5 Acupoints for Managing Asthma and Facial Paralysis Simultaneously: Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

Why Asthma and Facial Paralysis Appear Together

Chronic stress and respiratory insufficiency caused by asthma heighten nervous system tension, which can lead to facial nerve damage. When breathing is unstable, blood flow to the brain and face worsens, delaying nerve recovery. Therefore, rapid recovery is only possible when normalizing breathing and stabilizing the nervous system simultaneously.

In traditional Chinese medicine, this is understood as “qi counterflow” (氣의 역행). When lung function weakens, qi circulation throughout the body becomes blocked, affecting even facial nerves.

Acupoint Efficacy Comparison Chart: When Will Results Appear?

Important: The sequence is very important: first activate the spinal nerve centers (Dachu and Zhiyang), then stabilize the respiratory system (Shanzhong and Chize), and finally improve facial nerve flow (Jiebon). Following this sequence doubles the effect of each acupoint.

Immediate Asthma Relief: 2 Acupoints for Respiratory Stabilization

1. Shanzhong (CV17) — The First Acupoint to Press During Asthma Attacks

Location: The center of the chest, at the intersection of a horizontal line connecting both nipples and the body’s midline. It is the indented area between the breastbones.

Effect: It is the most important respiratory acupoint that directly regulates the lungs and heart. Even during asthma attacks, it relieves dyspnea within 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Simultaneously, it relaxes the nervous system, also calming facial paralysis symptoms worsened by stress. In actual clinical practice, asthma patients experience the fastest results with this acupoint.

Acupressure Method – 4 Steps:

1. Begin in a comfortable sitting or lying position.
2. Raise one finger and gently place it on the indented area in the center of the breastbone.
3. Press gently as you inhale, and slightly release as you exhale.
4. Repeat following your breathing rhythm for 1–3 minutes.

Intensity Guidelines: Avoid strong stimulation; aim for a comfortable pressing sensation. If pain occurs, reduce the intensity.

Recommended Frequency: 2 times daily (morning and evening) or whenever asthma symptoms appear (1–3 minutes per session).

2. Chize (LU5) — The Acupoint That Fundamentally Strengthens Lung Function

Location: On the inner side of the arm, above the elbow crease when the elbow is bent. More precisely, it is at the end of the inner arm muscle (outside the biceps tendon), approximately 1.5 cm above the elbow crease.

Effect: As the most important acupoint of the lung meridian, it directly improves the underlying cause of asthma—weakened lung function. With consistent acupressure for 3 weeks or longer, asthma attack frequency decreases by over 50%. It also relieves shoulder and neck nerve tension, simultaneously alleviating stiffness in the back of the neck that accompanies facial paralysis.

Acupressure Method – 4 Steps:

1. Place your opposite thumb vertically on the Chize point.
2. Press firmly with a spring-like motion at a slight-pain intensity that is tolerable.
3. Alternate arms and stimulate each for 1–2 minutes.
4. Excessive stimulation can damage arm nerves, so maintaining appropriate intensity is important.

Intensity Guidelines: A slight-pain sensation is most effective. Too little pressure produces minimal effect; too much can cause arm numbness.

Recommended Frequency: 3–5 times daily, 1–2 minutes per session.

Nervous System Recovery: 3 Acupoints for Improving Facial Paralysis

Important Sequence: Awaken the spinal nerve centers first (Dachu→Zhiyang), then stimulate the facial nerve pathway (Jiebon) to maximize effectiveness.

3. Dachu (GV14) — The First Acupoint to Awaken the Nervous System Center

Location: At the back of the neck, in the indented area below the seventh cervical vertebra (the most prominent bone at the base of the neck). When you bend your head forward, locate the highest protruding vertebra and find the point directly below it.

Effect: Known in traditional Chinese medicine as the “strengthening acupoint,” it is the most important point overall. It activates the spinal nerve center, accelerating facial nerve damage recovery. Simultaneously, it enhances lung function, preventing asthma exacerbation. It is a multipurpose acupoint that simultaneously improves whole-body immunity and recovery capacity.

Acupressure Method – 4 Steps:

1. Sit in a comfortable position and slightly bend your head forward to make the seventh cervical vertebra protrude.
2. Using your thumb or middle finger, precisely locate the indented area below it.
3. Apply gentle vertical pressure while slowly massaging in circular motions.
4. Begin with light stimulation and gradually increase intensity.

Intensity Guidelines: A blunt pressing sensation is more appropriate than pain. Starting gently is safest.

Recommended Frequency: 2–3 times daily, 2–3 minutes per session.

4. Zhiyang (GV9) — The Spinal Nerve Acupoint That Promotes Nerve Regeneration

Location: In the lower center of the back, in the indented area below the seventh thoracic vertebra (the lower central area of the back). When your back is extended, count down from the vertebral processes along the spine, and Zhiyang is below the lowest thoracic vertebra.

