Introduction
When cough and tinnitus appear together, daily life becomes truly inconvenient. Many people experience sleepless nights from coughing and difficulty concentrating due to ringing sounds in the ears. In traditional Korean medicine, these two symptoms are believed to stem from weakened lung function and imbalance of qi (vital energy). Fortunately, proper acupoint acupressure alone can greatly alleviate symptoms.
5 Best Acupoints for Cough and Tinnitus
1. Taixi — KI3
Location: Inner side of the foot, in the depression between the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon
Effect: Taixi is a source point of the kidney meridian that fundamentally strengthens lung function and boosts immunity. It reduces chronic cough, replenishes the body’s vital energy, and also improves tinnitus symptoms.
Acupressure technique: Sit and place one foot on top of the other knee. Using your thumb, slowly press and release Taixi repeatedly for 1 minute. Repeat alternately on both feet.
2. Fengchi — GB20
Location: On the back of the neck, in the depression below the occipital bone (base of the skull), between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles
Effect: Fengchi promotes the circulation of qi and blood in the neck and head. It relieves neck pain from coughing and simultaneously improves poor blood circulation, a major cause of tinnitus.
Acupressure technique: Wrap both hands around the neck and press both Fengchi points simultaneously with your thumbs. Massage in circular motions 20-30 times, then gently tap the area.
3. Baihui — GV20
Location: At the crown of the head, at the intersection where the line connecting the tops of both ears meets the midline running from the bridge of the nose to the crown
Effect: This is an acupoint that clears the mind and calms the spirit. It relieves anxiety and discomfort caused by tinnitus and improves auditory function by increasing cerebral blood flow.
Acupressure technique: Gently tap the Baihui point with your fingertips on both hands. Lightly tap about 30 times, then press gently on the same point, hold it, and slowly release. Repeat this motion 3 times.
4. Dazhui — GV14
Location: At the boundary between the neck and upper back, in the depression directly below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (the most prominent bone when you bend your head forward)
Effect: Dazhui is an acupoint that strengthens immunity throughout the body. It improves reduced lung function, the root cause of cough, and is excellent for preventing colds. Tinnitus is also improved.
Acupressure technique: Place the middle finger of one hand on the middle finger of the other hand and press Dazhui firmly with this doubled finger technique. Press for 10 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, and repeat 5 times. Be careful not to press too hard.
5. Shanzhong (Tanzhong) — CV17
Location: At the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples on the sternum (4th intercostal space)
Effect: This is an important acupoint that regulates lung and heart function. It is directly effective in relieving cough and makes breathing deeper and easier, which also helps calm anxiety caused by tinnitus.
Acupressure technique: Press Shanzhong vertically with the middle finger of one hand. Press gently for 10 seconds, release for 2 seconds, and repeat 5 times. Do not press too hard.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Practice every morning or evening:
Step 1 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to the Taixi points on both feet for 1 minute each.
Step 2 (1 minute): Massage both Fengchi points on the neck simultaneously in circular motions.
Step 3 (1 minute): Gently tap the Baihui point at the crown of the head.
Step 4 (1 minute): Repeatedly press and release the Dazhui point at the boundary between the neck and upper back using the doubled finger technique.
Step 5 (1 minute): Gently apply acupressure to the Shanzhong point at the center of the chest.
If you consistently follow this routine, you should feel relief from cough and improvement in tinnitus symptoms within 2-3 weeks.
Leave a Reply