5 Acupoints Effective for Asthma and Tooth Pain Simultaneously – Location and Stimulation Methods

Which acupoints should you start with to relieve asthma and toothache at the same time?

3 highest-priority acupoints with fastest results:

These three acupoints should be stimulated first for the following reasons:

• LI4: Blocks nerve signals to relieve acute toothache pain within 5-10 minutes.
• GV14: Activates immune cells throughout the body to fundamentally reduce respiratory inflammation. Daily stimulation decreases the frequency of asthma attacks.
• CV17: Directly regulates lung function to provide immediate help during breathing difficulty.

1. LI4 — Emergency Acupoint for Toothache

One-line Summary: The universal acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian that relieves acute toothache within 5-10 minutes and prevents stress-induced asthma attacks.

How to locate it

Open your hand and find the highest point between your thumb and index finger. It is located at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. When your hand is open, the exact location is in the depression between your thumb and index finger.

Confirmation Method: When you press it with your index finger of the opposite hand, you will feel some pain or a heavy sensation.

Effects and mechanism of action

LI4 directly stimulates the nervous system to temporarily block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Toothache, in particular, is nerve-based pain, so this acupoint’s effect is very rapid.

• Toothache Relief: By blocking nerve signals, it relieves 50-70% of acute pain within 5-10 minutes.
• Asthma Prevention: Decreases stress hormones to reduce stress-induced asthma attacks.
• Digestive Function: Improves constipation to relieve abdominal bloating that interferes with breathing.

How to apply acupressure

1. Place your opposite thumb precisely on LI4.
2. Stimulate for 3 minutes by slowly drawing circles. Gently for the first minute, then gradually increase pressure.
3. Intensity Guide: Adjust to “painful but bearable” (pain level 5-6/10).
4. Alternate hands, 3 minutes each, 3-4 times daily.
5. Timing: Most effective 30 minutes after eating, especially when toothache occurs.

Expected Time to Effect: Acute toothache: 5-10 minutes; chronic stress relief: 3-7 days

2. LI11 — Acupoint for Reducing Inflammation and Heat

One-line Summary: The inflammation-relief acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian that improves both inflammatory toothache such as gingivitis or mouth ulcers and respiratory inflammation simultaneously.

How to locate it

It is at the outer end of the crease that forms on the inside of your elbow when your arm is bent at a right angle (90 degrees). When your arm is bent, if you press both ends of the crease, one side will feel soft and the other will feel bony. The bony side is LI11.

Confirmation Method: Based on the crease that disappears when you straighten your arm, it is located at the outer end when bent.

Effects and mechanism of action

LI11 is the influential point of the Large Intestine meridian and is very effective for reducing inflammation and heat throughout the body. It is so famous in Chinese medicine that people say “to lower heat, press LI11.”

• Inflammation Relief from Toothache: Rapidly reduces swelling and inflammation from gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and periodontitis.
• Respiratory Inflammation Improvement: Reduces lung inflammation to alleviate asthma symptoms.
• Immune Enhancement: Increases lymphocyte count to strengthen resistance to infectious diseases.

How to apply acupressure

1. Strongly press LI11 with the thumb of your opposite hand.
2. Stimulate as if pinching the wrinkles, with the feeling of crushing granules.
3. Intensity Guide: Maintain “refreshing pain” (pain level 6-7/10). Definite pressure is more effective than gentle stimulation.
4. 30 seconds to 1 minute per session, 3-4 times daily.
5. Timing: On days with severe toothache, you can increase to 4-5 times daily.

Expected Time to Effect: Inflammatory toothache: 1-3 days; respiratory inflammation: 5-10 days

3. KI3 — Fundamental Acupoint for Building Immunity

One-line Summary: The acupoint that replenishes the original qi of the Kidney meridian. Through consistent stimulation, it strengthens immunity to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and fundamentally improves nerve-related toothache.

How to locate it

It is in the depression on the inner side of your ankle, between the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus) and the Achilles tendon. Place your foot comfortably and find it about 1 centimeter below the inner ankle bone, moving toward the Achilles tendon.

