Introduction
Isn’t it really frustrating and uncomfortable when cough and hiccup appear at the same time? Both symptoms stem from an imbalance in the respiratory system and diaphragm, and in traditional Korean medicine, there are acupoints that can address both at once. Rather than relying on medication, try to ease the discomfort through simple acupressure.
5 Best Acupoints for Cough and Hiccup
1. Pericardium 6 — PC6
Location: Located about 2 cun (approximately 6 cm) above the inner wrist crease, in the hollow between two tendons: the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
Benefits: Pericardium 6 regulates both heart and lung function simultaneously, alleviating cough, and excels at calming hiccup spasms through nervous system stabilization. It also strengthens the digestive system to restore overall body balance.
Acupressure Method: Press deeply with your thumb, holding for about 3-5 seconds, then release. Repeat this motion. A slight sensation of soreness indicates you are stimulating the correct location. It is effective to apply acupressure 3-5 times daily, alternating between both arms.
2. Governing Vessel 14 — GV14
Location: When you bow your head, the most prominent bone is the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), and Governing Vessel 14 is located in the depression below its spinous process.
Benefits: Governing Vessel 14 is an important acupoint that directly strengthens lung function and regulates the entire respiratory system. It is particularly effective for cough relief, while also helping stabilize the nervous system to suppress hiccup reflexes.
Acupressure Method: Since it is difficult to reach with your fingers, apply pressure by pushing upward from below the back of the neck with your thumb, or if it is difficult to do yourself, ask someone else to press it gently. Applying a warm patch is also a good method.
3. Conception Vessel 17 — CV17
Location: Located in the upper chest on the sternum, specifically at the midpoint between both nipples when connected by a straight line. It is approximately at the level of the fourth intercostal space.
Benefits: Conception Vessel 17 is a very important acupoint that regulates qi of both the lungs and heart, stopping cough and promoting deeper breathing. It also relieves chest tightness and quickly resolves the discomfort caused by hiccups.
Acupressure Method: Press gently and slowly with your thumb. Pressing too hard may be uncomfortable, so gently press and release for about 2-3 seconds repeatedly. Applying acupressure 3-4 times daily, at least 30 minutes after meals, is most effective.
4. Lung 7 — LU7
Location: Starting from the inner wrist crease and moving about 1.5 cun (approximately 4.5 cm) toward the thumb side (radial direction), in the depression above the wrist bone (radial styloid process).
Benefits: Lung 7 is an acupoint that directly regulates lung qi and is exceptionally effective for cough relief. It reduces heat in the throat and respiratory tract to stop cough, while simultaneously stabilizing the nervous system to calm hiccup reflexes.
Acupressure Method: Using the thumb of the opposite hand, apply pressure slowly; a mild sensation of soreness is appropriate. Press and release for 5-10 seconds at a time, repeating 10 times. Applying acupressure twice daily, morning and evening, leads to rapid improvement in cough.
5. Stomach 40 — ST40
Location: Located about 8 cun (approximately 24 cm) from the tip of the lateral fibular head moving toward the knee, in the depression between muscles on the outer side of the tibia (shin bone).
Benefits: Stomach 40 strengthens not only the respiratory system but also the digestive system, relieving overall bodily discomfort caused by cough. It also stabilizes the nervous system to suppress hiccup reflex responses and promotes sputum expulsion.
Acupressure Method: While sitting, bend the opposite knee to make the lower leg easier to reach. Repeatedly press deeply with your thumb for about 3-5 seconds, 10-15 times. Stimulate both legs alternately, and applying twice daily leads to rapid improvement in cough and hiccup.
5-Minute Self-Routine
This is a 5-minute routine you can easily perform at home when cough and hiccup appear simultaneously.
Step 1 (1 minute): Sit in a comfortable position, breathe deeply, and calm your mind.
Step 2 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to Pericardium 6 on both wrists, 30 seconds each. Press deeply with your thumb; a slight sensation of soreness indicates the correct location.
Step 3 (1 minute): Gently tap Governing Vessel 14 at the back of the neck with your fingers, or massage it with warm hands.
Step 4 (1 minute): Gently press Conception Vessel 17 in the center of the chest with your thumb 3-5 times.
Step 5 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to Stomach 40 and Lung 7 on both legs, 30 seconds each. Complete the cycle and finish by breathing deeply.
If you perform this routine immediately when you feel cough or hiccup, most symptoms will be relieved within 5-10 minutes. You may repeat it 2-3 times daily as needed.
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