Introduction
Are you experiencing constant coughing and breathing difficulty due to phlegm stuck in your throat? According to traditional Chinese medicine, phlegm forms when moisture and heat accumulate in the lungs. By stimulating specific acupoints, you can normalize lung function and expel phlegm quickly. You can see results simply by pressing these points with your fingers, without any medication.
5 Effective Acupoints for Phlegm
1. Fenglong — ST40
Location: On the outer aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun (approximately 6 finger-widths) above the outer ankle bone in the direction of the knee, located on the lateral aspect of the tibia (shin bone).
Effect: An acupoint that eliminates phlegm-damp and moisture. By removing the “dampness” that causes phlegm formation in the lungs, it promotes phlegm expulsion.
Pressure Technique: Press firmly with your thumb for 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds. Repeat 20 times per session. Pressing in the evening between 7-9 PM yields the strongest results.
2. Chize — LU5
Location: On the inner aspect of the arm, at the outer edge of the inner crease of the elbow when the elbow is bent.
Effect: An acupoint that clears lung heat and promotes phlegm expulsion. By removing heat accumulated in the lungs, it alleviates both dry cough and phlegm simultaneously.
Pressure Technique: Slowly press 5 times with your opposite thumb. Alternate between arms, spending 1 minute on each side. Best performed between 5-7 AM.
3. Feishu — BL13
Location: On the upper back, at the level below the third rib, approximately 2 cun (thumb-width) lateral to the spine.
Effect: An acupoint that directly strengthens lung function and fortifies the entire respiratory system. By enhancing the lungs’ defensive capacity, it prevents phlegm recurrence.
Pressure Technique: Place a tennis ball against the wall and lean back to apply pressure, or have a partner slowly press with their thumb. Hold for 30 seconds per session, 3 times daily.
4. Zusanli — ST36
Location: 4 cun (3 finger-widths) below the knee, on the lateral aspect of the tibia. Approximately 10 cm below the knee in the direction of the ankle.
Effect: Enhances the body’s immunity and strengthens the lungs’ resistance. Not only eliminates phlegm but is also excellent for preventing colds.
Pressure Technique: Press with your thumb using circular massage motions for 1 minute. Alternate between both legs. Performing this 1 hour after meals also promotes digestion.
5. Danzhong — REN17
Location: At the center of the chest, at the point where the horizontal line connecting the two nipples meets the center of the sternum (breastbone).
Effect: A key acupoint that regulates the lungs and entire respiratory system. By deepening breathing and increasing lung capacity, it accelerates phlegm expulsion.
Pressure Technique: Press vertically with your fingertip (middle finger) for 3 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat 15 times per session. Performing this for 5 minutes before bedtime activates phlegm expulsion during sleep.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Step 1 (1 minute): Press Zusanli (ST36) on both legs, 30 seconds each
Step 2 (1 minute): Press Fenglong (ST40) on both legs, 30 seconds each
Step 3 (1 minute): Press Chize (LU5) on both arms, 30 seconds each
Step 4 (1 minute): Press Danzhong (REN17) for 1 minute
Step 5 (1 minute): Press Feishu (BL13) on the back with a tennis ball for 1 minute
Following this routine after waking in the morning and before bedtime at night will noticeably reduce phlegm within 3 days. Be careful not to use your fingernails, and performing this after a warm shower makes it easier to locate the acupoints.
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