Effect: By regulating the nervous system center, it promotes regeneration of damaged facial nerves. It also normalizes nerve function that governs the respiratory system, preventing asthma exacerbation. It is particularly effective when unilateral (one-sided) facial paralysis symptoms appear suddenly after sleep.

Acupressure Method – 4 Steps:

1. Since this is on the back, using a tennis ball is the most effective method.
2. Place a tennis ball against the Zhiyang point and lean your back against a wall.
3. Slowly apply pressure with your body weight while moving only 1–2 cm side to side.
4. Stimulate only on both sides of the spine, not on the spine itself.

Intensity Guidelines: Slow pressure applied through body weight should feel between comfortable and slightly painful.

With Family Assistance: Perform vertical finger or thumb acupressure for 1–2 minutes.

Recommended Frequency: 2–3 times daily, 1–2 minutes per session.

5. Jiebon (ST12) — The Direct Connection Point Where Facial Nerves Pass

Location: At the junction of the neck and chest, in the central indented area above the clavicle (collarbone). More precisely, it is approximately 12 cm (4 cun) lateral from the midline of the neck, at the depression at the upper border of the clavicle.

Effect: Since it is located near the actual pathway of the facial nerve, it directly alleviates facial paralysis symptoms. It also relieves respiratory tension, easing chest and neck stiffness caused by asthma. After 4–8 weeks of consistent acupressure, facial paralysis recovery speed becomes noticeably faster.

Acupressure Method – 4 Steps:

1. Locate the indented area above the clavicle where the neck and chest meet.
2. Place your thumbs from both hands on the point.
3. Press firmly while slightly twisting inward.
4. Since this is near the neck, avoid excessive intensity and be careful not to compress the carotid artery.

Intensity Guidelines: Maintain gentle pressing sensation. Since this is near the neck, never apply excessive intensity.

Recommended Frequency: 2–3 times daily, 1–2 minutes per session.

Daily 5-Minute Acupressure Routine to Maximize Results

Key Point: Sequence matters. When you first activate spinal nerves, then stabilize the respiratory system, and finally stimulate facial nerves, you maximize synergistic effects. Perform this routine twice daily—morning and evening.

Preparation Phase (1 minute): Sit comfortably and perform 3–4 rounds of deep diaphragmatic breathing. Slowly inhale through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. This is a preparatory phase to relax your body and mind.

Phase 1: Spinal Nerve Activation (2 minutes)

• Dachu (1 minute): Massage the indented area below the seventh cervical vertebra at the back of the neck in circular motions.
• Zhiyang (1 minute): Press slowly with a tennis ball against a wall or receive finger acupressure from family assistance.

Phase 2: Respiratory Stabilization (1.5 minutes)

• Shanzhong (1 minute): Gently press the center of the breastbone in sync with your breathing. Press as you inhale, release as you exhale.
• Chize (0.5 minute): Stimulate the inner elbow of both arms alternately for a total of 30 seconds. 15 seconds per arm.

Phase 3: Facial Nerve Improvement (0.5 minute)

• Jiebon (0.5 minute): Gently press both sides of the clavicle for 15 seconds each.

How Long Until You See Results?

After 1–2 weeks: Breathing becomes slightly easier, and the number of times you wake during the night due to shortness of breath decreases.

After 3–4 weeks: The frequency and severity of asthma attacks improve noticeably. Facial paralysis also begins to show gradual return of facial movement.

After 6–8 weeks: Most patients experience meaningful recovery. Although nerve regeneration is slow, beyond this point, recovery speed accelerates.

Recommended Minimum Duration: To accurately assess results, continue for at least 3 weeks. Even after symptom improvement, maintaining 2–3 sessions weekly prevents recurrence.

Acupressure Safely: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid

1. Excessive Stimulation: Pressing the same acupoint more than 3 times daily with strong intensity can cause skin damage and nerve damage. Follow appropriate intensity and frequency guidelines.
2. Immediately After Eating: Avoid acupressure during digestion. It is safest to wait at least 2 hours after eating.
3. Just Before Bed: Over-stimulating the nervous system can interfere with sleep. One hour before bed is most appropriate.
4. During Severe Symptoms: If you are experiencing an asthma attack or your face barely moves due to facial paralysis, consult with a TCM practitioner before proceeding.
5. When Skin Damage Occurs: If you notice bruising or skin damage, rest that area for several days before resuming.

When Should You Visit a Hospital?

• When symptoms show no improvement after 3 weeks
• When asthma worsens and you experience severe shortness of breath (no improvement within 5 minutes of self-acupressure)
• When facial paralysis is accompanied by inability to close your eyes (risk of dry eye syndrome)
• When other nervous system symptoms suddenly appear (dizziness, wrist tremors, speech difficulties)
• When signs of bacterial infection appear at the acupressure site (pus, red swelling)