5 Acupoints Beneficial for Both Cough and Infertility

Introduction

Are you struggling with both persistent cough and infertility at the same time? In traditional Chinese medicine, these two symptoms can be viewed together, with declining kidney function and insufficient qi (vital energy) as the main causes. There are acupoints that can improve lung function while simultaneously strengthening kidney and reproductive function. This article introduces 5 effective acupoints that can improve both cough and infertility simultaneously.

5 Acupoints Beneficial for Cough and Infertility

1. Sanyinjiao — SP6

Location: Located 3 cun above the medial malleolus, on the inner side of the tibia. It is found three finger-widths above the most prominent point on the inner ankle.

Effects: Sanyinjiao is the meeting point of three meridians—spleen, liver, and kidney—and regulates hormone secretion and reproductive function. It normalizes the lung’s water metabolism that causes cough and simultaneously strengthens kidney function, which is a cause of infertility.

Acupressure Technique: While sitting, place one foot on the opposite thigh, and slowly press the Sanyinjiao acupoint with your thumb. Press and release for 3–5 seconds at a time until you feel slight discomfort, repeating 10 times. Apply to both feet. For those preparing for pregnancy, acupressure is more effective during 9–11 PM (the time of kidney meridian activation).

2. Taixi — KI3

Location: Located in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. When you palpate the inner ankle, it is found in the hollow area.

Effects: As the main point of the kidney meridian, it directly strengthens the kidney’s original qi (vital essence). It supplements the deficiency of yin fluids in the lungs and kidneys, which is the root cause of cough, and improves reproductive capacity and hormone secretion. It is highly effective for treating chronic cough and infertility.

Acupressure Technique: In a comfortable seated position with your foot bent, locate the Taixi acupoint with your thumb. Press steadily with your finger at a level that produces slight discomfort for 1 minute, then release. Repeat this 3–5 times. Performing this twice daily, morning and evening, promotes recovery of kidney function.

3. Dazhui — GV14

Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you bow your head, it is found in the hollow area directly below the most prominent bone at the back of the neck (the 7th cervical vertebra).

Effects: Dazhui is where all yang qi converges, strengthening immunity and respiratory function throughout the body. It directly stimulates lung function to relieve cough and simultaneously boosts the body’s energy to improve infertility.

Acupressure Technique: Sit comfortably and slightly bow your head, then have another person help or use a specialized tool (acupoint massage stick) to gently rub the Dazhui area for 1 minute. If doing this alone is difficult, you can place a tennis ball between a chair back and your back to apply pressure to the Dazhui area. Performing this once daily in the evening promotes body recovery during sleep.

4. Tanzhong — CV17

Location: Located on the sternum at the exact midpoint of a line connecting both nipples, corresponding to the 4th intercostal space. To locate it with your finger, run your finger up along the sternum and find the depressed area.

Effects: Tanzhong is an important acupoint that regulates the lungs and heart, stabilizing respiratory function and emotional state. It directly relieves cough symptoms and improves reproductive function by promoting overall circulation through improving heart and lung function.

Acupressure Technique: Lying comfortably, overlap two fingers (index and middle finger) and gently place them on the Tanzhong point. Slowly inhale while gently pressing for 3–5 seconds, then exhale while releasing pressure. Repeat 10 times. When cough occurs frequently, practice 3 times daily. It is even more effective when done during morning meditation for stress relief.

5. Shenshu — BL23

Location: Located in the lumbar region, approximately 1.5 cun (about 4.5 cm) lateral to the spine below the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. When you wrap your hands around your lower back, the point where your thumbs naturally rest is Shenshu.

Effects: Shenshu is the most important acupoint for directly strengthening kidney function. Since the kidney governs reproduction and growth, stimulating Shenshu is key to treating infertility. Simultaneously, it supplements the kidney’s yin fluids to fundamentally resolve cough caused by lung dryness.

Acupressure Technique: Sit or stand comfortably and place your thumbs on the Shenshu points, pressing inward while massaging in circular motions. Repeat for 30 seconds at a time, 5–10 times. Using warm hands or placing a warm towel on the area while applying pressure increases its effectiveness. When treating infertility, it is important to practice consistently twice daily, morning and evening.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

By following this sequence twice daily (morning and evening), you can improve both cough and infertility simultaneously:

Step 1 (1 minute): Sit comfortably and apply acupressure to Taixi (KI3) on both sides for 30 seconds each. This step awakens kidney function.

Step 2 (1 minute): Maintaining your position, apply acupressure to Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both sides for 30 seconds each. This regulates hormones and reproductive function.

Step 3 (1 minute): Transition to a lying position and gently massage Tanzhong (CV17) in circular motions for 1 minute. This strengthens lung function.

Step 4 (1 minute): From a sitting position, massage Shenshu (BL23) on both sides for 30 seconds each. This provides final strengthening of kidney function.

Step 5 (1 minute): Finally, straighten your neck and back, bow your head, and gently tap or massage the Dazhui (GV14) area for 1 minute. This balances qi throughout the entire body.

By consistently repeating this routine daily, you can notice relief from cough symptoms and increased body energy after 2–4 weeks. For improving infertility, it is best to continue for at least 3 months or longer.