5 Acupoints That Help Both Asthma and Allergies: Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

Why Asthma and Allergies Occur Together

Asthma and allergies often worsen together because they share the same respiratory hypersensitivity response. Climate change, seasonal changes, and stress simultaneously aggravate both decreased lung function and immune imbalance.

While medication is important, traditional medicine acupressure can provide fundamental help in strengthening lung function and improving constitution, and can be used alongside medication.

5 Acupoints to Relieve Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

1. CV17: The Key Acupoint That Directly Regulates Lung Breathing

Main Effects: Deepens breathing and provides immediate breathing relief during asthma attacks; prevents worsening of stress-related allergies

Precise Location: Located at the center of the chest, at the midpoint height between both nipples on the center of the breastbone. The 4th intercostal space (between the 4th and 5th ribs) serves as the reference point.

Effective Acupressure Technique: Press slowly and deeply with your middle finger, avoiding strong stimulation. Press for 5–10 seconds, then slowly release. Coordinate with your breathing rhythm—press as you inhale and slowly release as you exhale. Perform 1–2 times daily, each session lasting 1–2 minutes.

2. LU5: A Primary Acupoint of the Lung Meridian That Immediately Relieves Breathing Difficulties

Main Effects: Directly strengthens lung function; immediately relieves allergic breathing difficulties and nasal congestion; provides the fastest effect during asthma attacks

Precise Location: Located on the inner side of the arm, at the crease on the inside of the arm when the elbow is bent. It is positioned on the thumb side of the biceps brachii tendon (the muscle tendon of the arm).

Effective Acupressure Technique: Locate LU5 with your thumb or middle finger and press firmly for 3–5 seconds. If you experience an asthma attack or breathing difficulty, apply pressure immediately for rapid relief. Stimulate 3–4 times daily, especially as needed when symptoms worsen.

3. GV14: Strengthens Immunity to Fundamentally Suppress Allergic Reactions

Main Effects: Enhances immunity; suppresses allergic reactions; reduces frequency of asthma attacks; improves constitution

Precise Location: Located at the back of the neck, in the hollow just below the bone that protrudes most when you bow your head (the 7th cervical vertebra spinous process).

Effective Acupressure Technique: Gently tap the GV14 area with your middle and index fingers, or press firmly for 3–5 seconds with your thumb and then release. Stimulate for at least 1 minute each morning and evening—consistent stimulation accumulates immunity-improving effects.

4. LI11: Reduces Heat to Relieve Allergic Inflammation

Main Effects: Soothes allergic inflammation; relieves breathing difficulties; enhances supplementary lung function strengthening

Precise Location: Located on the outer side of the arm, at the outer end of the crease that forms when the elbow is bent (on the thumb side).

Effective Acupressure Technique: Apply firm pressure with your thumb to the LI11 area and massage in circular motions. Massage for 1–2 minutes per session, 2–3 times daily. Simultaneous stimulation of both arms produces faster results.

5. ST12: A Combination Acupoint That Simultaneously Strengthens Immunity and Breathing

Main Effects: Enhances immune function; promotes smooth breathing; improves chronic fatigue and restores overall physical strength

Precise Location: Located in the hollow above the clavicle (collarbone), approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) outward from the center line of the neck. You can locate it by following the hollow area below the clavicle.

Effective Acupressure Technique: Press ST12 with your middle fingers overlapped, but since this is the clavicle area, apply gentle pressure for 5–10 seconds. Perform 1–2 times daily, each session lasting 1 minute in the morning and evening.

Comparison Table of Acupoint Effects and Stimulation Intensity

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine: Practical Implementation Guide

Optimal Times: Morning (within 30 minutes of waking), evening (1 hour before bed)

Preparation: Perform in a warm environment, and avoid exposure to cold air for 30 minutes after acupressure.

Step-by-Step Procedure (Total 5 Minutes)

1. Step 1 (1 minute): Simultaneously massage both LI11 acupoints in circular motions. Apply strong pressure and massage for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds.
2. Step 2 (1 minute): Tap GV14 lightly or press and release with a gentle tilt. Perform for 1 minute with rhythmic tapping.
3. Step 3 (1 minute): Slowly press CV17 5 times repeatedly. Press as you inhale and release as you exhale. Focus on your breathing.
4. Step 4 (1 minute): Alternately press both LU5 acupoints firmly for 3 seconds each. This is an acupoint where you’ll immediately feel breathing improvement.
5. Step 5 (1 minute): Gently press and release both ST12 acupoints simultaneously. Finish with 10 repetitions.

