What acupressure points should be massaged for purple lips?
Mar 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, cyanosis of the lips is often associated with factors such as poor circulation of qi and blood. It can be improved by massaging acupoints such as Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Xuehai (SP10), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). Daily attention should be paid to keeping the body warm, especially during cold seasons, when clothing should be added promptly to avoid invasion by cold pathogens that may cause stagnation of qi and blood.
In general, purple lips in traditional Chinese medicine theory are often associated with factors such as poor circulation of qi and blood, which can be improved by massaging acupoints such as Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Xuehai (SP10), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Neiguan Point (PC6)
The Neiguan point is located on the anterior forearm region, 2 cun above the distal transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and the radial flexor carpi. Neiguan is one of the commonly used acupoints of the Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin. Massaging this point can calm the heart and mind, regulate qi, and relieve pain, which helps promote the circulation of qi and blood in the heart and improve purple lips caused by cardiac insufficiency.
2. Hegu Point (LI4)
The Hegu point is located on the dorsum of the hand at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side. Hegu is the Yuan-Source Point of the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming, with functions of relieving surface disorders, regulating qi, and promoting blood circulation. Stimulating the Hegu point can regulate qi and blood to ensure smooth circulation, thus alleviating purple lips caused by qi and blood stasis.
3. Zusanli Point (ST36)
The Zusanli point is located on the lateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below the犊鼻 (Dubí) point, on the line connecting Dubi (ST35) and Jexi (ST41). Zusanli is one of the main acupoints of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, with functions including regulating the spleen and stomach, replenishing middle-jiao qi, and promoting circulation of qi and blood. As the spleen and stomach are the source of the generation of qi and blood, massaging Zusanli can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach, promoting the production and circulation of qi and blood, thereby improving the symptom of purple lips.
4. Xuehai Point (SP10)
The Xuehai point is located in the anterior thigh region, 2 cun above the medial end of the patellar base, at the prominence of the medial femoral muscle. Xuehai belongs to the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin and has functions such as transforming blood into qi and regulating the blood circulation of the spleen. Massaging the Xuehai point can nourish and activate blood circulation, regulate the body's blood circulation, and has a certain effect on purple lips caused by blood deficiency and blood stasis.
Sanyinjiao Point (SP6)
The Sanyinjiao point is located on the medial side of the lower leg, 3 cun above the medial malleolus tip, behind the medial border of the tibia. Sanyinjiao is the intersection point of three yin meridians: the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin, the Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin, and the Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin. It has functions including strengthening the spleen and stomach, regulating and nourishing the liver and kidneys, and promoting qi and blood circulation. Stimulating the Sanyinjiao point can regulate the qi and blood of these three yin meridians, improve blood circulation, and alleviate the condition of purple lips.
In daily life, one should pay attention to keeping the body warm, especially in cold seasons, when clothing should be added promptly to avoid invasion by cold pathogens that can cause qi and blood stagnation. When going outdoors, wear masks, gloves, or other protective gear to protect exposed areas of skin.
