LI-20 - Welcome Fragrance
迎香 - Yíng xiāng
Point Region: Face
LI-20 Yingxiang, meaning 'Welcome Fragrance,' sits beside the nostrils where the breath of life enters our being, carrying with it the invisible messages of the world around us. This point serves as the final destination of the Large Intestine meridian's journey, representing the completion of the elimination process and the restoration of clear, unobstructed breathing.
As the guardian of our primary gateway to the external environment, Yingxiang specializes in clearing whatever blocks our ability to fully receive life's offerings. Whether dealing with sinus congestion, allergies, or simply the feeling of being 'stuffed up' emotionally or energetically, this point offers a pathway back to clear, easy breathing.
In the delicate ecosystem of the nasal passages, LI-20 works like a skilled gardener, clearing away debris and encouraging healthy circulation so that we can once again welcome the full fragrance of life. This point reminds us that breathing freely is both a physical necessity and a spiritual practice of staying open to life's constant flow.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: Located beside the nose, in the groove that runs from the nostril to the mouth.
How to Locate:
- Find the outer edge of your nostril
- Locate the groove that runs from your nostril down toward your mouth
- The point is in this groove beside your nostril
- This is where the Large Intestine channel ends
Primary Functions
Respiratory System
- Treats nasal congestion and sinusitis
- Relieves allergic rhinitis and hay fever
- Improves nasal breathing and airflow
- Reduces sinus inflammation and pressure
- Treats loss of smell (anosmia)
Nervous System
- Alleviates facial neuralgia
- Treats trigeminal nerve disorders
- Reduces facial pain and tension
Eye & Vision System
- Relieves eye strain and fatigue
- Treats conjunctivitis and eye inflammation
- Improves tear production
Immune & Energy System
- Strengthens defensive qi
- Boosts local immunity in nasal region
- Enhances overall respiratory immunity
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Nasal congestion
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Facial paralysis
- Loss of smell
- Nasal problems
- Sinus congestion
- Facial numbness
- Allergic rhinitis
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
LI-20 Protocols
Nasal Congestion & Allergy Relief (3 minutes)
- Sit upright and breathe slowly
- Locate LI-20 (beside the nostrils, in the nasolabial groove)
- Apply gentle pressure with index fingers for 30 seconds
- Massage in small circles for 1 minute to open nasal passages
- Repeat pressure while inhaling deeply through the nose
Important Precautions
- Recent nasal surgery
- Severe facial infections
- Acute facial paralysis