Sphenopalatine Ganglion Acupuncture: A Specialized Acupuncture Technique for Nasal Disorders

 Tiejun Tang   

Many patients suffer from chronic nasal problems or recurrent headaches that do not respond well to medication alone. In recent years, a special acupuncture technique called sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) acupuncture has attracted increasing attention because of its rapid and long-lasting effects in conditions such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and migraine.

This article explains what SPG acupuncture is, what conditions it is used for, how it works, and what patients should know before receiving this treatment.

What is the sphenopalatine ganglion?

The sphenopalatine ganglion is a small but very important nerve structure located deep in the face, behind the nasal cavity. It acts as a key “relay station” connecting:

• The trigeminal nerve (related to facial sensation and pain)
• The facial nerve
• The autonomic nervous system (which controls blood vessels, glands, and secretions)

Because of these connections, the sphenopalatine ganglion plays a major role in:

• Nasal congestion and nasal discharge
• Facial and head pain
• Autonomic symptoms such as tearing, nasal swelling, and pressure

Who developed SPG acupuncture?

SPG acupuncture was developed in China in the 1960s by Professor Li Xinwu, an ENT doctor in Tongren hospital Beijing.

He discovered that carefully stimulating the area of the sphenopalatine ganglion with acupuncture could significantly relieve nasal symptoms, especially in patients with chronic or allergic rhinitis.

In China, this acupuncture point is sometimes referred to as “Xinwu Point”, and it has been practiced and studied for decades.

What conditions can SPG acupuncture help with?

SPG acupuncture is mainly used for conditions involving the nose, face, and head, especially when symptoms are severe or persistent.

Common indications include:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Chronic rhinitis and sinusitis
• Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing

How is SPG acupuncture performed?

SPG acupuncture is different from regular body acupuncture.

General procedure:

• The patient is usually in a seated or lying position.
• A long, sterile acupuncture needle is gently inserted through the side of the face or nasal region, following a precise anatomical pathway.
• The needle is directed toward the area near the sphenopalatine ganglion.

What might the patient feel?

During the treatment, patients may experience:

• A deep pressure or aching sensation
• Temporary nasal fullness
• Increased nasal discharge or tearing

These sensations usually last a short time and are considered a normal response.

⚠️ Because this is a deep and highly specialized technique, it should only be performed by well-trained and experienced practitioners.

What are the clinical effects?

Clinical studies and long-term clinical experience have shown that SPG acupuncture may:

• Quickly reduce nasal congestion
• Decrease sneezing and runny nose
• Improve breathing through the nose
• Reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches
• Improve quality of life in patients with chronic nasal conditions

A 2020 RCT study showed that: In treating persistent allergic rhinitis, the sphenopalatine ganglion acupuncture group had a significantly higher overall effective rate after 4 weeks compared to the conventional acupuncture group (≈ 69.7% vs 44.4%) ^[1].

How does SPG acupuncture work?

From a modern medical perspective:

SPG acupuncture may work by:

• Regulating the autonomic nervous system^[2]
• Reducing excessive parasympathetic activity that causes nasal swelling and secretion^[2]
• Modulating pain pathways related to the trigeminal nerve ^[3]
• Influencing inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides involved in headache and rhinitis^[3]

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective:

In TCM theory, SPG acupuncture:

• Opens blocked pathways in the head and face
• Disperses pathogenic wind and clears heat
• Regulates Qi and Blood circulation in the nasal and facial region

These two explanations complement each other rather than conflict.

Is SPG acupuncture safe?

When performed correctly by trained professionals, SPG acupuncture is generally safe.

However, it is not suitable for everyone.

It may not be recommended for patients who:

• Have bleeding disorders
• Have active nasal infections
• Are extremely anxious or unable to cooperate
• Have severe nasal structural abnormalities

Minor side effects such as temporary discomfort or mild nasal bleeding may occur but are usually short-lived.

Conclusion:

SPG acupuncture is a specialized, targeted form of acupuncture that combines traditional knowledge with modern neuroanatomy.

For patients with stubborn nasal symptoms or certain types of headache, it can be an effective option—especially when conventional treatments provide limited relief.

If you are considering SPG acupuncture, always consult a qualified and experienced practitioner who can evaluate whether this technique is appropriate for your condition.

Reference:

1.     Jiao-Ping Mi. Efficacy of Acupuncture at the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in the Treatment of Persistent Allergic Rhinitis. Med Acupunct. 2020 Apr 1;32(2):90-98

2.     Kuiji Wang. Sphenopalatine Ganglion Acupuncture Improves Nasal Ventilation and Modulates Autonomic Nervous Activity in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Study. Sci Rep. 2016 Jul 18;6:29947. 

3.     Da Wen, Chunmei Li. Clinical studies on therapy of acupuncture on the sphenopalatine ganglion[J/OL]. Chinese Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Electronic Edition), 2022, 11(03): 113-115.