Yingxiang Point (LI-20 / Welcome Fragrance, also known as Chongyang)
Clear heat and disperse wind, unblock the nasal orifice. (Clinically, it is mainly used for nasal disorders and other facial diseases in Western medicine.)
Indications
Disperses wind-heat and unblocks the nasal orifices. Treats nasal congestion, sinusitis, epistaxis (nosebleeds), biliary ascariasis, and facial paralysis. (1) Nasal disorders: Rhinitis, sinusitis, epistaxis, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea. (2) Facial disorders: Facial itching, facial paralysis, facial pain, facial swelling, acne, melasma. (3) Others: Biliary ascariasis, constipation, tachyarrhythmia, generalized pruritus, etc.
Precise Location
Located on the Large Intestine meridian, beside the midpoint of the lateral margin of the ala nasi, in the nasolabial groove.
Location Method
Sit upright, lightly clench both fists, bring the index and middle fingers together, place the middle fingertips beside the nasal alae – the point is where the index fingertips fall.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead Yingxiang with the thumb or middle finger, or rub toward the root of the nose. Press vertically with the index finger pad, or bend the thumb and index finger of one hand to press directly and vertically into the point. Apply for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and unblocks the orifices, regulates qi and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy): Combine with Yingxiang (LI-20), Sibai (ST-2), and Dicang (ST-4). Disease overview: Facial paralysis is a common condition characterized by motor dysfunction of the facial muscles. Patients often cannot perform basic movements such as raising the eyebrows, closing the eyes, or puffing out the cheeks. Massage sequence: First press Yingxiang with both index fingers for 1–3 minutes, then knead Sibai with the middle fingers for 1–3 minutes, finally form a "figure-eight" with the thumb and index finger, gently place on Dicang at both corners of the mouth, and press dozens of times. Acute/chronic rhinitis: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Yingxiang (LI-20), and Yintang (EX-HN3). Epistaxis: Combine with Shenting (GV-24) and Yingxiang (LI-20). Nasal disorders (congestion, sinusitis): Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Yintang (EX-HN3), and Fengchi (GB-20). Epistaxis: Combine with Shangxing (GV-23). Biliary ascariasis: Combine with Sibai (ST-2). Nasal polyps: Combine with Tongtian (BL-7). Generalized pruritus: Combine with Dabao (SP-21). Facial deviation (mouth and eye歪斜): Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Dicang (ST-4), Jiache (ST-6), and Xiaguan (ST-7). Facial itching and swelling: Combine with Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
Yingxiang belongs to the Large Intestine meridian and is the meeting point of the Hand and Foot Yangming meridians. It clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the nasal orifices, dispels wind and stops itching, regulates qi and relieves pain. It is a commonly used point for nasal disorders such as nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Ying" means to welcome or greet; "Xiang" means fragrance or smell. Located on both sides of the nostrils, this point treats nasal congestion with loss of smell, enabling one to "welcome" various odors – hence the name Yingxiang. It is also known as "Chongyang." (1) Key Point for Nasal Disorders – "First Point for Nasal Diseases": Located on both sides of the nose, according to the principle "where the point is located, there it treats," it excels at dispersing wind-heat, unblocking the nasal passages, and clearing fire. Often combined with Yintang (EX-HN3), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN8), Hegu (LI-4), and Zusanli (ST-36) for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal polyps, epistaxis, and nasal congestion. The Zhenjiu Jiayijing states: "Nasal obstruction with discharge, stuffiness and qi blockage ... epistaxis with abscess – Yingxiang is the primary point." The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion also notes: "Before the needle is withdrawn, the qi has already passed through." (2) Treats Facial Disorders: As the meeting point of the Hand and Foot Yangming meridians, it regulates the qi of both meridians, improves facial qi and blood circulation, and disperses wind pathogens from the face. It treats facial itching, acne, melasma, facial paralysis, and facial spasm. The Baizheng Fu states: "The crawling sensation on the face is effectively treated by Yingxiang." (3) Calms Ascaris and Relieves Pain: It is an effective point for biliary ascariasis, with many historical records. Typically, Yingxiang is needled toward Sibai (ST-2), often combined with Gallbladder Point (EX-LE6), Zusanli (ST-36), and Zhongwan (RN-12). (4) Other Therapeutic Effects: Clinically used for constipation, hiccups, tachyarrhythmia, and generalized pruritus – especially for refractory cases with unexpectedly good results.
Contraindications
This point is usually needled horizontally or slightly obliquely upward and inward; deep needling should be avoided, and the technique should be gentle. Moxibustion is generally not recommended for this point.