5 Acupoints Effective for Both Cough and Phlegm

Introduction

Having a cough while simultaneously experiencing phlegm buildup is extremely uncomfortable. Cough and phlegm often occur together due to lingering effects of colds or seasonal changes, which is a sign that lung function is weakened or moisture (phlegm) has accumulated in the bronchi. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are specific acupoints that can simultaneously alleviate these symptoms.

5 Acupoints Good for Cough and Phlegm

1. Dazhui — GV14

Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra) when you bend your neck forward. When pressed with your finger, it has a sunken sensation.

Benefits: Dazhui is an acupoint that comprehensively strengthens lung function and boosts immunity. It improves lung weakness, which is the root cause of cough, and supplements yang qi throughout the body, making it excellent for cough relief.

Pressing technique: Place your overlapped thumbs from both hands on the Dazhui acupoint and repeatedly press slowly and release. Press for about 10 seconds, 5 times over 1 minute, and combining with warm compresses makes it even more effective.

2. Danzhong — CV17

Location: Located at the point where the horizontal line connecting the nipples of both breasts meets the center of the breastbone (4th intercostal space). When pressed with your finger, you can find a slightly sunken area.

Benefits: Danzhong smoothly promotes the circulation of qi in the chest and relieves chest tightness caused by cough. It simultaneously regulates the function of the lungs and heart, eliminating comprehensive discomfort caused by cough and phlegm.

Pressing technique: Using the tip of your thumb or index finger, repeatedly slowly press and release the Danzhong acupoint. It is effective to press while exhaling in sync with your breathing, pressing about 15 times over 1 minute.

3. Lieque — LU7

Location: Located above the radial styloid (wrist bone) about 1.5 cun (the width of your thumb) above the inner wrist crease. It is easy to find when you slightly bend your wrist.

Benefits: Lieque promotes the circulation of qi in the lungs and enhances respiratory function. It is particularly excellent at helping to expel phlegm and relieving cough caused by bronchial constriction, while also improving nasal congestion from colds.

Pressing technique: Find the Lieque acupoint with the thumb of your opposite hand, then press in slow circular motions. Press for 3 seconds and release for 3 seconds, repeating this cycle for 1 minute, applying enough pressure to feel a slight sensation.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: Located on the lateral side of the tibia (shin bone), 8 cun (the width of 8 fingers) below the tip of the outer knee bone (lateral condyle) in the direction toward the ankle. It is located approximately at the center of the outer calf.

Benefits: Fenglong is an acupoint that removes moisture (phlegm), making it most effective when there is excessive phlegm. It helps expel secretions accumulated in the bronchi and normalizes lung function to fundamentally resolve cough.

Pressing technique: While sitting with your legs extended, locate the Fenglong acupoint with your thumb. Apply your body weight and repeatedly press slowly and release, pressing for 1 minute until you feel a slight soreness.

5. Chize — LU5

Location: Located on the lateral (thumb) side of the biceps tendon, above the crease that appears on the inner arm when the elbow is bent (elbow crease).

Benefits: Chize is an acupoint that cools heat in the lungs and immediately relieves cough. It also alleviates throat pain caused by cough, strengthens lung function, and promotes phlegm expulsion.

Pressing technique: Extend one arm and locate the Chize acupoint with the thumb of your opposite hand. Massage in slow circular motions while pressing, using a technique of pressing for 5 seconds and releasing for 5 seconds, continuing for 1 minute.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Step 1 (1 minute): Start with the Dazhui acupoint. Overlap your thumbs from both hands and press slowly 10 times, beginning with the intention of strengthening lung function.
Step 2 (1 minute): Press the Danzhong acupoint 15 times in sync with your breathing. The key is to press while exhaling.
Step 3 (1 minute): Press the Lieque acupoint alternately with both hands for 1 minute. Circular massage motions are most effective.
Step 4 (1 minute): Press the Fenglong acupoint on both legs. Applying your body weight and pressing firmly helps with phlegm expulsion.
Step 5 (1 minute): Finish with the Chize acupoint. Press alternately on both arms slowly to finally calm the cough.
Repeating this 5-minute routine twice daily (morning and evening) will help you experience improvement in cough and phlegm symptoms within 3-5 days.