80% of people will experience at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime. A leading cause of sick leave, back pain is often called the “disease of the century.” Between sedentary lifestyles, prolonged screen posture, and daily stress, our backs accumulate tension. What if the solution was on… your face?

Dien Chan, or Vietnamese facial reflexology, offers precise formulas to target each type of back pain. By stimulating specific points on the face, you act remotely on painful areas of the back through reflex connections identified by Professor Bùi Quôc Châu. This approach can be used alongside your usual care, wherever you are and without any special equipment.

Understanding Back Pain with Dien Chan

In facial reflexology, the face is considered a map of the entire body. The spine projects onto the bridge of the nose: the top of the nose corresponds to the cervical vertebrae, the middle to the thoracic spine, and the base to the lumbar region. This projection principle explains why stimulating certain facial points can affect back pain.

Dien Chan does not claim to cure structural spinal conditions (herniated discs, advanced arthritis, etc.), but it can help to:

Reduce muscle tension that accompanies most back pain
Promote circulation in painful areas
Calm the nerve component of pain, particularly in the case of sciatica
Address stress, often linked to chronic back pain (see also our article on stress and anxiety with Dien Chan)

Lower Back Pain: The Express Formula

Thrown out your back? Pain in the lower back when you wake up or after sitting for a long time? Lower back pain, affecting the lumbar vertebrae, is the most common form of back pain. This formula acts quickly on lumbar pain by targeting the corresponding reflex points.

Technique: Stimulate the points with a small hammer or the tip of a pen. Start with moderate pressure, then gradually increase until you feel a clear sensitivity without excessive pain. Hold each point for 30 seconds to 1 minute before moving to the next.

Recommended frequency: In the acute phase (locked back), you can repeat this formula 2 to 3 times a day, spacing sessions at least 2 hours apart. For prevention, a daily morning session can help maintain lumbar flexibility.

Tip: If your lower back pain is accompanied by stress-related tension, combine this formula with the daily anti-stress formula for a more complete effect.

Sciatica: Releasing the Nerve

Sciatica manifests as pain that originates in the lower back or buttock and radiates down the leg, sometimes to the foot. It’s often caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. This formula targets the nerve pathway and aims to relieve the inflammation and compression.

Specific technique for sciatica: Stimulation should be gradual and gentle. Sciatica involves an irritated nerve, so it’s important not to force it. Start with light pressure and increase gradually. If a point triggers sharp pain, release the pressure and move to the next point.

Protocol duration: Sciatica often takes longer to relieve than simple lower back pain. Practise this formula 1 to 2 times a day for at least a week to observe results. Each session lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Upper and Mid Back Pain

Pain between the shoulder blades and in the middle of the back (dorsalgia) is common among people who work at a screen for long hours. Tension accumulates in the trapezius and paravertebral muscles. For this area, stimulating points in the middle of the nose bridge is particularly effective.

For dorsalgia, you can complement the formulas above with a gentle massage along the nose bridge, from middle to top, using small circular movements with your fingertip. This helps relax the entire thoracic area through reflex action.

How to Stimulate the Points

Locate the point with a detector or pen tip. The correct point is recognised by a particular sensitivity: a slight ache or a feeling of a “dip” under the tool
Press for 30 seconds to 1 minute with firm but bearable pressure
Massage in small circles if the point is sensitive — clockwise to tonify, counter-clockwise to disperse
Follow the order of points as indicated in the formula, as the sequence has been designed to optimise the effect

Tips for an Effective Session

Get comfortable: seated or lying down, in a quiet place. If your back hurts, lying down may be more pleasant
Breathe deeply between each point. Deep breathing promotes muscle relaxation and amplifies the stimulation’s effect
Drink a glass of water after the session to help release tension

If your back pain disrupts your sleep, also check our article on Dien Chan formulas for insomnia.

Recommended Tools

Small Dien Chan hammer: ideal for gentle, regular point stimulation
Yang double ball: effective for massaging the back reflex zones on the face
Ballpoint pen (cap): an everyday tool perfectly suited for locating and stimulating points precisely
Dien Chan detector: the professional tool for precise point location

Preventing Back Pain Daily

Dien Chan is even more effective as part of a holistic approach. Here are some complementary habits:

Move regularly: stand up every hour if you work seated. A few stretches are enough to restart circulation and prevent blockages
Manage your stress: chronic stress contracts back muscles and promotes pain. Facial reflexology for stress can help
Take care of your sleep: quality sleep allows muscles to recover. If you have trouble sleeping, Dien Chan formulas for insomnia can be a good complement
Adopt good posture: screen at eye level, feet flat on the floor, back supported by the chair

When to Consult a Doctor

Dien Chan is an excellent complement for managing back pain, but it does not replace a medical diagnosis. See a healthcare professional if:

Pain persists for more than 3 days despite rest
You have numbness or tingling in your legs
Pain radiates in both legs simultaneously
You experience unusual muscle weakness
The pain follows a trauma (fall, accident)
You have a fever associated with back pain

In all cases, Dien Chan can be practised alongside conventional medical treatment, as a complement to physiotherapy, osteopathy, or any other care prescribed by your doctor.

Go Further

The Dien Chan Dots app contains 120+ formulas for back, joints, chronic pain, and many other issues. You’ll also find formulas for related topics like smoking cessation, since quitting smoking also improves blood circulation and contributes to better muscle recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dien Chan Really Relieve Back Pain?

Dien Chan works through reflex pathways: stimulating precise points on the face sends signals that can help relax muscles, promote circulation, and reduce the perception of pain. Many practitioners and users report relief, particularly for muscular pain and tension. However, it does not replace medical treatment for structural conditions such as herniated discs or severe scoliosis. It is used as a complement to your usual care.

How Long Does It Take to Feel Relief?

It depends on the type and duration of the pain. For recent acute lower back pain (locked back), relief can be felt from the first session, sometimes within minutes. For chronic pain that has been present for months, it generally takes several days of regular practice (1 to 2 sessions per day) before noticing significant improvement. Consistency is key.

Can Dien Chan Be Practised with a Herniated Disc?

Dien Chan can be practised alongside your medical care, including with a diagnosed herniated disc. Stimulating facial points presents no direct contraindication for this condition, since it involves no manipulation of the back itself. However, it’s recommended to discuss it with your doctor and not interrupt your current treatment. Dien Chan does not claim to treat the hernia itself, but can help manage pain and associated muscle tension.

What’s the Difference Between Dien Chan and Acupuncture for Back Pain?

Dien Chan and acupuncture share certain principles but differ in several ways. Acupuncture uses needles inserted into the skin along meridians distributed throughout the body and requires a trained practitioner. Dien Chan is practised solely on the face, without needles, through simple pressure or point massage. It can be self-administered, at any time, without specific equipment. The two approaches can be complementary.

Formulas from Professor Bùi Quôc Châu’s method. They do not replace medical advice.

Back Pain: Dien Chan Formulas to Relieve Your Pain