Introduction
Everyone has experienced a cough that comes with each change of season, or the frustration of poor digestion, right? What’s even more difficult is when these two symptoms appear together. In traditional Chinese medicine, when multiple symptoms appear together like this, we approach the fundamental causes: decreased stamina and weakened immunity. Today, I’ll introduce five acupoints that can relieve both cough and indigestion at the same time.
Five Acupoints for Cough and Indigestion
1. Zusanli — ST36
Location: Located 3 cun below the knee (three finger-widths), approximately 1 cun (thumb-width) to the outside of the anterior tibial surface.
Benefits: ST36 is the most important acupoint for boosting immunity and improving overall stamina. It normalizes digestive function and strengthens the respiratory system, making it effective for cough relief. Regular stimulation strengthens the body’s resistance.
Pressure technique: Apply strong pressure with your thumb for 3-5 seconds, then release. Repeat this process. Press for 1 minute per leg, 2-3 times daily for best results. Since this point responds well to warmth, pressing with warm hands enhances effectiveness.
2. Sanyinjiao — SP6
Location: Located 3 cun above the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone), on the posterior aspect of the medial tibial surface.
Benefits: SP6 is an important acupoint that regulates multiple body systems including digestive, respiratory, and urinary functions. It’s particularly effective for indigestion, abdominal bloating, and chronic cough, and boosts immunity to promote cold recovery. It excels at improving both respiratory and digestive function simultaneously.
Pressure technique: Massage in circular motions with your thumb, or apply pressure for 3-5 seconds repeatedly. Press for 1 minute on each leg, twice daily. Pressing this point in the evening also promotes better sleep.
3. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression directly below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (the most prominent bone when you tilt your head forward).
Benefits: GV14 is the most effective acupoint for respiratory conditions, excelling at relieving symptoms of colds, cough, and asthma. It also boosts overall immunity, aids temperature regulation, and strengthens the body’s defensive functions. This is a must-press acupoint when cough is the primary symptom.
Pressure technique: Finding the exact location at the back of the neck is important. Tilt your head slightly forward, find the area directly below the prominent bone, and apply 3-5 second pressure with your thumb repeatedly. Be careful not to press too hard, as it may cause dizziness. Maintain moderate pressure. Press 2-3 times daily, for 30 seconds to 1 minute per session.
4. Tanzhong — CV17
Location: Located on the sternum at the midpoint between the two nipples. Anatomically, it corresponds to the 4th intercostal space (between the fourth ribs).
Benefits: CV17 regulates respiratory and cardiac function, and is effective for chest tightness, shortness of breath, and chronic cough. It activates lung function to alleviate cough and improves qi and blood circulation in the chest. It provides immediate relief when the chest feels tight or breathing feels uncomfortable.
Pressure technique: Since it’s on the breastbone, apply gentle pressure without too much force. Apply 3-second pressure with your thumb or middle finger, repeating 10 times, twice daily. It’s beneficial to focus on this point right before bed or when cough is severe.
5. Zhongwan — CV12
Location: Located 4 cun above the navel, at the midpoint between the epigastrium and umbilicus. It’s on the anterior midline of the abdomen.
Benefits: CV12 is the most important acupoint for the digestive system, effectively improving indigestion, abdominal bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite. It promotes peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, normalizes digestive function, and facilitates food intake and nutrient absorption. It also plays an important role in restoring stamina.
Pressure technique: Since it’s on the abdomen, press while in a comfortable position. Massage in clockwise circles with your thumb, or apply pressure for 3-5 seconds repeatedly. Press twice daily, for 1 minute per session. It’s best to press this point one hour after meals.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
This routine allows you to manage both cough and indigestion simultaneously in just 5 minutes during a busy morning or evening. ① CV12 (1 minute) — Massage above the navel in circular motions to activate digestive function. ② ST36 (1 minute) — 30 seconds per leg, to boost immunity and stamina. ③ SP6 (1 minute) — 30 seconds per side, to regulate respiratory and digestive systems simultaneously. ④ GV14 (1 minute) — Gently press the point at the back of the neck to calm cough. ⑤ CV17 (1 minute) — Finish by gently stimulating the chest to ease breathing. By repeating this routine 1-2 times daily, you should notice improvement in cough and indigestion after approximately 2-3 weeks.
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