Introduction
When coughing persists, increased energy depletion creates a vicious cycle of worsening anemia symptoms. Chronic coughing particularly disrupts sleep and reduces appetite, lowering iron absorption and exacerbating anemia. This article introduces 5 special acupoints that can improve both coughing and anemia simultaneously. Try simple acupressure at home to restore respiratory function and blood circulation together.
5 Best Acupoints for Coughing and Anemia
1. Dachu — GV14
Location: At the back of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you bow your head, find the indented area directly below the most prominent bone at the back of the neck.
Benefits: Strengthens lung and respiratory function to calm coughing. Also boosts immunity and promotes physical recovery, reducing fatigue from anemia. Effective for preventing flu and common cold.
Technique: Press the Dachu acupoint firmly with your thumb for 5-10 seconds. Perform 3 times daily, 30 minutes before meals for best results. Be careful not to press too hard.
2. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: At the center of the chest, on the sternum. Shanzhong is located at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (4th intercostal space). It’s easy to find by placing two fingers together.
Benefits: Regulates cardiac and pulmonary function to ease breathing and relieve coughing. Promotes blood circulation to enhance oxygen transport capacity, making it excellent for improving anemia symptoms. Also alleviates anxiety caused by stress.
Technique: Gently massage Shanzhong in circular motions using two fingers or your thumb. Massage for 30 seconds to 1 minute while breathing deeply to maximize effectiveness. Perform 2-3 times daily.
3. Lieque — LU7
Location: Located 1.5 cun (approximately one thumb joint) above the wrist crease. When the wrist is upright, find the depression above the radial styloid process (the outer bone of the wrist).
Benefits: A key acupoint on the lung meridian that quickly calms acute and chronic coughing. Also improves coughing caused by rhinitis and promotes blood circulation to improve blood deficiency—a root cause of anemia.
Technique: Press Lieque with the opposite thumb for 5 seconds, then release and repeat. Perform 15-20 presses on both sides. Apply in the morning after waking and before bed at night for faster cough relief.
4. Fenglong — ST40
Location: Below the knee, 8 cun (approximately 4 finger widths) from the lateral epicondyle toward the ankle, about 2 finger widths lateral to the tibia (shinbone).
Benefits: Removes phlegm and activates blood circulation, making it the most effective acupoint for improving anemia. Also strengthens digestive function to increase iron absorption and promotes recovery from cough-related fatigue.
Technique: Press Fenglong firmly with your thumb for 10 seconds. Press for 1 minute twice daily (morning and evening) for best results. If there’s pain, adjust to slightly lighter pressure.
5. Chize — LU5
Location: On the inside of the arm above the elbow crease. With the arm bent, find the area on the outer side of the biceps tendon above the inner elbow crease.
Benefits: Directly strengthens lung function to improve respiratory conditions such as asthma, coughing, and snoring. Promotes blood circulation and increases oxygen supply to alleviate dizziness and fatigue from anemia.
Technique: Press Chize with the opposite thumb for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times on both sides. When coughing is severe, you can increase to 4-5 times daily.
5-Minute Self Routine
Perform the following steps in order after waking in the morning or 30 minutes before bed at night. ① First, press Lieque (LU7) on both sides 20 times (1 minute). ② Next, press Chize (LU5) on both sides 15 times (1 minute). ③ While sitting, press Fenglong (ST40) on both sides for 1 minute each (2 minutes). ④ Finally, standing or sitting, gently massage Shanzhong (CV17) for 1 minute and press Dachu (GV14) 10 times (1 minute). The entire routine takes about 5 minutes. With regular practice, you should feel cough relief and improved fatigue within one week.
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