Five Acupoint Acupressure Techniques to Improve Asthma and Diarrhea Simultaneously

Why Do Asthma and Diarrhea Appear Together?

From a traditional medicine perspective, asthma and diarrhea often stem from the same underlying cause. The lungs and colon are connected through the Metal element in the Five Elements system, so when the immune system becomes unstable or stress accumulates, both the respiratory and digestive systems weaken simultaneously. Additionally, when intestinal inflammation is severe, overall immune function declines, creating a vicious cycle that worsens asthma symptoms.

While medication is necessary, to address the root cause effectively, stimulating acupoints that regulate both the respiratory and digestive systems is highly effective. This approach activates the body’s natural self-healing ability and can improve symptoms without side effects.

Five Acupoints Effective for Asthma and Diarrhea: Quick Comparison

Precise Location and Acupressure Technique for Each Acupoint

1. Zusanli (ST36) — The Hub of Digestive System and Immunity

Primary Benefits: This acupoint handles three functions simultaneously: restoring overall physical strength weakened by asthma, directly improving diarrhea, and strengthening the immune system. By normalizing stomach function, it also enhances lung function.

Precise Location: When the knee is bent at 90 degrees, move down along the outer side of the knee. It is located on the lateral aspect of the tibia (shinbone), 3 cun (about four finger widths) below the knee. You can find it by placing your hand and moving downward until you locate the depression at the boundary between bone and muscle.

Effective Acupressure Technique:

1. Sit comfortably with one leg extended.
2. Place your thumb on the acupoint and apply gradual pressure (3-5 seconds).
3. While maintaining pressure, perform circular massage movements for 30 seconds.
4. Rest for 5 seconds and repeat 3 times, then apply the same technique to the other leg.
5. Once you’ve completed both legs, you should feel warmth spreading down to the thighs.

Timeline for Actual Effects: You can notice diarrhea relief within 3-5 days, while immune system strengthening shows noticeable changes after 2-3 weeks of continued practice.

2. Dazhui (GV14) — Direct Control of Respiratory Function

Primary Benefits: This acupoint shows the most direct and rapid improvement in asthma symptoms. It immediately activates lung function, making breathing easier and reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. Additionally, it replenishes the body’s qi (vital energy), strengthening the immune system.

Precise Location: When tilting your head forward, it is located in the depression below the most prominent bone (the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra). It is at the center of the boundary line between the neck and back, directly below the vertebrae. You can find it by slowly moving your finger downward until you locate the groove between the bones.

Effective Acupressure Technique:

1. Sit comfortably with your head slightly tilted forward.
2. Find the acupoint with your middle or index finger and gently press for 3 seconds, then release.
3. Rest for 3 seconds, then press slowly for 20 seconds while exhaling deeply.
4. Take a full 5-second rest and repeat 3 times.
5. Avoid applying excessive force that causes discomfort.

Precautions: Since there are many nerves in the neck, avoid sudden or excessive stimulation. Light and gentle pressure is more effective.

3. Tanzhong (CV17) — Resolution of Chest Tightness

Primary Benefits: This acupoint provides the fastest relief for the chest tightness and dyspnea that occur during asthma attacks. It has an immediate calming effect on both mind and body, making breathing easier. It can be stimulated as an emergency intervention when symptoms are severe.

Precise Location: At the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. It is located at the center of the sternum (breastbone) at the level of the 4th intercostal space (the space between ribs). You can find it by moving your finger downward until you locate the depression.

Effective Acupressure Technique:

1. Lie down comfortably (or sit in a chair).
2. Place your middle finger on the acupoint and apply gentle vertical pressure (only about 3mm).
3. Hold the pressure for 20 seconds while breathing deeply.
4. Rest for 5 seconds and repeat 3 times.
5. Avoid excessive pressure that causes discomfort.

Emergency Use: When asthma attacks or chest tightness suddenly become severe, continuously stimulating this acupoint for 2-3 minutes can improve symptoms.

4. Guanyuan (CV4) — The Key to Diarrhea Relief

Primary Benefits: This is the most direct acupoint for improving diarrhea symptoms. It normalizes intestinal peristalsis, making loose stools more firm, and enhances digestive function. Simultaneously, it replenishes the body’s original qi, helping to restore physical strength weakened by asthma.

Precise Location: Moving vertically downward from the navel, it is located 3 cun (about four finger widths) below the navel. It is positioned on the midline of the abdomen between the navel and the pubic bone. You can find a slightly recessed area by slowly moving your finger downward from the navel.

Effective Acupressure Technique:

1. Lie comfortably with your knees slightly bent.
2. Overlap your middle and ring fingers and place them on the acupoint.
3. While keeping the abdomen warm, perform gentle circular massage movements clockwise for 30 seconds.
4. Rest for 5 seconds and repeat 3 times.
5. Drinking warm water or ginger tea after acupressure enhances the effects.

Strength Adjustment by Diarrhea Severity: For mild diarrhea, use light and gentle pressure; for severe diarrhea, apply consistent stimulation, but always maintain comfortable intensity.

5. Qihai (CV6) — The Hub of Digestive System Energy

Primary Benefits: This acupoint acts as the body’s energy center, supporting both digestive and respiratory function simultaneously. It rapidly alleviates diarrhea, improves chronic fatigue, and indirectly enhances respiratory function.

Precise Location: Located 1.5 cun (about two finger widths) below the navel. It is closer to the navel than Guanyuan (CV4) and is positioned on the midline below the navel.

