Large Intestine 20 (LI 20) Ying Xiang — Welcome Fragrance

This point, beside the nostril, is the principal local point for the nose, opening the nasal passages and dispelling wind from the face.

Large Intestine 20 (LI 20) Ying Xiang 迎香 — Welcome Fragrance

Location

On the face, in the nasolabial groove, level with the midpoint of the lateral border of the ala (wing) of the nose.

Anatomy

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi; the facial and infraorbital arteries; the facial nerve and the infraorbital nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Opens the nasal passages
  • Dispels wind and clears heat
  • Benefits the face

Indications

Nasal obstruction and discharge, loss of sense of smell, epistaxis, rhinitis and sinusitis, facial paralysis, and itching and swelling of the face.

Needling

0.2-0.3 cun, oblique or transverse insertion directed medially towards the nose.

Moxibustion Suitability

Moxibustion is generally not used on the face.

Point Combinations

With Yintang and LI-4 for nasal congestion and rhinitis; with Bitong for sinusitis.

Classical Text References

A meeting point with the Stomach channel; the chief local point for the nose.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.