Confirmation Method: When you slightly rotate your foot inward, the hollowed area you feel is the exact location.

Effects and mechanism of action

KI3 is an important acupoint for replenishing the original qi of the Kidney meridian. When the Kidney’s qi is weak, the respiratory system becomes weak and nerve pain becomes severe. If you want fundamental improvement, consistent stimulation is essential.

• Respiratory Immunity Enhancement: Improves basic lung function to reduce asthma attack frequency by 30-50% over 2-3 months.
• Nerve-Related Pain Relief: Lowers nervous system sensitivity to improve nerve-based toothache.
• Chronic Disease Improvement: Promotes basic metabolism to improve fatigue recovery and sleep.

How to apply acupressure

1. Sit in a comfortable position and place one foot on your opposite knee.
2. Press KI3 precisely with your thumb and stimulate for 3 minutes by slowly drawing circles.
3. Intensity Guide: Maintain “warm and gentle pain” (pain level 4-5/10). Adjust to feel a sense of warmth.
4. Alternate feet, 3 minutes each, 1-2 times daily.
5. Optimal Timing: Stimulating in the evening, 1 hour before bed, promotes deep sleep and prevents nighttime asthma attacks.

Expected Time to Effect: Immune changes detected after 3-4 weeks of consistent treatment; decreased attack frequency after 2-3 months

4. GV14 — Hub of Whole-Body Immunity

One-line Summary: The most important acupoint of the Governing Vessel, regulating the original yang qi of the whole body to enhance respiratory function and prevent stress-induced asthma. The most powerful immunity-stimulating acupoint.

How to locate it

When you bow your head forward, the most protruding bone at the back of your neck is visible. This is the 7th cervical vertebra. The depression immediately below it is GV14. Lower your finger from the back of your neck, find the most protruding bone, then press the hollow area one vertebra below.

Confirmation Method: With your head bowed, running your finger down between the bones, you can feel the hollow area below the largest bone.

Effects and mechanism of action

GV14 is the most important location among acupoints of the Governing Vessel. Since it regulates the original yang qi that is responsible for the body’s defense, stimulating this area provides the most comprehensive immune effect.

• Maximized Whole-Body Immunity: Promotes white blood cell generation to increase resistance to infectious diseases.
• Enhanced Respiratory Function: Improves basic lung and bronchial function to reduce asthma attacks.
• Nervous System Stabilization: Calms the central nervous system to prevent asthma exacerbation from stress.
• Inflammation Relief: Reduces chronic inflammation throughout the body, also improving toothache.

How to apply acupressure

1. It may be difficult to do alone; if possible, receiving pressure from another person’s fingers is most effective.
2. If doing it alone, reach your hand behind your neck and slowly press with your thumb.
3. Intensity Guide: Maintain “gentle but definite stimulation” (pain level 3-4/10). Since the back of the neck is a sensitive area, avoid excessive stimulation.
4. Press gently for 3-5 minutes, or stimulate for 5-10 minutes using warm hands or moxibustion.
5. Optimal Timing: Stimulating immediately after waking up in the morning elevates energy throughout the day.

Expected Time to Effect: Energy elevation detected after 3-7 days; immune improvement after 2-4 weeks

5. CV17 — Direct Control Acupoint for the Respiratory System

One-line Summary: The key acupoint of the Conception Vessel that directly regulates lung and heart function, immediately relieves asthma-related breathing difficulty, and calms anxiety.

How to locate it

It is located at the center of the sternum (breastbone). It is the exact midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples. It generally corresponds to the 4th intercostal space (between the fourth ribs).

Confirmation Method: Move your finger upward from your sternum toward your neck or upward from your abdomen and find the hollow area.

Effects and mechanism of action

CV17 is the acupoint that directly regulates lung and heart function. When you experience breathing difficulty from asthma, stimulating this area provides immediate relief — you can feel your breathing becoming easier within minutes.

