5 Acupoints That Help Both Asthma and Ankle Pain

1. Dazhui (GV14) — Premier Asthma Acupoint

Exact location: When you bend your head forward, it’s the hollow depression directly below the most prominent bone at the back of the neck. This is at the boundary between the neck and upper back, precisely below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra.

How it works: This is a primary acupoint for the entire respiratory system and lungs. Stimulating this point immediately activates lung function and boosts immunity, reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. As qi flowing along the spine becomes activated, whole-body circulation improves, which also alleviates ankle pain.

Correct acupressure technique:

1. Sit or stand in a comfortable position and locate the hollow depression at the back of the neck.
2. Using your opposite thumb, apply pressure at an intensity where the skin is slightly indented (do not press too hard).
3. Press for 10 seconds and rest for 3 seconds, repeating 5 times.
4. Each session takes approximately 30 seconds.

💡 Real-world experience: Many asthma patients report feeling their breathing deepen after stimulating Dazhui. Especially when stimulated immediately after breathing difficulty, normal breathing is restored within 2-3 minutes.

2. Tanzhong (CV17) — Emergency Breathing Difficulty Relief

Exact location: In the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. When you place both hands on your chest, the hollow depression at the exact center (fourth intercostal space) is Tanzhong.

How it works: This is the most important acupoint for regulating breathing, providing immediate relief when breathing difficulty occurs during an asthma attack. It relieves chest tightness and smooths lung qi circulation. Through this, whole-body qi flow improves, and ankle circulation also improves together.

Correct acupressure technique:

1. Sit comfortably and locate the center of your chest (midpoint between both nipples).
2. Gather your index, middle, and ring fingers and gently press.
3. Do not press deeply; apply pressure just enough to slightly indent the skin and press for 5 seconds.
4. Rest for 3 seconds and repeat 6 times. Total time is 48 seconds.

⚠️ Caution: If breathing difficulty is severe, stimulate this acupoint first, then if no improvement occurs after 5 minutes, you must visit a medical facility. Self-treatment alone may not be sufficient.

3. Chize (LU5) — The Acupoint That Connects Arm and Leg

Exact location: On the crease at the inner elbow, on the outer edge of the biceps tendon (the tendon that protrudes when you bend your arm). It’s easier to locate with your arm slightly bent.

How it works: This is an important acupoint on the lung meridian that directly addresses respiratory diseases. When you stimulate Chize, qi flow connecting the arm and leg becomes activated, allowing the improved breathing from upper body treatment to extend to lower body ankle circulation. Besides asthma, it also relieves cough, phlegm, and wheezing.

Correct acupressure technique:

1. With your arm slightly bent, locate the crease on the inner elbow.
2. Using your opposite thumb, find the exact location and slowly press.
3. Press for 5 seconds until you feel slight soreness (a tight sensation).
4. Rest for 2 seconds and repeat 8 times. Perform the same technique on both arms. (8 times per arm, total 1 minute)

4. Jueyin (ST12) — The Acupoint That Deepens Breathing

Exact location: In the center of the hollow depression above the collarbone. Near the boundary between neck and shoulder, approximately 4 cun (a measurement in Traditional Chinese Medicine, about 12cm) outward from the center chest line.

How it works: This is a key acupoint for improving respiratory health and has excellent effects in alleviating asthma symptoms. It relieves tension around the neck and deepens breathing, connecting upper and lower body qi circulation to improve pain signal transmission in the ankle.

Correct acupressure technique:

1. Using both thumbs, simultaneously locate both Jueyin points (on both sides of the neck).
2. While breathing slowly and deeply, press for 10 seconds.
3. Rest for 3 seconds and repeat 5 times. Total time is 65 seconds.
4. If you feel your chest become more comfortable during pressing, you’ve found the correct location.

💡 Tip: When you combine deep breathing with Jueyin stimulation, the breathing improvement effect doubles. It’s especially effective in the afternoon when breathing becomes shallow.

5. Zhiyang (GV9) — The Fundamental Acupoint That Strengthens Lungs and Heart

Exact location: Following the center line of the back downward, it’s the hollow depression below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra. Since it’s approximately one vertebra below Dazhui (GV14), it’s easy to locate by first finding Dazhui and moving down.

How it works: This acupoint strengthens lungs and heart, fundamentally improving asthma symptoms. It activates the major qi meridians flowing along the spine, enhancing respiratory function and normalizing ankle blood circulation and nerve signals through improved whole-body circulation. Because its effects are long-term, consistent stimulation is necessary.

Correct acupressure technique:

1. Lie face-down or lean back while sitting in a chair to locate the center of your upper back.
2. Using your thumb or an acupressure tool, press vertically downward.
3. Apply pressure just enough to slightly indent the skin and press for 8 seconds.
4. Rest for 2 seconds and repeat 6 times. Total time is 1 minute.
5. Exhale slowly with each repetition for better results.

⏱️ Timeline for effects: Dazhui and Tanzhong show effects within days, but Zhiyang’s long-term strengthening effects become noticeable after 2-3 weeks of consistent practice.