5 Acupoints for Cough and Cold Hands and Feet

Introduction

When winter arrives, many people experience worsening cough and cold hands and feet. These two symptoms may seem like separate problems, but in traditional medicine, we understand them as resulting from both decreased lung function and insufficient circulation throughout the body. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could relieve both symptoms using only acupoint massage without taking medication? Today, I’ll introduce five acupoints that are simultaneously effective for both cough and cold hands and feet.

Five Acupoints for Cough and Cold Hands and Feet

1. Dazhui (GV14) — WHO Code: GV14

Location: When you lower your neck, it’s the depression below the protruding spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. You can find it just below the prominent bony protrusion felt along the border between the neck and upper back.

Benefits: Dazhui is called “the meeting point of all yang Qi,” and it strengthens the body’s immunity and enhances lung function. It excels not only at relieving cough but also at improving hypothermia caused by cold hands and feet.

Massage method: Using your thumb or a massage tool, press slowly for 3-5 minutes until you feel warmth. It’s best to repeat this 2-3 times daily.

2. Tanzhong (CV17) — WHO Code: CV17

Location: Located at the center of the chest, precisely at the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples (medically the 4th intercostal space). If you place both hands on your chest and feel with your index finger, you can find a small depression.

Benefits: As the central acupoint of the respiratory system, it’s very effective at relieving cough and improving breathing. It also smooths the flow of Qi (氣) in the chest, alleviating the discomfort caused by cold hands and feet.

Massage method: While lying down, slowly press with your thumb or apply warm moxibustion. Stimulating this point for 3-5 minutes in the evening helps reduce nighttime cough.

3. Lieque (LU7) — WHO Code: LU7

Location: It’s located approximately 1.5 cun (the width of the thumb and index finger) above the wrist crease on the thumb side. It’s the slightly recessed area found above the styloid process of the radius (the wrist bone on the thumb side) when you press with your finger.

Benefits: As the jing-well point of the Lung meridian, it provides immediate relief for acute cough and cold symptoms. It improves circulation in the hands and arms, simultaneously addressing cold hands and feet.

Massage method: Using the opposite thumb, locate the exact point and press firmly for 1 minute, then slowly release. Repeat on both arms, and perform this 3-4 times daily for best results.

4. Fenglong (ST40) — WHO Code: ST40

Location: It’s located 8 cun (approximately twice the width of four fingers) downward from the small bone on the outer upper knee (lateral epicondyle) toward the ankle. You can find it by following the outer side of the tibia (shin bone), specifically along the outer center of the leg.

Benefits: As an important acupoint on the Stomach meridian, it’s effective at promoting recovery from fatigue and boosting metabolism. It improves circulation throughout the body, fundamentally addressing cold hands and feet while simultaneously promoting rapid recovery from cough-related fatigue.

Massage method: While sitting, slowly press with your thumb or massage in circular motions. Stimulate for 3-5 minutes until you feel warmth, twice daily.

5. Chize (LU5) — WHO Code: LU5

Location: When you bend your elbow at 90 degrees, it’s located above the elbow crease, on the outer edge of the biceps tendon. When you straighten your arm and feel the inside of your elbow, you can feel the protruding tendon.

Benefits: As the he-sea point of the Lung meridian (where Qi gathers), it quickly relieves cough, asthma, and throat discomfort. It improves circulation in the arms and hands, bringing warmth all the way to the fingertips.

Massage method: Using the opposite thumb, repeatedly press slowly for 1-2 minutes and release. It’s safe to stimulate whenever you cough, and you can repeat this 4-5 times daily.

5-Minute Self-Routine

Morning (5 minutes after waking): Start your day energetically by stimulating Dazhui → Chize → Lieque in order, spending 1 minute on each. Midday (around noon): Press Fenglong for 2 minutes to recharge your Qi (氣). Evening (10 minutes before bed): Warmly press Tanzhong (3 minutes), then stimulate Dazhui again (2 minutes) before sleep to significantly reduce nighttime cough. If you maintain this routine for 2-3 weeks, you’ll notice a marked decrease in cough and feel your hands and feet warming up.