5 Acupoints for Asthma and Knee Pain – Complete Guide to Improving Respiratory and Joint Function Simultaneously

Why relieving asthma and knee pain together works

It’s common for people with difficult breathing from asthma to also experience knee pain. In traditional Chinese medicine, these two symptoms are not separate problems but rather signals of decreased qi and blood circulation throughout the body and weakened immunity. Therefore, by stimulating acupoints that support both the respiratory system and skeletal system, you can improve both symptoms at the same time.

The 5 acupoints introduced in this article are the most clinically used points for improving asthma and knee pain.

Asthma and knee pain acupoints at a glance

3 acupoints for improving respiratory health

1. Dachu (GV14) — Most rapidly improves asthma-related breathing difficulties

Finding the exact location

At the back of the neck, in the depression below the most prominent bone when you bend your head forward (the 7th cervical vertebra). The center where the neck and back meet is the exact location.

Direct effects on asthma improvement

Dachu directly replenishes the yang qi (vital energy) of the lungs. Asthma patients can quickly feel their breathing ease when stimulating Dachu. At the same time, it activates qi and blood circulation throughout the entire body, improving pain in other areas including the knees.

Correct acupressure technique

1. Sit or stand in a comfortable position and relax the muscles of the neck and back.
2. Gently massage the Dachu area with your middle and ring fingers in circular motions.
3. Apply moderate pressure that feels warm rather than painful, and continue for 2-3 minutes.
4. Apply once or twice daily, and add extra stimulation when breathing becomes difficult.

Precautions

The back of the neck has concentrated nerves and blood vessels, so avoid excessive stimulation. Stop if you feel dizziness or discomfort.

2. Jungjoong (CV17) — Directly relieves chest tightness and difficult breathing

Finding the exact location

The exact midpoint of the line connecting both nipples on the center of the chest. The precise location is in the depression between the 4th rib on the breastbone (sternum).

Direct effects on asthma improvement

Jungjoong is the central acupoint of the respiratory system and most rapidly alleviates chest tightness and stuffiness in asthma patients. It’s an emergency acupoint that can be stimulated whenever you experience breathing difficulties.

Correct acupressure technique

1. Sit upright, expand your chest, and maintain comfortable breathing.
2. Gently massage the Jungjoong area with your middle finger in circular motions.
3. While applying acupressure, repeat 3-4 slow, deep breaths.
4. Apply for 1-2 minutes at a time, 2-3 times per day.

Tips to enhance effectiveness

Taking deep breaths while applying acupressure further activates qi circulation in the chest, enhancing the effect. You can apply additional stimulation whenever breathing becomes difficult.

3. Shinsu (BL23) — Strengthens both lungs and kidneys for fundamental improvement

Finding the exact location

From the center of the lower back, 1.5 cun (approximately 1.5 times the width of the thumb) to the left and right below the 2nd lumbar vertebra prominence. This corresponds to the back area at kidney height on both sides.

The principle of strengthening both lungs and kidneys

In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are deeply connected to the lungs. By supplementing kidney yang qi, lung function is indirectly strengthened, and since the kidneys are responsible for bone and joint health, it’s also excellent for knee pain relief.

Correct acupressure technique

1. Sit comfortably in a warm environment and relax your back muscles.
2. Stimulate both Shinsu points simultaneously using your thumbs in a press-and-release motion.
3. Apply pressure slowly for 5-7 seconds for each point.
4. Apply once or twice daily until you feel warmth.

Ways to enhance effectiveness

Applying a heat patch or moxibustion while stimulating significantly enhances the effect. Shinsu is more effective when stimulated in a warm environment than in a cold one.

Respiratory acupoint selection tip: When you feel breathing difficulties, immediately stimulate Jungjoong (CV17), and for fundamental lung function improvement, stimulate Dachu (GV14) and Shinsu (BL23) together.

2 acupoints for improving knee pain

4. Zusanli (ST36) — Directly activates qi and blood circulation around the knee

Finding the exact location

Located 3 cun (the width of four fingers) below the knee, on the outer front surface of the tibia (shin bone). Find the depression below the knee and locate the point one finger width to the outer side—this is the exact location.

Dual effects on knee pain improvement

Zusanli is located near the knee, directly improving qi and blood circulation around the knee area. Simultaneously, it enhances overall immunity and improves respiratory health, making it the most efficient acupoint when both asthma and knee pain are present.

Correct acupressure technique

1. Sit in a comfortable position with your legs extended.
2. Press the Zusanli area firmly with your thumb for 5 seconds, then release for 3 seconds, and repeat.
3. Apply for 1-2 minutes at a time, once per day.
4. Stimulate both legs with equal intensity to maintain balance.

Ways to enhance effectiveness

Applying a heat patch speeds up improvement with the combined effect of heat and acupressure. Drinking warm water after acupressure further promotes qi and blood circulation.

5. Yanglingquan (GB34) — Most directly activates qi and blood in the knee joint

Finding the exact location

On the outer side of the knee, in the depression below the fibular head (the rounded upper part of the fibula bone). You can feel a clear depression when you slightly bend the knee.

