5 Acupoints for Simultaneous Relief of Asthma and Shoulder Pain

Introduction

Having both breathing difficulties from asthma and shoulder pain at the same time really makes daily life difficult. The vicious cycle of your chest feeling tight combined with poor posture causes your shoulders and neck to become stiff, repeating over and over. Fortunately, traditional Oriental medicine offers acupoints that can improve respiratory function while simultaneously relieving shoulder tension.

5 Acupoints for Asthma and Shoulder Pain

1. Dazhui — GV14

Location: Below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you lower your head, it’s the hollow area directly below the most prominent bone at the back of your neck.

Effects: One of the most important acupoints in Oriental medicine, it increases overall vital energy and enhances respiratory function. During an asthma attack, it normalizes breathing and simultaneously promotes qi and blood circulation in the shoulders and upper body, alleviating stiffness.

Acupressure technique: Place your overlapped thumbs from both hands on the Dazhui point and slowly press for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times. Continue until you feel a warm sensation.

2. Tanzhong — CV17

Location: At the center of the sternum, at the midpoint between the two nipples. It corresponds to the level of the 4th intercostal space.

Effects: A key acupoint that regulates the entire respiratory system, directly alleviating chest tightness and breathing difficulties caused by asthma. It also promotes qi circulation in the chest, relieving tension in both the shoulders and neck.

Acupressure technique: Using your middle finger, press vertically on the Tanzhong point. Press deeply for 3 seconds, rest for 1 second, and repeat 8 times. It’s important not to press too hard.

3. Waiguan — TE5

Location: 2 cun (approximately 6 cm) above the crease on the back of the wrist, at the midpoint between the radius and ulna.

Effects: This acupoint boosts immunity and strengthens respiratory resistance. It prevents asthma recurrence and alleviates shoulder stiffness caused by stress. Consistent stimulation can reduce colds and asthma exacerbation.

Acupressure technique: Using the thumb of your opposite hand, locate the Waiguan point and press it slowly for 10 seconds. Repeat 3 times. It’s more effective to perform on both arms.

4. Jianjing — GB21

Location: At the highest point of the shoulder, at the midpoint between Dazhui (GV14) and the end of the shoulder blade (acromion). It’s the area that feels most tender when pressed with your finger.

Effects: This acupoint directly relieves tension in the shoulder and neck muscles. It corrects the unconscious habit of raising your shoulders due to asthma-related chest tightness and immediately reduces shoulder pain.

Acupressure technique: Using 3 fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) of your opposite hand, locate the Jianjing point. Massage in circular motions for 30 seconds, then press firmly for 5 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

5. Yanglingquan — GB34

Location: Below and in front of the head of the fibula (the upper end of the calf bone), on the outer side below the knee.

Effects: This acupoint is known as the “gathering of qi” and promotes overall qi and blood circulation. It relieves the overall body’s qi that has become stagnant from asthma and shoulder pain, alleviates muscle stiffness, and deepens breathing.

Acupressure technique: Sitting comfortably, extend one leg, locate the Yanglingquan point with your thumb, and press slowly for 10 seconds then release. Repeat 5 times. Perform on both legs.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Daily routine to relieve both asthma and shoulder pain:

Step 1 (1 minute): Sit comfortably and take 3 deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
Step 2 (1 minute): First, press Dazhui (GV14) 10 times to activate respiratory function.
Step 3 (1 minute): Press Tanzhong (CV17) 8 times to relieve chest tightness.
Step 4 (1 minute): Massage both Jianjing (GB21) points for 30 seconds each to relieve shoulder tension.
Step 5 (1 minute): Press Waiguan (TE5) and Yanglingquan (GB34) on both sides 5 times each to promote overall qi and blood circulation.

This routine is most effective when performed twice daily—right after waking in the morning and before bedtime in the evening. You can perform it additionally when asthma symptoms are severe.