Introduction
When asthma and phlegm appear together, breathing becomes difficult and your quality of life drops significantly. Especially when symptoms worsen at night or shortness of breath appears during exercise, stress increases as well. In traditional medicine, these symptoms are viewed as decreased lung function and accumulation of phlegm-dampness. While medication is important, combining acupoint acupressure can enhance your body’s natural healing power.
5 Beneficial Acupoints for Asthma and Phlegm
1. Dachu (Seventh Cervical Vertebra) — GV14
Location: It is located in the hollow area directly below the most prominent bone when you bend your neck forward (the seventh cervical vertebra). It is the lowest point where the neck and back meet.
Benefits: Dachu is a representative acupoint for enhancing immunity. It promotes smooth lung function and strengthens the entire respiratory system. It is excellent at improving frequent shortness of breath from asthma and promoting phlegm expulsion.
Acupressure technique: Using fingers from both hands, gently press the Dachu area and massage it 30 times in a circular clockwise motion. It’s best to perform this twice daily, morning and evening.
2. Jeongjung (Chest Center) — CV17
Location: It is located in the upper part of the breastbone, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (the fourth intercostal space). Find it by locating the depression you feel when pressing with your finger.
Benefits: Jeongjung relieves chest tightness and directly regulates lung function. It is excellent at immediately relieving chest tightness from asthma and facilitating the flow of phlegm removal.
Acupressure technique: Slowly press the Jeongjung location with your thumb, repeating 20-30 times in a gentle, steady pressing motion rather than digging deep. The effect is enhanced when combined with breathing—press when inhaling and release pressure when exhaling.
3. Pungryung (Abundant Bulge) — ST40
Location: It is located about 8 cun (approximately 24 cm) below the outer knee bone (lateral epicondyle), positioned about two finger-widths from the outer edge of the tibia (shin bone). Find it at the center of the outer calf.
Benefits: Pungryung is an acupoint that eliminates phlegm-dampness, expelling the internal moisture that is the root cause of phlegm. It is the most effective acupoint for removing phlegm-dampness when asthma and phlegm occur together.
Acupressure technique: Press Pungryung deeply using the joint area of your thumb. Maintain the pressure for 30 seconds at a firm but non-painful intensity, then release and repeat. Perform 1-2 times daily.
4. Cheokttaek (Cubit Marsh) — LU5
Location: It is located above the elbow crease, on the lateral side (thumb side) of the biceps tendon (the prominent tendon on the inside of the arm). With your elbow bent, find it at the end of the crease on the inside of your arm.
Benefits: Cheokttaek is an acupoint directly connected to the lung meridian. It cools lung heat and activates respiratory function. It is particularly effective at calming coughs caused by phlegm and making breathing easier.
Acupressure technique: Gently press Cheokttaek with your thumb, repeating the press-and-release motion 15-20 times at an intensity that produces mild discomfort. Perform 2-3 times daily for best results.
5. Gyeolbun (Broken Basin) — ST12
Location: It is located in the hollow area above the collarbone (the supraclavicular fossa), approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) lateral to the center line of the neck (midline). Find the depression above the collarbone and move your finger outward to locate it.
Benefits: Gyeolbun governs the upper lungs and is particularly effective for improving asthma symptoms. It promotes qi and blood circulation in the respiratory system, relieving shortness of breath and facilitating phlegm expulsion.
Acupressure technique: Stimulate Gyeolbun 20-30 times using light downward pressure with your fingers. Be careful not to press too hard, and perform 1-2 times daily.
5-Minute Self-Routine
Spend about 5 minutes each morning and evening following these steps in order. First, massage Dachu 30 times to boost overall immunity. Next, press Jeongjung 20 times while coordinating with your breathing to relax your chest. Then press Cheokttaek 15 times and stimulate Gyeolbun 20 times to activate the upper respiratory system. Finally, press Pungryung deeply for 30 seconds to eliminate phlegm-dampness. If you maintain this routine consistently, you’ll notice easier breathing and reduced phlegm after 2-3 weeks.
Leave a Reply