Introduction
Do you experience a scratchy throat when you wake up in the morning, or pain when swallowing? Sore throat that strikes suddenly makes daily life uncomfortable. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, sore throat caused by colds or inflammation is viewed as a qi-blood circulation disorder and an inflammatory constitution. Fortunately, there are acupressure points that are easy to stimulate at home, providing quick relief from throat pain.
Five Effective Acupoints for Sore Throat
1. Hegu (合谷) — LI4
Location: The depression between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand. Located at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone, this is the area where a crease forms when you bring your fingers together.
Benefits: Stimulates the Large Intestine meridian to strengthen immunity and promote qi-blood circulation throughout the body. It is excellent for relieving upper body pain such as colds, sore throat, headaches, and facial pain, and is very effective in reducing throat inflammation.
Pressure Technique: Use the thumb of the opposite hand to press the Hegu point deeply. Press firmly for 10-15 seconds and release, then repeat. Stimulating both hands 3-5 times daily is more effective.
2. Quchi (曲池) — LI11
Location: The outer end of the crease that forms on the inner side of the arm when the elbow is bent at 90 degrees. This is the correct location where the point becomes a depression when you press with your finger.
Benefits: A major point on the Large Intestine meridian with excellent heat-clearing effects, it rapidly removes heat sensation and inflammation from sore throat. It also helps with high fever, arm pain, and skin conditions.
Pressure Technique: Press Quchi with your thumb or index finger while massaging in circular motions. Apply pressure for 20-30 seconds at a time, 3 times daily. It is important to apply the same pressure to both arms.
3. Taixi (太溪) — KI3
Location: The depression between the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus) and the Achilles tendon. This is the hollow area on the inner side of the ankle, present on both sides.
Benefits: An important point on the Kidney meridian that supplements kidney yin, strengthening immunity and resistance. It is particularly effective for recurrent sore throat, chronic throat discomfort, and colds caused by low physical stamina.
Pressure Technique: Press the Taixi point vertically with your thumb. Start with light pressure initially and gradually increase the intensity. Stimulating each ankle for 10-15 seconds, twice daily, is ideal.
4. Lieque (列缺) — LU7
Location: Located about 1.5 cun (approximately 2cm) above the inner wrist crease. Find it by following the radial artery above the radial styloid process (the protruding bone of the wrist).
Benefits: Stimulates the Lung meridian to strengthen lung function and improve respiratory health. It is excellent for relieving symptoms of upper respiratory infections such as sore throat from colds, cough, and nasal congestion. It directly promotes qi-blood circulation in the throat.
Pressure Technique: Use the thumb of the opposite hand to press Lieque vertically while massaging. Press deeply for 5 seconds and release repeatedly. Stimulating three times daily—morning, midday, and evening—improves respiratory health.
5. Neiting (內庭) — ST44
Location: Between the second and third toes of the foot, approximately 0.5 cun upward from the webbing toward the base of the toes. It is easy to locate when you spread your toes apart.
Benefits: Stimulates the Stomach meridian to suppress inflammation and relieve pain. It is particularly effective at reducing heat sensation in the throat area and also improves digestive discomfort.
Pressure Technique: Press the Neiting point strongly with your thumb. Apply pressure for 10-15 seconds at a time, alternating between both feet. It is especially effective in the evening; 1-2 times daily is sufficient.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Don’t worry if you’re short on time. Following the routine below, you can expect relief from sore throat within 5 minutes. Perform this routine twice daily—once in the morning when you wake up and once in the evening before bed.
① Hegu Pressure: Stimulate Hegu on both hands for 30 seconds each (1 minute)
② Quchi Massage: Massage Quchi on both arms with circular motions for 30 seconds each (1 minute)
③ Lieque Stimulation: Press Lieque on both arms for 20 seconds each (40 seconds)
④ Taixi Pressure: Press Taixi on both feet for 20 seconds each (40 seconds)
⑤ Neiting Finish: Stimulate Neiting on both feet for 15 seconds each to finish (30 seconds)
Repeating this routine daily will noticeably improve sore throat symptoms within 3-4 days.
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