5 Acupoints to Simultaneously Improve Asthma and Drooling

Traditional Chinese Medicine Causes of Asthma and Drooling

Asthma and drooling may seem like separate conditions, but in traditional Chinese medicine, both originate from weakened lung function. This is because the lungs regulate not only respiration but also the circulation of bodily fluids throughout the body.

Asthma occurs when the lungs’ defensive function weakens, causing increased sensitivity to external stimuli. Drooling results from reduced fluid regulation capacity in the lungs, leading to excessive salivary gland secretion. Therefore, stimulating acupoints that strengthen lung function can improve both symptoms simultaneously.

Comparison of 5 Acupoints for Asthma and Drooling Improvement

Note: Individual differences vary greatly, so the above timeframes are for reference only. If symptoms worsen, consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

Exact Location and Acupressure Method for Each Acupoint

1. GV14 – The Foundation of Lung Function Enhancement

Finding the Exact Location: When you bend your head forward, you can see a prominent bone at the back of your neck. This is the 7th cervical vertebra (the first vertebra below the neck). The indented area below it is GV14. When you press it with your finger, you’ll feel a slight tingling sensation.

Acupressure Method:

1. Place your thumb perpendicular to GV14.
2. Press firmly for 3 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds.
3. Repeat this 10 times (total 1 minute).
4. Perform twice daily: after waking in the morning and before bed at night.

Effects: Lung and bronchial function is strengthened, and drooling caused by reduced vitality also improves. Immunity increases, providing protection against respiratory infections.

Limitation: If it’s difficult to press the back of your neck alone, use a hand mirror and search slowly. It may take 2-3 days initially to locate the exact position.

2. CV17 – The Center of Respiratory Improvement

Finding the Exact Location: This point is located at the midpoint between the two breasts in the center of the chest. Precisely, it’s at the center of the sternum at the height where a horizontal line connecting both nipples would pass. When you press it with your finger, you’ll feel a slight indentation.

Acupressure Method:

1. Place your overlapping middle fingers on CV17.
2. Press slowly over 5 seconds.
3. Rest for 2 seconds and press again over 5 seconds.
4. Repeat this 10 times (total 1 minute).

Effects: Lung qi is directly regulated, resulting in deeper breathing. Tightness from asthma attacks is relieved quickly, and normal salivary gland function is restored, with drooling improving within 3-7 days.

Good Signs: If you feel the urge to sigh or notice your throat feeling more comfortable during or after acupressure, it means the acupoint is being properly stimulated.

3. LU5 – The Emergency Acupoint for Asthma Attacks

Finding the Exact Location: When you bend your arm at a right angle, this point is located above the inner crease of your arm, on the thumb side (higher up). When you press it with your finger, you’ll feel a tingling sensation that radiates throughout your arm.

Acupressure Method:

1. Use the opposite thumb to locate LU5.
2. Press firmly for 2 seconds at a time (10 repetitions).
3. Add a stroking motion sliding up and down along the crease.
4. Perform for 2 minutes on each arm, at least once daily.

Effects: As a key acupoint on the lung meridian, pressing this point during an asthma attack can relieve respiratory distress within minutes. It also promotes fluid absorption in the throat and neck, improving drooling.

Emergency Use: If an asthma attack occurs suddenly, press LU5 firmly while slowly inhaling through your nose. Your breathing should begin to ease within 30 seconds to 1 minute.

4. ST12 – Direct Stimulation of the Bronchus

Finding the Exact Location: Find the hollow area above the collarbone at the junction between the neck and chest. It’s located approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) laterally from the center of the neck (midline). There is one on each side of the neck.

Acupressure Method:

1. Place your middle and ring fingers together.
2. Gently place them on the hollow area above the collarbone.
3. Press slowly for 5 seconds.
4. Repeat 8 times while breathing slowly and exhaling (repeat).
5. Performing 3-4 times daily is effective.

Effects: This acupoint directly governs the bronchus and lungs, quickly alleviating coughing and chest tightness during asthma attacks. It regulates salivary gland function near the throat, treating the underlying cause of drooling.

Caution: This area has many nerves and blood vessels, so don’t press too hard. Gentle stimulation with a “yes, this is it” sensation is optimal.

