5 Acupoints to Relieve Asthma and Nausea Simultaneously

Why Asthma and Nausea Occur Together

Asthma and nausea may seem like separate symptoms, but Oriental medicine views them as stemming from the same root cause. Respiratory tension creates abdominal tension, and irregular breathing stimulates the digestive system. Therefore, the key to relieving both symptoms simultaneously is to select acupoints that work on both the respiratory and digestive systems.

In fact, people who experience nausea during an asthma attack feel autonomic nervous system stimulation caused by breathing instability. In this state, a single acupoint is insufficient, and systematic combined acupressure is necessary.

5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Nausea

1. CV17 — First Choice During Asthma Attacks

Location: Located at the midpoint between the two nipples on the breastbone, at the fourth intercostal space. It’s easy to find by drawing a line from the pit of the stomach to the center of the chest.

Effects: Directly regulates lung and heart function to quickly improve breathing difficulties caused by asthma. You can feel chest tightness relieved immediately.

Acupressure Technique: Overlap your middle and ring fingers and press gently but firmly. Press slightly harder when exhaling. Slowly massage in circular motions for 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to press too hard as it may cause discomfort.

2. PC6 — Essential Acupoint for Nausea Relief

Location: Located about 3-4 cm above the wrist crease, between the two tendons on the inner forearm. It becomes clear when you straighten your hand and position your forearm backward.

Effects: Known as the acupoint that most quickly relieves nausea and queasiness. It also stabilizes the autonomic nervous system, relieving anxiety caused by asthma.

Acupressure Technique: Slowly press with the opposite thumb, increasing pressure intensity when exhaling. Repeat 2-3 minutes on each side, 2-3 times per day for best results.

3. CV12 — Central Hub of Digestive Stabilization

Location: Located about 7-8 cm above the navel, at the exact midpoint between the pit of the stomach and the navel. It’s easy to find as it’s on the midline.

Effects: Regulates the entire digestive system to relieve both nausea and indigestion simultaneously. Effectively breaks the vicious cycle of asthma and digestive disorders.

Acupressure Technique: Overlap three fingers (middle, ring, and pinky) and press slowly. Repeat pressing firmly for 5-10 seconds and releasing, or massage in small circular motions. Continue for 1-2 minutes, but wait at least 30 minutes after eating before applying this technique.

4. ST36 — Fundamental Improvement Through Immune Enhancement

Location: Located about 5-6 cm below the knee, on the outer surface of the shin. Find it by going down three finger widths from the crease below the knee, then press on the outer edge of the shin bone.

Effects: Enhances immunity, improves respiratory function, and activates digestive function simultaneously. Rather than immediate effects, consistent acupressure shows notable overall improvement in stamina and general health.

Acupressure Technique: Press firmly with your thumb for 5-10 seconds slowly, then massage in small circular motions. Apply 1-2 minutes to each leg. This acupoint can handle strong pressure.

5. GV14 — Regulates Entire Respiratory System Function

Location: Located in the depression below the most prominent bone when you bend your neck forward (the seventh cervical vertebra). You can easily find it with both thumbs.

Effects: Directly stimulates the respiratory control center to prevent asthma attacks and enhance immunity. Particularly effective when pressed by another person.

Acupressure Technique: When another person applies pressure, they should gently stroke with a warm palm for 2-3 minutes. For self-application, use finger knuckles for tapping or stroke with warm hands, continuing for more than 5 minutes. Avoid pressing hard as it may cause discomfort.

Acupoint Selection Guide by Symptom

5-Minute Self-Care Acupressure Routine

A systematic sequence to quickly relieve asthma and nausea when they occur simultaneously. This routine is designed to maximize effectiveness, so follow the steps in order.

1. Step 1 (1 minute): Breathing Stabilization — CV17
   Overlap the middle and ring fingers of both hands and gently massage CV17. Take 3-5 deep abdominal breaths to release chest tension. You’ll feel your breathing ease in this step.
2. Step 2 (1 minute): Nausea Relief — PC6
   Press PC6 on both wrists with the opposite thumb for 30 seconds each. Coordinate with your breath, increasing pressure intensity when exhaling. You’ll feel nausea subside quickly.
3. Step 3 (1 minute): Digestive Stabilization — CV12
   Overlap three fingers and slowly massage CV12 below the breastbone in circular motions. After 1 minute, abdominal tension releases.
4. Step 4 (1.5 minutes): Immune Enhancement — ST36
   Press ST36 on both legs for 45 seconds each with your thumb. Press slowly and make small circles. Maintain deep breathing throughout to finish.
5. Step 5 (0.5 minutes): Overall Completion — GV14
   Stroke the GV14 area at the back of the neck with a warm palm for 20-30 seconds. This finalizes the qi flow through all the acupoints and completes the routine.

Tips to Enhance Effectiveness

• Hand temperature is important: Rub your hands together to warm them before applying acupressure. Warm hands improve blood circulation more effectively.
• Coordinate with your breathing: Maintaining a rhythm where you increase acupressure intensity when exhaling and ease up when inhaling maximizes effectiveness.
• Consistency is key: You’ll notice differences only after practicing at least twice daily (morning and evening) for a week or more. Occasional practice produces limited results.
• Avoid mealtimes: It’s best to avoid pressing CV12 and ST36 within 1 hour after eating, as this may interfere with digestion.
• Stop if there’s pain: Acupressure should be a comfortable stimulus. If you feel pain, reduce intensity or discontinue.

Other Acupoints Effective for Respiratory Symptoms

If you have other respiratory symptoms besides asthma and nausea—such as cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath—stimulating additional acupoints can also help. Learn more about 12 acupoints effective for respiratory conditions. You can find customized acupoint combinations for each symptom.

Additional Digestive Acupoints for Sustained Improvement

If nausea appears habitually or frequently recurs, you should address digestive function fundamentally. In addition to PC6 and CV12, refer to the digestive health acupoint guide to incorporate additional acupoints. Stimulating complementary acupoints is effective in preventing recurrence.

When to Seek Professional Medical Care

Acupressure is a complementary therapy. Consult with an Oriental medicine practitioner or medical professional in the following cases:

• If an asthma attack persists for more than 1 hour
• If severe pain or dizziness accompanies nausea
• If symptoms don’t improve or worsen even after acupressure
• If new symptoms appear (chest pain, severe dizziness)
• If the same symptoms persist continuously for 3 weeks or longer

Particularly with asthma, if you’re prescribed inhalant medication (steroid aerosol), use acupressure alongside the prescribed medication, noting that the medication is the primary treatment method.