Tips for Maximizing Effects: Drinking warm water (with a bit of honey added) after acupressure promotes better blood circulation. Consistent practice is important—perform the routine daily for the first 2–3 weeks, then adjust frequency based on symptom improvement.

Customized Acupressure Strategies by Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

During Acute Breathing Difficulty (Attack Situation)

Press LU5 firmly for 5–10 seconds, then immediately press CV17 slowly while breathing deeply. Stimulation of these two acupoints produces the fastest effects.

Chronic Symptom Management Goal (Fundamental Treatment)

Focus on immunity enhancement with GV14 and ST12 in the morning, and perform the complete 5-minute routine in the evening. As your constitution improves, attack frequency decreases.

Seasonal Change Prevention (Spring, Autumn)

Enhance stimulation of LI11 and GV14 two weeks before seasonal changes. By raising immunity in advance, you can significantly reduce allergy occurrence.

Deeper Traditional Medicine Understanding: Asthma, Allergies, and Lung Function

In traditional medicine, asthma and allergies are diagnosed as “lung qi deficiency” and “defensive qi deficiency.” The lungs govern respiration and maintain the immune defense line. When lung function weakens due to stress or reduced physical strength, the body easily reacts to minor stimuli.

All five acupoints mentioned in this guide are located on the lung meridian or related meridians and directly strengthen lung function. In particular, CV17 and LU5 are critical acupoints of the lungs—regular stimulation alone can significantly improve symptoms.

Continuous acupressure stimulation activates the body’s self-healing ability, allowing you to move away from medication-only dependence. However, since individual responses vary greatly, if you don’t feel effects after 2–4 weeks of practice, consult with a traditional medicine practitioner.

Precautions and Limitations

Practical Tips for More Effective Acupressure

Adjusting Stimulation Intensity: A slight level of tenderness (8/10 intensity) is most effective. Too light has no effect, while too strong can cause tissue damage.

Timing: Evening acupressure is best performed 1 hour before bed, and the relaxation effect can improve sleep quality. Morning is more effective 30 minutes after waking rather than immediately upon waking.

Consistency: Even 3–4 days per week shows effects, but performing daily is optimal. Once symptoms improve, you can maintain management with 3 sessions per week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: If you had to choose just one acupoint most effective for asthma symptoms, which would it be?

A: LU5. As the essential acupoint of the lung meridian, firmly pressing this acupoint for 3–5 seconds when experiencing breathing difficulty produces the fastest breathing improvement. It’s even effective enough to use as emergency treatment during asthma attacks due to its immediate responsiveness.

Q: If I have both allergies and asthma and want to simultaneously strengthen immunity and improve respiration, what should I do?

A: Focus on immunity enhancement with GV14 and ST12 in the morning, and perform the complete 5-minute routine (LI11 → GV14 → CV17 → LU5 → ST12) every evening. Morning immunity-strengthening acupressure fundamentally improves your constitution, while the evening complete routine provides balanced lung function enhancement. You can expect noticeable improvement after 4 weeks.

Q: How many times per day is optimal for acupressure?

A: The basic recommendation is once in the morning and once in the evening, twice daily, each 5-minute routine. On days with severe asthma or allergy symptoms, you can add an additional session during midday or stimulate LU5 multiple times. Consistency is important—performing at the same time daily is most effective. After the first 2–3 weeks of consistent practice, adjust frequency based on symptom improvement.

Q: Can acupoint acupressure replace medication?

A: No. Acupoint acupressure is a supplementary tool for relieving asthma and allergy symptoms. You should continue taking prescribed asthma medications (inhalers, etc.), and combining acupressure can enhance medication effectiveness and reduce symptom frequency long-term. Always consult with a healthcare professional before deciding to discontinue any medication.

Q: How can I see results faster?

A: Stimulate LU5 most frequently and never skip the daily morning and evening 5-minute routine. Additionally, adequate sleep (7+ hours) and stress management must be maintained to speed up immunity constitution improvement. Reducing consumption of cold foods and preferring warm foods also enhances effectiveness.