain fog and help you remain alert. Both of these points stimulate the nervous system in a way that enhances blood flow and physical function, keeping you on top of your game.
To activate EM-5, you first need to locate it in the temples. Measure one finger width out from the browbone and towards the temple. There, you should feel a slight indent in line with the outer corner of your eye. When applying pressure to this acupressure point, it is important to be gentle.
Acupoint: TE-17 (Other Names: Triple Energizer-17/Yi Feng/Wind Screen)
Facial nerve paralysis can result from various conditions and is experienced across the globe. Facial nerves are sensitive, but they need to be stimulated to heal, which is why research has found the traditional Chinese medicine of acupressure to be an effective treatment for more than just an individual patient. TE-17 is commonly included in acupressure points for vertigo because it stimulates the facial nervous system, so it can repair itself and function properly. When combined with the small intestine 18 pressure point, these two points stimulate the nervous system of the face in a way that increases healing blood flow, encourages cell repair, builds muscle tone, and heals facial paralysis.
The triple energizer 17 point is located near the base of the major facial nerve, which is why this point is so effective for nerve healing. You can locate TE-17 in the soft area of skin, approximately two finger widths behind your earlobe. When activating this pressure point, use firm pressure, but be gentle enough to not cause any bruising or pain to the area.
