Introduction
Have you ever experienced your heart suddenly fluttering or pounding during an asthma attack? As lung function declines, oxygen deficiency puts strain on the heart, and this anxiety creates a vicious cycle between the two symptoms. In this article, I’ll introduce 5 acupoints that traditional medicine has validated for thousands of years to address both asthma and heart palpitations simultaneously.
5 Best Acupoints for Asthma and Heart Palpitations
1. Neiguan — PC6 (Pericardium 6)
Location: Located approximately 2 finger-widths (about 2 cun) above the inner wrist crease toward the forearm, positioned at the center between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon.
Effect: Stabilizes heart rhythm and quickly alleviates anxiety. Most effective at calming sudden heart palpitations during asthma attacks, and improves respiratory distress caused by stress.
Acupressure technique: Using your opposite thumb, slowly press and release for 3 seconds at a time, repeating for 1 minute. Adjust pressure while sensing your heartbeat, ensuring you feel a warm sensation of stimulation rather than pain.
2. Dazhui — GV14 (Governing Vessel 14)
Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), the most prominent bone at the back of the neck when you lower your head.
Effect: Normalizes qi circulation throughout the body and directly strengthens lung respiratory function. Replenishes the lung qi deficiency that is the root cause of asthma, reducing heart strain and preventing palpitations.
Acupressure technique: Sit upright with good posture and place your finger on the depression at the back of your neck. Slowly press and hold for 5 seconds, then release for 3 seconds, repeating 5 times. When doing this alone, you can place a tennis ball against your back and lean against a wall to apply pressure.
3. Tanzhong — CV17 (Conception Vessel 17)
Location: Located at the midpoint of the horizontal line connecting both nipples, in the 4th intercostal space (between the ribs) on the sternum. It’s at the center above the solar plexus.
Effect: This is a key point that directly regulates qi circulation between the lungs and heart. It deepens breathing, normalizes heart rhythm, and opens up chest tightness during asthma attacks.
Acupressure technique: Lie flat on your back and place three fingers from your right hand stacked over the center of your sternum. Exhale slowly and press downward for 2 seconds. Inhale and release the pressure, repeating 5 times.
4. Shenmen — HT7 (Heart 7)
Location: Located at the ulnar end of the inner wrist crease (toward the pinky finger side), in the depression on the radial aspect of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. It’s positioned slightly toward the pinky finger compared to PC6.
Effect: Directly enhances heart stability and calms mental restlessness. Provides immediate calming effects when anxiety from asthma causes rapid heartbeats.
Acupressure technique: Using your opposite hand’s thumb, press slowly and adjust pressure until you feel a slight aching sensation, avoiding sharp pain. Apply acupressure to each side for 2 minutes, 4 minutes total for both sides.
5. Chize — LU5 (Lung 5)
Location: When you extend your arm with palm facing up, locate it above the elbow crease (toward the shoulder), in the depression on the lateral side (thumb side) of the biceps tendon.
Effect: Promotes lung qi circulation and directly strengthens respiratory function. Replenishes the lung qi deficiency that causes asthma, fundamentally improving shortness of breath.
Acupressure technique: Using your opposite hand’s thumb, locate the depression above the elbow crease and press slowly. Apply continuous acupressure with steady pressure to each arm for 2 minutes, 4 minutes total.
5-Minute Self-Routine
Step 1 (1 minute): Sit comfortably and simultaneously press both PC6 (Neiguan) points for 3 seconds followed by 3 seconds of rest, repeating this cycle. Feel your heartbeat while calming any anxiety.
Step 2 (1 minute): Press HT7 (Shenmen) on both sides sequentially to stabilize your mind and spirit. Effects are enhanced when combined with deep breathing.
Step 3 (1 minute): While in a supported position, repeatedly press GV14 (Dazhui) for 2-second intervals to normalize overall qi circulation.
Step 4 (1 minute): Apply continuous acupressure to LU5 (Chize) above the elbow crease with steady pressure to strengthen lung function.
Step 5 (1 minute): Lying down, apply acupressure to CV17 (Tanzhong) while taking deep breaths to finalize heart and lung function and complete the routine.
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