Pressure Points for Clogged Nose Relief: 9 Real-World Insights After Watching the Frustration Up Close

I’ve watched this play out more times than I expected.

Someone’s sitting there, mouth breathing, eyes tired, slightly irritable because they haven’t slept properly in three nights. They’ve tried steam. They’ve tried sprays. They’ve Googled at 2:00 AM. And then they land on pressure points for clogged nose relief.

Usually with skepticism.

From what I’ve seen, most people don’t try acupressure because they believe in it. They try it because they’re fed up.

And honestly? That frustration matters. Because it changes how they approach it — either rushed and half-hearted… or carefully, almost desperately hoping it works.

After watching a lot of people test this — friends, family, clients dealing with chronic sinus pressure — patterns show up. Very clear ones.

Some get real relief.
Some feel nothing.
And almost everyone makes the same early mistakes.

Let’s talk about what actually happens.

Why People Even Try Pressure Points for Clogged Nose Relief

It’s rarely the first choice.

Most people I’ve worked with go in this order:

Decongestant spray
Steam inhalation
Hot shower
Saline rinse
Menthol rub
Then… “Okay fine, I’ll try these pressure points.”

By the time they get here, they’re tired.

The appeal is obvious:

No medication
No drowsiness
No rebound congestion
Something you can do immediately

But what people misunderstand is this:

Pressure points don’t “unclog” your nose the way a spray does.

They influence circulation.
They affect nerve signaling.
They reduce localized inflammation tension.

It’s subtler.

And that subtlety is where most people mess up.

The 5 Pressure Points That Actually Get Used (Not Just Listed)

I’m not going to dump a long anatomy lecture on you. These are the ones I’ve consistently seen people use.

1. The Sides of the Nostrils (LI20 Area)

This is the first one almost everyone tries.

You press gently on the outer edges of your nostrils, right where the cheek meets the nose.

What I’ve seen:

Mild congestion responds well here.
Allergy-related stuff sometimes eases within 1–3 minutes.
People press way too hard.

Almost everyone I’ve seen struggle with this does this one thing wrong:

They jab instead of press.

This isn’t a bruise-it technique. It’s steady pressure, 60–90 seconds, slow breathing.

When it works, the shift feels gradual — like one nostril quietly opening.

Not dramatic.
But noticeable.

2. Between the Eyebrows (Yintang)

This one surprised me after watching so many people try it.

It doesn’t always “clear” the nose instantly.

But it reduces that heavy sinus pressure feeling.

And that changes everything.

When sinus congestion comes with:

Forehead tension
Eye strain
Headache

This point often reduces the pressure sensation even if airflow isn’t fully restored.

Most people expect instant airflow.
But what they get first is pressure relief.

That’s still a win.

3. Under the Cheekbones (Maxillary Sinus Area)

This is where I’ve seen the biggest difference in people with sinus infections or thick congestion.

Firm, circular pressure under the cheekbones.

What consistently works:

Slow circles
2–3 minutes
Leaning slightly forward

What repeatedly fails:

Doing it for 10 seconds
Not breathing deeply
Trying it once and quitting

This one often needs repetition — 2–3 times a day.

4. The Web Between Thumb and Index Finger (LI4)

This one confuses people.

“How is my hand connected to my nose?”

Fair question.

From what I’ve seen, this works best when congestion is tied to overall inflammation or headache.

It’s not magic.
But it seems to modulate pain and pressure perception.

Common mistake?

Pressing lightly and expecting dramatic results.

This one needs firm, tolerable pressure. 60 seconds per hand.

And no — it’s not for pregnant individuals. I always tell people that upfront.

5. Base of the Skull (Occipital Points)

I didn’t expect this to be such a common issue — but a lot of sinus pressure comes with neck tension.

Pressing at the base of the skull where the neck meets the head can:

Reduce tension
Improve drainage sensation
Relieve that “blocked head” feeling

Especially in people who sit at desks all day.

This one doesn’t clear mucus.
It reduces structural tension.

Big difference.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Here’s the honest pattern I’ve seen:

Mild congestion: 1–5 minutes of noticeable shift
Moderate sinus pressure: 5–15 minutes
Severe infection-level blockage: minimal change

If someone is fully blocked due to infection, thick mucus, or structural issues?

Pressure points alone rarely solve it.

They help with discomfort.
Not necessarily full airflow restoration.

And that’s where expectations usually break.

What Most People Get Wrong

Almost everyone I’ve seen struggle with this does at least one of these:

Trying it once and declaring it useless
Not combining it with hydration
Pressing too hard
Holding their breath
Doing it while stressed and rushed

This works better when:

You’re seated
Shoulders relaxed
Slow nasal breathing (even if limited)
2–3 rounds

It’s a regulation technique. Not a brute-force one.

Is It Worth Trying?

Short answer?

Yes — if:

Your congestion is mild to moderate
You want a non-drug option
You’re okay with subtle improvement

No — if:

You expect instant spray-level decongestion
You have severe sinus infection
You’re unwilling to try it consistently

It’s low-risk.
Low-cost.
Low downside.

That alone makes it reasonable to test.

Who Will Probably Hate This Approach

Let me be blunt.

If you want fast, dramatic, guaranteed results — this will frustrate you.

If you’re already irritated and impatient, you’ll likely press for 30 seconds and give up.

And if your congestion is caused by:

Deviated septum
Nasal polyps
Advanced sinus infection

This won’t fix the root issue.

It’s supportive.
Not curative.

Common Objections I Hear

“There’s no science behind this.”
There is some physiological basis around nerve pathways and circulation — but it’s not as robust as pharmaceutical trials. That said, real-world observation shows consistent symptom modulation.

“It didn’t work the first time.”
Most people need repetition.

“It feels silly.”
So does mouth breathing at 3:00 AM. Pick your discomfort.