5 Acupoints Effective for Both Cough and Dizziness

Introduction

Sudden cough and dizziness are uncomfortable symptoms that disrupt daily life. Especially when both symptoms appear together, you may feel anxiety as if your entire body is collapsing. Cough occurs due to bronchial irritation, while dizziness develops from poor blood circulation or reduced inner ear function. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are acupressure points that can improve both symptoms simultaneously. Rather than relying solely on medication, try to restore your body’s function by stimulating the acupressure points on your hands and feet.

5 Acupressure Points for Cough and Dizziness

1. Zusanli — ST36

Location: 3 cun (approximately 10 cm) below the knee, 1 finger-width lateral to the anterior edge of the tibia. It is located approximately one finger-width outward from the depression below the knee.

Benefits: It strengthens digestive function and boosts immunity to improve infectious cough. It also promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the body, effectively alleviating dizziness. Long known as a longevity point, it is also excellent for physical recovery and fatigue relief.

Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb or an acupressure tool, press and hold for 10 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, and repeat 10 times. If there is pain, you can apply stronger pressure. Practice acupressure 2-3 times per day.

2. Sanyinjiao — SP6

Location: 3 cun (approximately 10 cm) above the medial malleolus (inside ankle bone), on the posterior aspect of the medial tibia. It is the depression you encounter when you follow the inner edge of the shin bone upward.

Benefits: It harmonizes spleen and lung function to fundamentally improve cough symptoms. It promotes blood circulation and increases nutrient supply to the inner ear (the balance organ of the ear), alleviating dizziness. It also provides additional health benefits through improved hormone balance.

Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb, press firmly for 5 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and repeat 15 times. It is best to practice acupressure in a warm environment to avoid exposure to cold wind.

3. Taichong — LR3

Location: Between the 1st-2nd metatarsal bones (bones of the big toe and second toe), in the depression in front of the metatarsal junction. It is located approximately one finger-width anterior to the highest point on the top of the foot.

Benefits: It improves liver function to help remove toxins from the body and normalize blood circulation. It is particularly effective in alleviating cough and dizziness caused by stress. Through its nerve-stabilizing action, it also improves anxiety, helping to break the vicious cycle of symptoms.

Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb tip, massage in circular motions 10 times, then press firmly for 10 seconds. Practice acupressure twice daily, in the morning and evening. Avoid excessively strong pressure.

4. Taixi — KI3

Location: The depression between the medial malleolus (inside ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon. It is at the midpoint between the most prominent part of the inside of the ankle and the heel tendon.

Benefits: It strengthens kidney function to promote whole-body metabolism and improves dizziness caused by inner ear balance disorders. It replenishes lung qi (vital energy) to effectively improve chronic cough and enhances sleep quality.

Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb, press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds, and repeat 20 times. When practiced before bedtime, kidney function recovery occurs throughout the night, alleviating morning cough symptoms.

5. Neiguan — PC6

Location: 2 cun (approximately 6 cm) above the inner wrist crease, between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. With the arm extended, it is the depression between the two tendons in the center of the inner wrist.

Benefits: It stabilizes heart and lung function to relieve both chest tightness and cough. It improves blood supply to the brain, effectively addressing dizziness and headaches. It is characterized by improving stress-related symptoms through its autonomic nervous system stabilizing action.

Acupressure Technique: Using the opposite thumb, press firmly for 10 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, and repeat 10 times. Practice on both arms, making sure to stimulate the midline point accurately.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

To relieve both cough and dizziness together, practice the following acupressure routine 1-2 times daily.

Step 1 (1 minute): Press Taichong (LR3) on both feet for 30 seconds each. This first activates liver function to establish the foundation for improved blood circulation.

Step 2 (1 minute): Press Zusanli (ST36) on both legs for 30 seconds each. This strengthens immunity and improves digestive function to help relieve cough symptoms.

Step 3 (1 minute): Press Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both inner ankles for 30 seconds each. This harmonizes lung and spleen function to eliminate the root cause of cough.

Step 4 (1 minute): Press Taixi (KI3) on both inner ankles for 30 seconds each. This strengthens kidney function, focusing on alleviating dizziness.

Step 5 (1 minute): Press Neiguan (PC6) on both inner forearms for 30 seconds each. This stabilizes heart and lung function and improves cerebral blood circulation to complete the routine.

After acupressure, drink a glass of warm water to help your body realign, and avoid strenuous activity for at least 30 minutes.