The principle of most rapidly improving knee pain

Yanglingquan is located right next to the knee and strengthens liver and gallbladder function to improve overall energy circulation. It most directly activates qi circulation in the knee joint, so you can feel relief quickly when knee pain is severe.

Correct acupressure technique

1. Sit in a comfortable position with the knee slightly bent.
2. Press Yanglingquan firmly with your thumb for 5-7 seconds, then release, and repeat.
3. Apply for 1-2 minutes at a time, once per day.
4. Always stimulate both legs to maintain left-right balance.

Ways to enhance effectiveness

Stimulating Yanglingquan after stretching enhances qi and blood circulation even more in the relaxed muscle state.

Knee pain acupoint selection tip: When knee pain is acute, first stimulate Yanglingquan (GB34), and for long-term improvement, combine with Zusanli (ST36).

5-minute self-care routine for simultaneous asthma and knee pain relief

An efficient routine for stimulating all 5 acupoints. Practicing once daily in the morning or evening can show improvement within 2-3 weeks.

Precautions when performing the routine

• Follow the order: Following the sequence naturally circulates qi from the lower body to the upper body.
• Warm environment: Perform in a warm place away from cold drafts.
• 1 hour after eating: Wait at least 1 hour after meals to avoid burdening digestion.
• Consistency: Effects appear when performing at least 5 days per week consistently.

Tips for accelerating results

Drinking a glass of warm water after completing the routine further activates qi and blood circulation. Maintaining deep, slow breathing during acupressure enhances the effect.

When should you consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner?

Self-acupressure is a supplementary treatment method. Consult a professional TCM practitioner in the following situations.

• No improvement for 2+ weeks: When symptoms don’t improve at all despite consistent self-acupressure
• Worsening symptoms: When symptoms worsen after acupressure or new pain develops
• Acute exacerbation: When experiencing an asthma attack or sudden knee swelling and severe pain
• Taking medications: When taking blood thinners or anticoagulants
• During pregnancy: Consult a TCM practitioner beforehand, as certain acupoints should be avoided during pregnancy

Important: The information in this article is for educational purposes and cannot replace medical diagnosis or treatment. When you have symptoms, receive proper evaluation and treatment at a hospital or TCM clinic.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Which acupoint is most effective for asthma symptoms?

To rapidly relieve breathing difficulties, first stimulate Jungjoong (CV17). Jungjoong is the central acupoint of the respiratory system and can provide immediate relief. For fundamental lung function improvement, use Dachu (GV14) and Shinsu (BL23) together. Stimulating all three acupoints together achieves both acute symptom relief and fundamental improvement.

Q: Can I use these acupoints if I only have knee pain?

Yes, you can. If you only have knee pain, focus on just two acupoints: Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34). Zusanli strengthens immunity and leg qi circulation, while Yanglingquan directly activates knee joint qi. These two acupoints alone are sufficient for knee pain relief. However, if you also have respiratory symptoms, using all 5 acupoints together is more effective.

Q: How many times per day should I apply acupressure, and how long must I continue before seeing results?

Initially, once per day with a 5-minute routine is sufficient. If symptoms are severe, you can increase to twice daily (morning and evening). Avoid excessive stimulation, and consistent practice at least 5 days per week yields results. You can usually feel improvement within 2-3 weeks, and maintaining the practice for 6+ weeks provides more stable improvement.

Q: Are there any special precautions to take when applying acupressure?

There are several important precautions. First, avoid immediately after eating. Acupressure during digestion can interfere with the process. Second, avoid in very cold environments. Shinsu in particular is more effective when stimulated in a warm setting. Third, the back of the neck at Dachu is a sensitive area, so avoid pressing too hard. Fourth, if pregnant or have certain conditions, consult a TCM practitioner beforehand.

Q: Is it more effective to use heat patches or moxibustion together?

Yes, it’s effective. Heat stimulation further promotes qi and blood circulation. Applying heat patches to Zusanli (ST36) and Shinsu (BL23) in particular significantly enhances the effect. Moxibustion is also a traditional and very effective method, but since there’s a risk of burns, it’s safer to receive treatment at a TCM clinic under professional guidance.

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Learn more: Want to know about other acupoints that improve asthma and respiratory health? You can find comprehensive information in our article covering respiratory acupoints by condition.

Also check this out: Effective acupoints vary depending on the type of knee pain. Learn more about acupoints specific to your symptoms in our guide to acupoints by knee pain type.

Conclusion

When you have both asthma and knee pain, rather than viewing them as two separate problems, consider them as signals of reduced qi and blood circulation throughout the body and decreased immunity. By correctly stimulating the 5 acupoints introduced in this article (Dachu, Jungjoong, Shinsu, Zusanli, and Yanglingquan), you can improve both symptoms simultaneously.

The most important thing is consistency. You can expect to see results by maintaining the daily 5-minute self-care routine for at least 5 days per week for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. If there’s no improvement after 2 weeks or if symptoms worsen, definitely consult a TCM practitioner.

Start your self-acupressure practice today for healthy breathing and comfortable knees.