Racing heart, spiraling thoughts, knot in your stomach, clenched jaw… Anxiety affects 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives. Chronic stress is even more widespread. What if you could find calm again by stimulating a few points on your face?

Dien Chan — the facial reflexology method developed by Professor Bui Quoc Chau — offers powerful formulas that act directly on the nervous system to restore a state of serenity in just minutes, without medication or complex equipment.

Why Does Dien Chan Work on Stress?

The face is an area extremely rich in nerve endings. In facial reflexology, each point on the face corresponds to a zone or function in the body. By stimulating specific points, you send signals to the brain that help regulate the autonomic nervous system — the very system that goes into overdrive when we’re stressed.

In practical terms, stimulating these points can:

Activate the parasympathetic system (the body’s natural “brake”), slowing down heart rate and lowering blood pressure
Reduce cortisol production, the stress hormone
Release muscle tension built up in the jaw, forehead, and shoulders
Quiet the mind, breaking the cycle of anxious thoughts

This is what makes Dien Chan particularly well-suited for stress management: results are often noticeable from the very first session, sometimes within just a few minutes.

Daily Anti-Stress Formula

For everyday stress, accumulated tension, work pressure, or days that feel overwhelming. This comprehensive formula targets the entire stress circuit: it calms the mind, relaxes the body, and rebalances energy.

Take the time to stimulate each point in the order shown. Point 17 opens the formula by working on overall energy, while points 124 and 34 form the core of nervous system relaxation. Point 0, at the end of the formula, anchors the calm you’ve achieved.

Quick tip: Press point 51 for 30 seconds. It’s like “releasing a pressure cooker” — it instantly drains the tension!

This formula is ideal at the end of a work day or after a stressful event. If you also experience stress-related sleep problems, you can follow up with the anti-insomnia formula at bedtime.

Quick Relaxation Formula

Only have 2 minutes? This ultra-short formula gets straight to the point — just 4 points — and can be done discreetly, even at your desk or on the train.

It’s particularly useful in the following situations:

Before an exam or job interview: stimulate these 4 points 10 minutes beforehand to calm your nerves
During a stressful meeting: discreetly press point 124 under the table with your index finger
On your commute: take advantage of your travel time for a quick relaxation session
When anxiety starts to build: these points help break the anxious spiral

The simplicity of this formula makes it an everyday tool. Keep it in mind as a go-to stress reflex you can use anytime, anywhere.

The Link Between Stress, Pain, and Addictions

Stress never acts alone. It’s often the starting point for a cascade of symptoms that feed into one another:

Stress and physical pain: nervous tension crystallizes in the body, particularly in the back and neck. If you suffer from stress-related back pain, combining the anti-stress formula with the specific back pain formula can deliver excellent results.
Stress and sleep: anxiety is the leading cause of insomnia. Both formulas actually share common points (124 and 34), which shows how closely connected they are. See our article on insomnia and Dien Chan for a complete evening protocol.
Stress and addictions: many smokers light up to “manage” stress. If that sounds like you, the anti-stress formula can effectively complement a smoking cessation protocol.

By addressing the root stress, you’re actually working on many other imbalances at the same time.

Key Points at a Glance

Point	Function
124	Major relaxation point
34	Calms the nervous system
0	Works on fear
26	Soothes and refreshes
51	Releases built-up pressure
17	Regulates overall energy

Point 124 is arguably the most important point to know for anyone prone to stress. Located on the face, it acts like an off-switch for the sympathetic nervous system. Paired with point 34, it forms a foundational duo found in many Dien Chan formulas related to calm and relaxation.

How to Practice

Find a quiet spot — or at least a moment when you won’t be disturbed
Breathe deeply 3 times, exhaling slowly through your mouth
Stimulate each point for 30 seconds to 1 minute, with firm but comfortable pressure
Follow the order given in the formula — it’s designed for a progressive effect
Observe the sensations: warmth, tingling, and muscle release are all positive signs

Stimulation Techniques

There are several ways to stimulate a point in Dien Chan:

Sustained pressure: press firmly for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Ideal for quick calming.
Circular massage: make small circles on the point. Particularly pleasant for relaxation.
Light tapping: gently tap the point with your fingertip. Useful for sensitive points.

Choose the technique that brings you the most relief. There’s no wrong way to do it: what matters is stimulating the point consistently.

Recommended Frequency

During an anxiety attack: immediately, as often as needed
During stressful periods: 2 to 3 times a day (morning, noon, evening)
For prevention: 1 to 2 times a day, preferably morning and before bed
For maintenance: a few times a week, to maintain nervous system balance

Tools

Dien Chan detector (the most precise)
Ballpoint pen (cap end) — practical and always available
Fingertip — sufficient for larger points

When to See a Professional

Dien Chan is an excellent self-care tool for everyday stress and occasional anxiety. However, it does not replace medical care in the following situations:

Frequent anxiety attacks or recurrent panic attacks
Generalized anxiety that has been disrupting your daily life for several weeks
Persistent physical symptoms: chest pain, dizziness, palpitations
Dark thoughts or intense feelings of distress

In these cases, Dien Chan can complement medical treatment or psychotherapy, but should not be used as a substitute. Talk to your doctor.

Go Further

The Dien Chan Dots app contains 120+ formulas for stress, anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness, and many other conditions. You’ll find the exact location of every point on the face, with interactive diagrams so you never miss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dien Chan replace anti-anxiety medication?

No. Dien Chan is a complementary technique that can help manage daily stress and mild to moderate anxiety. If you’re taking medication prescribed by a doctor, never stop it without medical advice. That said, Dien Chan can be practiced alongside treatment and may contribute to gradually reducing reliance on anxiolytics, always under medical supervision.

How long does it take to feel the effects?

Most people feel a sense of calm from the very first session, often within 3 to 5 minutes. For lasting effects on chronic stress, regular practice over 2 to 3 weeks is usually needed. As with any natural approach, consistency is key: 5 minutes every day is better than one long session every now and then.

Can Dien Chan anti-stress formulas be used on children?

Yes, Dien Chan is suitable for children, with some adjustments. Use lighter pressure and reduce stimulation time to 10-15 seconds per point. Children generally respond very well to facial reflexology. It’s a particularly useful tool for school-related stress, stage fright before a performance, or bedtime anxiety.

Can Dien Chan be combined with other relaxation techniques?

Absolutely. Dien Chan pairs beautifully with abdominal breathing, cardiac coherence, meditation, or yoga. For example, you can stimulate the quick relaxation formula while practicing coherent breathing (5 seconds in, 5 seconds out). The effects reinforce each other for an even deeper state of relaxation.

Formulas from the method of Professor Bui Quoc Chau. For severe anxiety disorders, consult a healthcare professional.

Stress, Anxiety & Panic: Dien Chan Formulas That Calm You in 5 Minutes