Effective Acupressure Technique:

1. Lie comfortably.
2. Find the acupoint with one middle finger and apply gentle pressure.
3. While holding pressure for 20 seconds, be conscious of keeping the abdomen warm.
4. Rest for 5 seconds and repeat 3 times.
5. Excessive pressure can interfere with digestion; gentle intensity is optimal.

Daily Usage Tip: Stimulating Qihai in the morning activates digestive function throughout the day, helping to prevent diarrhea recurrence.

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine to See Real Results

This routine is recommended to be performed twice daily—morning and evening. The total time required is approximately 5 minutes, and with consistent practice, you can experience noticeable symptom improvement within 1-2 weeks.

Step-by-Step Acupressure Routine

1. Abdomen Preparation (1 minute)
   • Lie comfortably and place your hands on your abdomen.
   • Use both hands to massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction 10 times to warm up the area.
2. Guanyuan (CV4) Stimulation (1 minute 30 seconds)
   • Overlap your middle and ring fingers and place them on Guanyuan.
   • Perform circular massage movements clockwise for 30 seconds, repeat 3 times.
3. Qihai (CV6) Stimulation (1 minute)
   • Find Qihai with your middle finger, press gently and release.
   • Hold pressure for 20 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeat 3 times.
4. Zusanli (ST36) Stimulation (1 minute)
   • Change to a sitting position and locate Zusanli on both legs.
   • Use your thumb to perform circular massage for 30 seconds on one leg.
   • Complete both legs (total 1 minute).
5. Dazhui (GV14) Stimulation (40 seconds)
   • Remain seated with your head slightly tilted forward.
   • Find Dazhui with your index finger and press for 20 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, repeat 2 times.
6. Tanzhong (CV17) Finishing (40 seconds)
   • Change to a lying position and locate Tanzhong.
   • Press with your middle finger for 20 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, repeat 2 times.
7. Cool Down (20 seconds)
   • Lie comfortably and perform deep abdominal breathing 5 times.
   • Drinking a glass of warm water after acupressure amplifies the effects.

Tips for Maximizing Effects: Avoid overeating for 30 minutes after acupressure, and avoid vigorous exercise for at least 1 hour. Performing the routine in a warm environment improves blood circulation and makes the effects more pronounced.

Customized Acupressure Guide by Situation

When Asthma Symptoms Are Particularly Severe

If dyspnea or an attack becomes suddenly severe, focus on Tanzhong (CV17) and Dazhui (GV14) only. Continuously stimulating Tanzhong for 2-3 minutes combined with deep abdominal breathing can rapidly ease breathing. In such cases, it is also recommended to consult with a medical professional.

If you want to learn more detailed information about respiratory symptoms, it may also be helpful to explore other acupoints specialized for asthma relief. Deeper information is available in other acupoint guides tailored to single symptoms.

When Diarrhea Symptoms Are Particularly Severe

If diarrhea is causing exhaustion, focus on Guanyuan (CV4) and Qihai (CV6). While keeping the abdomen warm, stimulating each acupoint for 5 minutes can provide rapid relief. In severe cases, drinking warm herbal water (containing ginger, cinnamon, etc.) before acupressure amplifies the effects.

Dietary therapy and other lifestyle improvements for diarrhea management are also important. With both acupressure and comprehensive digestive system management, faster recovery is possible.

Preventive Management After Symptom Relief

Even after symptoms improve, continue acupressure 3-4 times per week. Especially during stressful periods or when fatigue accumulates, focused management can prevent recurrence. During the preventive stage, it is more effective to reduce intensity while increasing frequency of practice.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Which acupoint is most effective for asthma symptoms?

Dazhui (GV14), which directly improves respiratory function, and Tanzhong (CV17), which relieves chest tightness, are the most effective acupoints for asthma. With daily and consistent stimulation of these two acupoints, breathing becomes easier and the frequency of asthma attacks decreases within 2 weeks. In emergencies, even just rapidly stimulating Tanzhong can provide immediate relief.

What is the correct acupressure sequence when diarrhea is present?

For diarrhea relief, stimulate Guanyuan (CV4) and Qihai (CV6) first. By keeping the abdomen warm and performing clockwise circular massage, intestinal peristalsis normalizes and diarrhea is rapidly relieved. Subsequently, stimulate Zusanli (ST36) to boost overall immunity, improving both asthma and diarrhea symptoms simultaneously.

How many times per day and how long should I apply acupressure?

The ideal frequency is twice daily—morning and evening, with each session lasting 5 minutes. When symptoms are severe, you can add one more session at midday (for 1-2 weeks). Avoid overeating for at least 30 minutes after acupressure, and drinking warm water amplifies the effects. Regular practice at scheduled times is more effective than multiple stimulations throughout the day.

What should I do if I feel pain during acupressure?

Mild discomfort is normal, but sharp pain or bruising should be avoided. The correct intensity is “comfortable while still feeling effective.” It is possible that symptoms may temporarily worsen immediately after acupressure, which signals that the body is entering a healing process. However, if persistent pain or discomfort occurs, consult with a medical professional.

How long before I can see results?

For mild diarrhea, you can feel a difference within 3-5 days. Asthma symptom relief takes 1-2 weeks, while immune system strengthening shows clear changes after 2-3 weeks of continued practice. Since individual responses vary, if there is no improvement one week after starting acupressure, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional.

Can I apply acupressure if I am pregnant or have certain conditions?

The five acupoints introduced in this article are generally safe, but pregnant women or those who may be pregnant should definitely consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or medical professional before proceeding. Especially with serious heart disease, high blood pressure, or extreme fatigue, professional medical guidance is strongly recommended.