• Direct Relief of Breathing Difficulty: Immediately promotes lung function, making breathing easier. Effects appear within minutes.
• Chest Tightness Relief: Rapidly alleviates chest tightness and chest pain.
• Anxiety Calming: Relieves anxiety symptoms from asthma to prevent further worsening.
• Jaw Tension Relief: Relaxes nerves to relieve jaw and facial muscle tension from toothache.

How to apply acupressure

1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
2. Place your index and middle fingers together and gently press the CV17 area vertically.
3. Intensity Guide: Maintain “gentle but definite stimulation” (pain level 2-3/10). Since the chest area is sensitive, avoid excessive stimulation.
4. Press slowly for 3 minutes while breathing deeply. Applying slight stimulation as you inhale is even more effective.
5. Stimulate 2-3 times daily, morning and evening. Pressing in advance when asthma is anticipated can prevent attacks.

Expected Time to Effect: Breathing difficulty: immediate to 3 minutes; chronic respiratory improvement: 5-10 days

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine — Prevent Asthma and Toothache Every Morning

Investing just 5 minutes right after waking up can start your day healthily. Repeat this routine daily.

1. Step 1 (1 minute): Stimulate LI4 on both hands alternately
   Draw circles on LI4 of both hands alternately, 30 seconds each. If you have acute toothache, allocate an additional 1 minute here.
2. Step 2 (1 minute): Strongly stimulate LI11 on both arms
   Press LI11 on both arms firmly with your thumb, 30 seconds each. On days with inflammation, increase the intensity.
3. Step 3 (1 minute): Draw circles on KI3 on both feet
   Press and draw circles on KI3 of both feet with your thumb, 30 seconds each. If you will be standing for long periods, add extra stimulation here.
4. Step 4 (1 minute): Warm GV14 with moxibustion or warm compress
   Stimulate GV14 at the back of your neck for 1 minute with warm hands or moxibustion. If time is limited, even 30 seconds helps.
5. Step 5 (1 minute): Stimulate CV17 with breathing
   Gently press CV17 while breathing deeply. Spend 1 minute slowly breathing to relieve chest tension.

Tips for enhancing effects:

• Temperature: Stimulating with warm hands is more than twice as effective as cold hands. Soak your hands in lukewarm water before starting.
• Breathing: Holding your breath during stimulation has a reverse effect. Always stimulate while breathing deeply.
• Music: Playing meditation or nerve-calming music enhances the effect.

Precautions and Limitations — Please Remember

Acupressure is an excellent complementary therapy, but it cannot address the root cause of all symptoms. Always remember the following:

Medical management that must be done in parallel

• Asthma: Acupressure alone cannot replace asthma medications. Continue prescribed inhalers and drug therapy. Acupressure serves to support the effects of medication.
• Toothache: If there is an underlying cause such as gingivitis, cavities, or periodontitis, you must receive dental treatment. Acupressure only relieves symptoms, not treats the disease.

Situations to avoid acupressure

• Acute Inflammation: Avoid pressing the area if there are boils, wounds, or rashes on the skin.
• During Pregnancy: LI4 and KI3 are acupoints to avoid during pregnancy. Proceed only after consulting with a healthcare professional.
• Immediately After Eating: Avoid strong abdominal stimulation during digestion. Start at least 30 minutes after eating.
• During Disease Flare-up: During acute asthma attacks or severe pain, seek medical professional care first.

When professional consultation is needed

• If symptoms do not improve after 2-3 weeks of consistent practice
• If symptoms worsen after acupressure
• If new unexplained symptoms develop
• If you have other conditions at the same time (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.)

Acupressure is an excellent self-care tool. However, it cannot replace medical treatment. Always practice it under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about the root causes of asthma and toothache, we recommend the following articles:

• Chinese medicine understanding of asthma causes and long-term management — Learn about fundamental asthma treatment that goes beyond acupressure alone.
• How to distinguish nerve-related toothache from inflammatory toothache — Understanding your toothache cause allows you to choose more effective acupoints.
• 5 daily-life acupoints for strengthening immunity — Additional self-care methods for asthma prevention.