LI20 (Yingxiang / Welcome Fragrance) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and clinical reference material for qualified practitioners.
LI20 Yingxiang is the facial point beside the outer edge of the nostril. Small differences in position matter here: the point is associated with the nasolabial groove, not the nostril opening or the general cheek. This guide combines a clear surface reference with the precautions needed for work on the face.
Practitioner only. This is an educational reference, not a self-needling guide.
LI20 Yingxiang quick reference
| Point name | LI20 — Yingxiang (Welcome Fragrance) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Large Intestine channel of Hand Yangming |
| Classification | Terminal point of the Large Intestine channel; local nasal point |
| Region | Nasolabial groove beside the nose |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Core landmark | Nasolabial groove beside the midpoint of the outer border of the nasal ala. |
Location of LI20 Yingxiang
With the face relaxed, identify the rounded outer wing of the nose, called the nasal ala. Find the groove immediately lateral to it. LI20 is located in this nasolabial groove at the height of the midpoint of the ala's lateral border. Assess both sides individually; facial symmetry should not be assumed.
Landmark checks
- Use the outer nasal wing as the height reference, rather than the bottom of the nostril.
- Locate the groove beside the nose rather than marking the nose itself.
- Ask about facial procedures, fillers, surgery and areas of altered sensation before palpation.
Traditional functions of LI20
- Traditionally used to open the nasal passages.
- Associated with dispersing Wind and clearing Heat in channel theory.
- Used locally in traditional approaches to the nose and face.
These terms belong to traditional acupuncture theory. They should be distinguished from evidence about clinical outcomes.
Traditional clinical applications
Traditional indications include a blocked or runny nose and reduced sense of smell. The reason for these symptoms still needs assessment. An allergy, infection, injury or structural obstruction cannot be distinguished by point tenderness, and a traditional indication is not proof of a specific treatment effect.
Common point combinations
- LI20 + LI4: a traditional local-and-distal approach within the Large Intestine channel.
- LI20 + Yintang: a local facial pairing considered in selected nasal presentations.
These are traditional treatment-planning examples, not fixed prescriptions. Assess each point separately and select a combination only when it fits the full presentation and your training.
Anatomy and practitioner notes
The tissues beside the nose are well supplied with blood vessels and sensory nerves. The depth of the groove, the shape of the nasal ala and the position of vessels differ between people. Cosmetic treatments and scars can alter the usual surface landmarks; inspect the skin and obtain a relevant history.
Needling and essential safety
Avoid infected, inflamed or damaged skin and any visible vessel. Facial work requires a conservative, individually assessed technique. eLotus lists moxibustion at LI20 as contraindicated; heat near the nostril also raises an obvious burn risk. Persistent one-sided obstruction, recurrent bleeding or a new unexplained loss of smell merits medical assessment.
Technique must follow individual anatomy and accredited training. Use sterile, single-use needles and suitable infection-control measures. Review health history, medicines, skin condition and consent before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is LI20 inside the nostril?
No. It is an external facial point in the groove beside the nasal ala.
Is Yingxiang the same point as Yintang?
No. Yingxiang is beside the nose and is bilateral. Yintang is a separate point between the eyebrows.
Is this a guide to self-needling?
No. Needling requires appropriate professional training, anatomical assessment and a safe clinical setting.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Read the LI4 guide and Yintang EX-HN3 guide, or browse all Acupuncture Point Guides.
For clinic supplies, browse our professional acupuncture needles and the wider Practitioner Guides.
Professional reference: Written for qualified acupuncture practitioners. Traditional functions and pairing examples describe a clinical tradition; they are not claims of proven efficacy for an individual point. The guide does not replace accredited training, diagnosis, informed consent or a patient-specific treatment plan. Surface illustrations cannot determine safe needle depth or direction.
References and further reading: eLotus CORE: Yingxiang (LI20); WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations, 2008; revised reprint 2009; NCCIH: Acupuncture — Effectiveness and Safety; NHS: Complementary therapies and safety. Accessed 18 September 2026.