5. GV9 – Fundamental Treatment of Chronic Asthma

Finding the Exact Location: In the center of the upper back, the most prominent bone when the chest expands is the 7th thoracic vertebra. The indented area below it is GV9. If it’s difficult to locate on your own, ask a family member for help.

Acupressure Method (3 Options):

1. With Family Help: While lying down, have a family member press with their thumb for 10 seconds and rest for 10 seconds, repeating 5 times.
2. Using a Tennis Ball: Place a tennis ball at the GV9 location and lean your back against a wall to apply pressure (repeat 5 times).
3. After Stretching: During back flexion and extension stretches, tap the GV9 area with your hand.

Effects: This is the central acupoint for enhancing lung function and improving cardiopulmonary function. It supplements the weakness of the lungs underlying chronic asthma and stabilizes the nervous system, improving drooling symptoms as well.

Optimal Timing: If stimulated 2 hours before sleep, the autonomic nervous system becomes stabilized during sleep, reducing the frequency of nighttime asthma attacks.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine for Asthma and Drooling Improvement

This is a systematic method to stimulate all five acupoints. The most effective results occur when performed twice daily: after waking in the morning and 30 minutes before bed at night.

Step-by-Step Routine

Step 1 (1 minute): Preparation – Neck Stretching

• Slowly rotate your head left and right (30 seconds each direction).
• Promote blood circulation while confirming acupoint locations with your fingers.

Step 2 (1 minute): LU5 Stimulation

• Press firmly with your thumb on each arm for 30 seconds.
• Focus on the sensation of lung function becoming activated.

Step 3 (1 minute): ST12 Stimulation

• Gently press ST12 on both sides for 30 seconds each.
• Notice how your breathing becomes deeper.

Step 4 (1 minute): CV17 Stimulation

• Place your overlapping middle fingers on CV17 and press slowly.
• Press for 5 seconds and rest for 2 seconds while coordinating with your breathing (repeat).

Step 5 (1 minute): GV14 and GV9 Finishing

• Gently tap GV14 at the back of the neck for 30 seconds.
• If possible, stimulate GV9 on the back with a tennis ball for 30 seconds.

Post-Routine Tip: After completion, take 3-5 deep, comfortable breaths. This maximizes the effect of the stimulated acupoints.

Expected Timeline for Effects and Realistic Expectations

Important Note: The above timeline is based on average observations when acupressure was performed consistently. Individual differences vary greatly, so improvement may come faster or slower. If symptoms worsen even after 2 weeks, consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or an internal medicine physician immediately.

Common Mistakes During Acupressure and Solutions

Mistake 1: Failing to locate the point accurately

• Spend the first week focusing only on locating the points.
• With practice using a hand mirror or family assistance, you can locate them accurately within 1-2 weeks.

Mistake 2: Pressing too hard

• Gentle stimulation at the level of “yes, this is it” is most effective.
• Pressing too hard causes muscle tension, actually reducing effectiveness.

Mistake 3: Inconsistent practice

• To see results, you must practice at the same time daily for at least 2-3 weeks.
• Be especially consistent during the first week. Once it becomes a habit, it becomes easier.

When Do You Need Professional Help from a Practitioner?

• If symptoms worsen after 2 weeks – The acupressure technique may not be suitable, or there may be another underlying cause.
• If asthma attacks occur frequently – The respiratory nerves may be hypersensitive, and acupuncture or herbal medicine may be helpful.
• If drooling is severe – There may be a salivary gland condition or nerve issue requiring diagnosis.

Self-acupressure is a supplementary method, so if symptoms don’t improve, prioritize professional consultation.

Precautions for Pregnant Women and Special Cases

More Questions About Condition-Specific Acupoints

Beyond asthma and drooling, if you also have respiratory and digestive issues together, learn about [other acupoints that enhance lung function]. In particular, **LR3** and **SP6** are acupoints that support qi circulation throughout the body.

If chronic coughing is your main symptom, consulting [acupoints for cough relief] can provide more specific guidance.

If you also want to know how to respond quickly during an asthma attack, check [acupressure techniques for emergency situations].

Conclusion

Since asthma and drooling occur together, a fundamental approach to strengthening lung function is important. The 5 acupoints introduced in this article are the most widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, and many people have experienced improvement within 2-3 weeks.

However, since not everyone experiences the same results, if symptoms don’t improve after 2 weeks, consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Combining self-acupressure with professional treatment can lead to faster and more reliable recovery.