5 Acupoints for Simultaneous Relief of Cough and High Blood Pressure

Introduction

Cough and high blood pressure are symptoms that many people experience simultaneously. When cough persists, blood pressure rises, and high blood pressure in turn triggers more coughing, creating a vicious cycle. Since taking Western medicine alone may not provide a fundamental solution, try managing both symptoms together using acupoint pressing from traditional oriental medicine.

5 Acupoints Good for Cough and High Blood Pressure

1. Zusanli — ST36

Location: 3 cun (approximately 4cm) below the knee, on the anterior surface of the tibia (shin bone), 1 cun (thumb width) to the lateral side. After bending the knee, you can find it by moving three fingers downward from the depression below the knee.

Benefits: Strengthens stomach function, improves digestion, and enhances immunity to help relieve cough. It also promotes blood circulation, effectively helping to stabilize blood pressure.

Pressing Technique: Slowly press with your thumb for 10 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat this 5 times. Perform twice daily, morning and evening, for best results.

2. Sanyinjiao — SP6

Location: 3 cun (approximately 4cm) above the highest point of the medial ankle bone, on the posterior side of the medial surface of the tibia. You can find this tender point by moving three fingers upward from the inside of the ankle while pressing.

Benefits: Improves blood circulation and relaxes blood vessels, effectively lowering blood pressure. It also regulates respiratory function, making it excellent for relieving cough symptoms.

Pressing Technique: Press firmly with your index finger for 10 seconds at one point, then rest for 5 seconds. Repeat 3 times. Pressing in the evening also helps promote better sleep.

3. Taichong — LR3

Location: On the top of the foot, in the depression at the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, just before the metatarsal junction. You can find it by moving slightly upward toward the top of the foot from between the toes.

Benefits: Normalizes liver function and suppresses stress-related blood pressure elevation. It also calms the nerves, relieving nervousness that can trigger coughing.

Pressing Technique: Using your thumb, massage in circular motions 20 times clockwise, then 20 times counterclockwise. Performing this every morning helps you start the day in a stable state.

4. Quchi — LI11

Location: At the outer (thumb side) end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent at a right angle. With the arm bent, move your finger along the crease and you’ll find a deep point.

Benefits: Directly strengthens lung function and improves respiratory conditions, effectively relieving cough. It also reduces heat, soothing facial flushing caused by high blood pressure.

Pressing Technique: Press gently with your thumb for 10 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds. Repeat 10 times. You can press this point anytime when cough is severe.

5. Fengchi — GB20

Location: In the depression below the occipital bone (back of the skull), between the trapezius muscle (large muscle at the back of the neck) and the sternocleidomastoid muscle (muscle on the side of the front of the neck). Find it about one thumb width out from the center back of the neck.

Benefits: Improves cerebral blood circulation, lowers high blood pressure, and stabilizes intracranial pressure. It also removes wind pathogenic factors, simultaneously relieving cough and headaches caused by colds.

Pressing Technique: Place your thumbs on the Fengchi points and slowly massage in circular motions for 30 seconds. If your neck feels tight, this technique is even more effective. Perform 3 times daily.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Step 1 (1 minute): Press Zusanli (ST36) on both sides of the feet for 30 seconds each. While sitting, slowly press below the knee with your thumb.

Step 2 (1 minute): Press Sanyinjiao (SP6) on the inside of both ankles for 30 seconds each. You’ll feel your blood pressure beginning to lower.

Step 3 (1 minute): Massage Taichong (LR3) on both tops of the feet for 30 seconds each. Gently massage in circular motions.

Step 4 (1 minute): Press Quchi (LI11) on both elbows for 30 seconds each. If you have a cough, you can apply more pressure.

Step 5 (1 minute): Massage Fengchi (GB20) at the back of the neck with both thumbs for 30 seconds. This final step is even more effective if you finish with deep breathing.

By repeating this routine at the same time daily, you should notice improvement in both cough and blood pressure readings within approximately 2 weeks.