How to Use Reflexology for Eye Strain Relief

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Learn how to massage and soothe your tired eyes

Co-authored by Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM

Last Updated: December 19, 2024 Approved

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• Acupressure Points
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• Other Pressure Points
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Reflexology is just the application of pressure to different parts of your body to relieve ailments. While it doesn't work for everybody, it does seem to help some people. For eyestrain, you can try points around the eyes or points in other parts of the body.

Things You Should Know

• Place the tip of your finger or knuckle in the hollow where the bridge of your nose meets your forehead. Then, massage the point using small circles.
• Move to the pressure point right below your eyes. Use your fingers to press and massage this area.
• Then, place your fingers at the outer corner of your eyes. Massage this area using small, circular movements.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Acupressure Points Near the Eye

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1. 1
   Work your way around the eye. Some people have success with massaging points around the eye to help with eyestrain. You should spend about 10 seconds on each point.

   • You can either use the tip of your finger or your knuckle to gently massage the points. Try to keep your nail away from the skin.
   • Massage in small circles, not back and forth. Also, try to keep your finger straight if you're using a fingertip. These massage techniques apply for all the points around the eye.
   • To help you find them, you might feel a slight pain or feel a depression at each point.
   • Make sure that you're rubbing around your eye and not in your eye.
2. 2
   Find the point between your eyes. This point is that little hollow where the bridge of your nose runs into your forehead. Rubbing it can help with eyestrain.

   • Some say that the point is actually on each side of the nose at this spot, closer to the eye.
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3. 3
   Move to a spot underneath the eye. This spot is just under your eye. You should massage right in the center.
4. 4
   Find the outer corner. Now, find the spot on the outer corner of your eye to massage. It should be just to the outside of the tip of your eye.

   • Some people also recommend a spot between the bottom center and the tip.
5. 5
   Locate the middle of the eyebrow. This spot is also good to work on in an eye massage. Gently massage the spot directly over your pupil. Some people also add a spot to the left and right of this spot along the eyebrow, almost to each end.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Other Pressure Points

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1. 1
   Find the wind mansion. This point is directly at the base of your skull. It is directly in the middle. Massaging this point with the tips of your fingers helps some with eye fatigue.

   • You can also try placing just the tip of your middle finger on this point and applying gentle pressure, as you tip your head backward to help apply that pressure. You can also use your thumb.
   • This point supposedly helps with most areas of the head, including the eyes.
2. 2
   Locate the heavenly pillar. This location is actually two pressure points on the back of your neck. Find the base of the skull (where the wind mansion is), then move an inch down. Now, move an inch out on each side into the muscles at the back of your neck. Gently massaging each of these spots with your middle finger helps some people with eyestrain.

   • You can also apply pressure similar to the method for the wind mansion, except use both of your middle fingers.
3. 3
   Massage your knuckles. Another place to massage is at the base of your three middle fingers--your ring finger, middle finger, and index finger. Use your thumb to massage where the knuckle meets your hand. You can also massage just above that knuckle, as well. Flip your hand over to massage on the other side, too.

   • Use a thumb roll to apply pressure. Press down using your thumb pad. Let it roll down or up the knuckle as you bend your thumb. Move about 1/8 of an inch up and down as you bend and straighten your thumb.
4. 4
   Find the bigger rushing. This spot is on the top of your foot. You'll find it down the foot a bit, where the big toe meets the little toe. You need to find the webbing. It's not actually between the toes but on the top. Massage the area gently with your finger tips.

   • To make it easier, you can also use the heel of your other foot to gently press into this point for 30 seconds.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Is it okay to massage your eyeballs?

  

  Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
  Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine

  Dr. Karina Menali is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, Faculty Member at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Owner of Kai Wellness. She specializes in holistic health, Chinese herbal medicine, and functional medicine. Dr. Menali also helps patients through emotional and spiritual trauma. She holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Massachusetts, Boston, a Master's from Emperor's College in Santa Monica, CA, and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

  

  Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM

  Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine

  Expert Answer

  It's better to press along the orbital bone, which circles around your eye. Plus, this can be a really rejuvenating treatment!

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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• Question

  Can acupuncture help with eye problems?

  

  Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
  Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine

  Dr. Karina Menali is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, Faculty Member at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Owner of Kai Wellness. She specializes in holistic health, Chinese herbal medicine, and functional medicine. Dr. Menali also helps patients through emotional and spiritual trauma. She holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Massachusetts, Boston, a Master's from Emperor's College in Santa Monica, CA, and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

  

  Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM

  Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine

  Expert Answer

  Definitely! Acupuncture points help bring circulation to the eye, which provides a lot of extra nourishment.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• If you aren't sure how to begin, visit a reflexology specialist. You can find professionals through the American Reflexology Certified Board, Reflexology Association of America, or Professional Reflexology Associations.
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• Eyestrain is often caused by long periods of computer work. If you have to work at a computer all day, take frequent “eye breaks.” Simply look around the room and allow your eyes to focus and rest on other objects for five minutes or so.
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