Can pressing the philtrum relieve symptoms of fainting due to crying?

Generally, pinching the philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip) can, to a certain extent, help alleviate fainting caused by crying. However, it is not suitable for all cases of fainting due to crying. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Fainting from crying may be a precursor to temporary cerebral ischemia or fainting caused by emotional excitement. At this time, pinching the philtrum stimulates the trigeminal nerve, activates the sympathetic nervous system, causes increased heart rate and vasoconstriction, thereby raising blood pressure, enhancing alertness and consciousness, and helping the patient regain consciousness.

However, pinching the philtrum is not suitable for all cases of fainting due to crying. If fainting is accompanied by serious medical conditions such as heart disease or hypoglycemia, pinching the philtrum cannot resolve the issue and may instead worsen the condition due to excessive stimulation. In addition, if the patient is in a deep coma, pinching the philtrum might not rouse them, and more professional emergency measures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), should be taken at this time.

In any case, when encountering a person who has fainted, the first priority should be to ensure the patient's safety to avoid injury, and promptly contact emergency medical personnel.