[Acupressure Skincare] Massaging facial acupoints helps with the absorption of serums and creams, improving sagging skin, acne, and blemishes.

As the saying goes, "fair skin covers three flaws," and Asian women tend to value fair skin, with a rosy glow being even more ideal. However, urban women are often too busy with work and life, and they don't pay much attention to their diet and exercise. Their skin, under makeup, often lacks radiance and appears dull and yellowish. Women with impatient personalities and prone to stress may develop age spots on their cheeks, which even beauty treatments cannot completely eliminate. This time, registered Chinese medicine practitioner Huang Jingjing will teach you how to massage several acupoints on your face to help with the absorption of facial creams and improve facial contours.

Dr. Huang stated that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), outward appearance is a reflection of one's inner state. "The head is the meeting place of all Yang meridians," meaning the Qi of the five internal organs can manifest on the face; therefore, the health of the five internal organs is the foundation of radiant skin. In fact, TCM has many effective methods to help maintain healthy, fair skin, addressing both internal and external imbalances.

Do you follow a thorough facial skincare routine but still feel that these expensive skincare products aren't delivering the desired results? Dr. Huang suggests trying a set of acupressure massage techniques after applying a moisturizing face cream. Acupressure involves using your fingertips or a facial gua sha tool to massage acupoints on your face to unblock facial meridians, promote the flow of qi and blood, and nourish cells, resulting in firmer skin. Combining acupressure massage with your skincare routine can effectively improve sagging skin, acne, and blemishes, while also increasing the skin's absorption of nutrients.

Group 1: Gravel-bearing ground carton

The three acupoints are located in the depression directly below the lower lip, half an inch to the side of the corner of the mouth, and in the depression at the highest point of the masseter muscle. Pressing these acupoints from Chengjiang towards both sides can improve the jawline and acne problems caused by endocrine disorders.

Group 2: Yingxiang, Juliao, Que Liao, Xiaguan

The four acupoints are located along an arc from the midpoint of the outer edge of the nostril (Yingxiang point), along the lower part of the cheekbone to the front of the ear. Juliao point is level with the lower edge of the nostril, at the intersection of the vertical line from the eyeball; Qualiao point is located below the vertical line from the outer corner of the eye, in the depression at the lower edge of the cheekbone; Xiaguan point is located in front of the ear, in the depression formed by the zygomatic arch and the mandibular notch, or directly above the masseter muscle to the zygomatic arch. Pressing these acupoints can stimulate gastrointestinal function, promote nutrient absorption, and is very effective in improving facial complexion. Women prone to pigmentation are advised to patiently press these acupoints repeatedly.

Group 3: Sunny with clear skies and four white spots

This set of acupoints can stimulate blood circulation around the eyes, improve vision and reduce pigmentation. The whitening effect of the Sibai acupoint should not be underestimated! Jingming is located slightly above the inner corner of the eye. I have introduced the Sibai acupoint in a column before. The acupoint means "brightness in all directions." Massaging this acupoint can make the field of vision brighter and can also promote the improvement of pigmentation and melanin around the eyes. Taiyang acupoint is located above the extension line of the outer corner of the eye, in the depression near the hairline on the side of the forehead. The bone at this acupoint is relatively fragile and there are rich blood vessels underneath, so it should not be pressed hard, but gentle pressure can effectively relieve fatigue.

Group 4: Yintang Yangbai Touwei

All three acupoints are located on the forehead: Yintang is the middle of the space between the eyebrows, Yangbai is one finger-width above the eyebrow, and Touwei is half an inch from the hairline at the corners of the forehead. Massaging these three acupoints can especially relieve mental tension, while stimulating Touwei and Yangbai acupoints can help lift the contours above the eyes.

Dr. Huang further reminded everyone that the acupoint stimulation should be performed at a vertical angle with gentle pressure, applying pressure until a slight soreness and distension is felt. If you have long fingernails or rough skin on your fingertips, you can use a high-quality facial scraping tool to massage, but be careful not to pull horizontally or press too hard. Each set of acupoints can be stimulated for 20-30 seconds, while maintaining relaxed breathing. Aromatherapy or music can be used as a supplement, and it is important to avoid rushing or being impatient. (The above acupoint locations are for non-professional learning reference only and should not be used as an accurate standard for location.)

Text: UrbanLife Editorial

Photos: UrbanLife Editorial

Source: Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner Huang Jingjing