Introduction
When cough and hernia appear together, daily life becomes really difficult. Each time you cough, pressure is applied to the abdomen, worsening hernia symptoms, and the discomfort from the hernia makes the cough worse, creating a vicious cycle. In traditional Korean medicine, there are acupoints that can relieve both symptoms simultaneously. Try awakening your body’s natural healing power with the 5 acupoint massage techniques we introduce today.
5 Beneficial Acupoints for Cough and Hernia
1. Dachu (GV14)
Location: The depression below the 7th cervical vertebra prominence. It’s the hollow area below the most protruding bone at the back of the neck when you lower your head.
Benefits: Dachu is a representative acupoint for strengthening the body’s yang qi. It excels at boosting immunity, enhancing respiratory function, and normalizing abdominal organ function. It helps restore weakened lung function from coughing and improves sagging internal organs from hernia.
Pressure Technique: Slowly press with your thumb or middle finger for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times until you feel a warm sensation spreading. Moxibustion or heating pad stimulation is also effective.
2. Tanzhong (CV17)
Location: The 4th intercostal space at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (center of the chest).
Benefits: An important acupoint that regulates lung and heart function, providing the most direct effect for relieving cough symptoms. It makes breathing deep and comfortable, and relieves chest tightness. It also normalizes digestive organ function to help improve hernia symptoms.
Pressure Technique: Overlap the middle fingers of both hands and slowly press for 5 seconds, then release. Gentle and consistent stimulation is important, and perform 3-5 times daily. Avoid pressing too deeply; stimulate at 1-2mm depth below the skin surface.
3. Lieque (LU7)
Location: Approximately 1.5 cun (about 2cm) above the wrist crease, in the depression above the radial styloid process (the thumb bone of the wrist).
Benefits: An important acupoint on the Lung meridian specialized for cough, cold, and sore throat. It strengthens overall respiratory function and suppresses the cough reflex. It also improves body fluid circulation to help normalize internal moisture levels.
Pressure Technique: Slowly press with the opposite thumb for about 5-10 seconds. Stimulate until you feel mild pain, but be careful not to overdo it. Repeat 10 times on each wrist alternately.
4. Fenglong (ST40)
Location: Below the outer side of the knee, approximately 8 cun (about 24cm) toward the ankle from the lateral epicondyle of the tibia (front end of the bone beside the knee), about 2 cun lateral to the tibia (twice the width of a thumb).
Benefits: A powerful acupoint that normalizes digestive system function and excels at removing internal moisture. Hernia is often worsened by poor digestion and fluid retention, and Fenglong improves these conditions to relieve hernia symptoms. It also promotes metabolism to strengthen overall body function.
Pressure Technique: Stimulate for 5-10 seconds while maintaining steady pressure with your thumb or finger knuckle. Since the outer calf has muscle, adequate pressure is needed. Repeat 10 times on each leg; stimulating in the evening helps improve sleep quality.
5. Chize (LU5)
Location: Above the elbow crease, in the depression on the lateral side of the biceps tendon (the tendon in the center of the inner elbow) when the arm is bent.
Benefits: Effective at cooling lung heat and calming cough. It rapidly relieves sore throat, heat sensation, and cough symptoms. It also promotes smooth qi and blood circulation in the arms and upper body to improve overall function and prevent sagging of abdominal organs.
Pressure Technique: Press firmly with the opposite thumb toward the inside of the elbow for about 5-10 seconds. You may feel both warmth and coolness simultaneously. Repeat 5-10 times on each arm; stimulating in the morning helps you start the day with energy.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
More effective when performed every morning and evening:
Step 1 (1 minute): Warm up Dachu (GV14) at the back of the neck – Perform circular massage with your fingers or cover with warm hands to promote blood flow.
Step 2 (1 minute): Gently stimulate Tanzhong (CV17) in the center of the chest – Perform circular motions with the middle fingers of both hands and repeat 5-second pressure × 10 times.
Step 3 (1 minute): Focus on Lieque (LU7) on both wrists – Press with your thumbs alternating left and right for 10 seconds each.
Step 4 (1 minute): Deep pressure on Fenglong (ST40) on both calves – Apply sufficient pressure using your elbow and repeat 10 seconds × 3 times.
Step 5 (1 minute): Finish with Chize (LU5) on both elbows – Repeat the pressing motion toward the inner elbow with your thumb for 5 seconds × 10 times.
Tips: Drinking warm water after acupressure enhances qi and blood circulation further. It’s best to start 1 hour after meals, and avoid areas with skin wounds or inflammation.
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