LI20 Ying Xiang (迎香) Cat Acupuncture Point
In cats, LI20 (Ying Xiang, 迎香) is a feline acupuncture point on the Large Intestine meridian. It is located in nasolabial groove beside ala nasi. Traditional indications in this chart include rhinitis, nasal congestion, facial paralysis.
This page is educational. It describes a point in cats as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals, and cats are small and sensitive. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Cat
- Point code
- LI20
- Pinyin
- Ying Xiang
- English name
- Welcome Fragrance
- Chinese name
- 迎香
- Meridian
- Large Intestine
- Element or system
- Metal
- Needle depth listed (practitioners only)
- 0.2 to 0.3 cm
- Point category
- Key point for nasal disorders; URI in cats
Needle depths are shallow because cats are small. They are shown for reference and are not instructions for owners.
Where is LI20 Ying Xiang on a cat?
In nasolabial groove beside ala nasi.
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Traditional indications
- Rhinitis
- nasal congestion
- facial paralysis
- upper respiratory infection
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in cats.
Cat conditions that mention LI20 Ying Xiang
PetAcu cat condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside LI20 Ying Xiang
These feline acupuncture points appear in the same cat condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each cat.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Cats are small and sensitive, and shallow needling and short sessions are usual. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point and on the size and condition of the cat. Note from the source chart: Commonly used for upper respiratory infection in cats.
Never apply pressure or heat to a painful area on a cat. If your cat suddenly cannot use the back legs, is breathing with an open mouth, or is straining to urinate, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about LI20 Ying Xiang
Where is LI20 Ying Xiang on a cat?
In nasolabial groove beside ala nasi. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is LI20 Ying Xiang used for in feline acupuncture?
The source chart lists rhinitis, nasal congestion, facial paralysis, upper respiratory infection as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use LI20 Ying Xiang as a cat acupressure point at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle pressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your cat is unwell, in pain or has not been examined.
Learn more and next steps
Printable point cards and atlas
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Other Large Intestine acupuncture points for cats
Species: cat. Point data compiled by PetAcu from small-animal acupuncture textbooks and TCVM references (feline chapters). Back to the cat acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas.