5 Acupoints Beneficial for Both Cough and Foot Pain

Introduction

Coughs often occur due to colds or seasonal changes, and foot pain is common among people who do heavy work or have jobs requiring long periods of standing. When these two symptoms appear simultaneously, daily life becomes inconvenient. Traditional Eastern medicine approaches these symptoms from a holistic body balance perspective, and stimulating specific acupoints can alleviate both symptoms.

5 Beneficial Acupoints for Cough and Foot Pain

1. Dachu — GV14

Location: Located in the depression (indentation) directly below the prominence of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7 spinous process), which protrudes most when bending the neck forward.

Effects: The Dachu acupoint is known as a “universal remedy” acupoint that strengthens the body’s protective qi and enhances immunity. It stops coughs, improves respiratory function, and simultaneously promotes whole-body circulation to help lower body blood flow.

Acupressure Technique: Slowly press with the thumb for 3-5 seconds, or applying a warming patch for heat stimulation is also effective. Strong pressure is not necessary; the ideal pressure level is just enough to feel comfortable stimulation.

2. Shangzhong — CV17

Location: Located at the exact midpoint of the line connecting both nipples on the sternum, between the 4th intercostal space (between the 4th ribs).

Effects: Shangzhong is the “sea of qi,” regulating the energy of the lungs and heart. It is a key acupoint for calming coughs and promoting easy breathing. It also alleviates breath shortness caused by stress and smooths whole-body energy flow.

Acupressure Technique: Overlap the index and middle fingers and press slowly without applying too much force. It’s more effective to repeat by slowly inhaling while pressing for 5 seconds, then slowly exhaling.

3. Lieque — LU7

Location: Approximately 1.5 cun (about 1.5cm) above the wrist crease on the thumb side (where wrist veins are visible), in the depression above the radial styloid process (protruding wrist bone).

Effects: An important acupoint on the Lung meridian, it directly alleviates coughs and nasal congestion. Simultaneously, it promotes qi and blood circulation in the arms and hands, improving upper limb blood flow, which extends to whole-body circulation and improves lower body blood flow.

Acupressure Technique: Gently massage in circular motions with the opposite thumb for 1 minute, or gently tap 10-15 times with a rounded-end acupoint stimulation tool.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: On the outer side of the leg, approximately 8 cun (about 8cm) from the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone) toward the knee, between the outer tibia (shin bone) muscle and bone.

Effects: Fenglong governs the “humor of the gallbladder” and is particularly effective for alleviating coughs with phlegm. It also promotes qi and blood circulation in the lower body to directly relieve foot pain, and improves digestive function to help enhance overall constitution.

Acupressure Technique: In a seated position, slowly press with the thumb for 3-5 seconds, repeating 10 times. It’s most effective when you feel slight tenderness, and pressing in the evening also helps with quality sleep.

5. Chize — LU5

Location: On the inner side of the arm, directly above the elbow crease when the elbow is bent, on the outer side (thumb side) of the biceps tendon.

Effects: A major acupoint on the Lung meridian, it rapidly alleviates acute coughs and throat pain. It improves arm blood circulation to eliminate upper limb swelling and promotes whole-body qi and blood circulation, indirectly contributing to foot pain relief.

Acupressure Technique: Gently massage in circular motions with the opposite thumb for 30 seconds to 1 minute. It’s easy to do at work, so stimulating it frequently when cough intensifies is effective.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Step 1 (1 minute): First, press the Dachu acupoint with warm fingers for 3-5 seconds, 5 times. This activates whole-body energy.
Step 2 (1 minute): Slowly press the Shangzhong acupoint 5 times with your breath. It’s more effective when done while taking deep breaths.
Step 3 (1 minute): Massage the Lieque and Chize acupoints in circular motions for 30 seconds each on both arms. Maintain natural breathing throughout.
Step 4 (2 minutes): Slowly press the Fenglong acupoint on both legs for 1 minute each. You can do this comfortably while seated.
Tip: For best results, perform this routine twice daily—after waking in the morning and before bedtime in the evening. It’s best to do acupressure at least 30 minutes after eating.