7 Surprising Acupressure Points for Sneezing You Need to Know

Honestly, not gonna lie… I used to think sneezing was just this random, annoying thing my body did. I’d be mid-meeting, mid-drive, or worse, on a first date, and BOOM—sneeze attack. 😅 From what I’ve seen, most people just grab tissues or fight through it, never thinking there’s an actual hack for it. That’s when I stumbled on acupressure points for sneezing, and honestly, it kinda surprised me how effective it could be… when done right.

I’m not talking about some mystical, woo-woo nonsense here. I’m talking about real pressure points on your body that, if pressed correctly, can calm your sneeze reflex or even stop it in its tracks. I’ve tried these over months (and yes, failed hilariously at first), and I’ve learned some things I really wish I knew earlier.

What Are Acupressure Points for Sneezing, Anyway?

So here’s the deal: acupressure is like acupuncture, but without needles. Your body has these “pressure points” where nerves, energy channels, or muscle triggers converge. Press the right spot, and your body responds.

When it comes to sneezing, certain points—like around the nose, hand, and even the feet—can actually calm that tickle that leads to a sneeze. From my experience, it’s not instant magic (sometimes it takes a few seconds, sometimes a minute), but it’s way more reliable than just trying to “hold it in.”

My Sneezing Story: Why I Needed This

Not gonna lie, I had a brutal winter last year. Allergies were acting up, and every office meeting felt like a sneeze gauntlet. I tried sprays, antihistamines, and even the weird DIY tips you find on Reddit. Some helped, sure, but I hated relying on meds. I wanted something… hands-on. Something I could do in the middle of a boardroom or coffee shop without people noticing.

That’s when I dove into acupressure. At first, I was skeptical. I mean, pressing your hand or nose to stop a sneeze? Sounds goofy, right? But after a week of experimenting, tracking results, and even laughing at my own failed attempts, I started noticing real relief.

7 Acupressure Points That Actually Work

Here’s where the fun begins. I’ll break down seven points I personally tested, step by step. I’ll also tell you which ones worked instantly, which ones took patience, and which were… meh.

1. LI20 – Side of the Nose

Location: Right beside your nostrils, in the crease between your nose and cheek.

How I use it: I press both sides simultaneously for 5–10 seconds when that sneeze tickle starts.

Why it works: This point is linked to sinus and nasal nerves. Pressing it interrupts the sneeze reflex.

Pro Tip: Don’t press too hard, or your nose will start hurting more than the sneeze itself. Learned that the hard way during a Zoom call…

2. Yintang – The Third Eye Point

Location: Between your eyebrows, right above the bridge of your nose.

How I use it: I rub it gently with my thumb, circular motion, 10–15 seconds.

Effect: Almost always reduces the urge to sneeze if I catch it early.

Side Note: Works amazingly if your sneeze is allergy-triggered. I use it every spring when pollen hits hard in the US Midwest.

3. LI4 – The Web Between Thumb and Index Finger

Location: That fleshy area you notice when you touch thumb and index finger together.

My Experience: Pressing this point can either stop a sneeze or redirect it. Sometimes it just delays it long enough to step into a bathroom.

Warning: It can trigger mild discomfort if pressed too hard. Don’t go full Hulk mode on this one.

4. BL2 – Inner Eye Corners

Location: Inner edges of your eyebrows, near the bridge of the nose.

How I Tried It: I press both points with my index fingers. Feels odd at first, but honestly, it’s one of my go-to quick fixes.

Tip: Works best when you feel a sneeze coming, not after it’s already started.

5. St36 – Below the Knee

Location: About 4 finger-widths below your kneecap, slightly outside the shin bone.

Why I Tried It: Sounds weird, right? I read a US-based acupuncture study suggesting this point helps regulate body energy and immune response.

Effect: It doesn’t stop every sneeze instantly but helps reduce the frequency during allergy seasons.

Side Effect: Standing while pressing is a little awkward… I’ve done it in line at Starbucks once. Felt weird but effective.

6. GV23 – Top of the Head

Location: About an inch or so above the hairline, at the top center of your head.

My Experience: Press lightly or just massage. Feels like you’re scratching a hard-to-reach itch.

Sneezing Impact: Works surprisingly well if your sneezes are stress-induced or triggered by sudden bright light.

7. Ear Apex

Location: Upper edge of your ear cartilage.

How I Use It: Pinch gently with thumb and index finger. Do it for 5–8 seconds.

Why It Surprised Me: Didn’t think ears could affect sneezes, but this point can calm overstimulated nerves.

My Step-by-Step Routine (From My Desk or Car)

From what I’ve seen, timing matters. Here’s my typical sequence:

1. Feel the tickle – don’t wait for the full sneeze.

2. Quick nose check – if near nostrils, LI20 first.

3. Thumb web press (LI4) – 5–10 seconds.

4. Third eye rub (Yintang) – circular motion.

5. Ear apex pinch – optional if stubborn.

6. Deep breath – inhale slowly, exhale through nose/mouth. Helps relax nerves.

7. Repeat points if sneeze persists for more than 30 seconds.

Not gonna lie… first week, I failed almost every time. I even accidentally made myself sneeze harder once by pressing wrong. But now? 7/10 times, I can stop a sneeze mid-tickle.

Don’t Make My Mistakes

• Don’t overdo it. Pressure points respond to gentle but firm pressure. Hulk strength = headache.

• Timing is everything. Once the sneeze fully starts, you’re kinda done.

• Be patient. Some points, like St36, take consistent use over days for noticeable effect.

• Track your triggers. I noticed Yintang works best for pollen sneezes, LI20 for dust, and LI4 for stress or sudden light.

FAQ: Sneezing & Acupressure

Q1: Can these points stop all sneezes?
Honestly? Nope. Allergy overload, cold, or infections might still overpower them. But they drastically reduce mild to moderate sneezing.

Q2: How long until I see results?
Immediate for some points (LI20, Yintang), a few days for others (St36). Your mileage may vary.

Q3: Any side effects?
Mild soreness if pressed too hard. Rare headaches if overdone. Nothing serious in my exp at least.

Q4: Can kids use these points?
Yes, but gently. Kids’ pressure points are more sensitive. Start very light.

Q5: Do I need equipment?
Nada. Just your fingers. Bonus: can do anywhere—desk, car, coffee shop.

Q6: Can it replace meds?
Not fully. Think of it as a natural supplement, not a replacement. It’s a control method more than a cure.

Honestly, looking back, learning these acupressure points for sneezing changed my daily life more than I expected. No joke, I used to dread allergy season. Now? I feel a bit more in control.

So no—this isn’t magic. Some sneezes still get me. But for me? Total game changer. And yeah… sometimes I still sneeze mid-Zoom call, but at least I have a fighting chance now.