5 Acupoints and Acupressure Guide to Relieve Asthma and Anxiety Simultaneously

Why Asthma and Anxiety Create a Vicious Cycle

During an asthma attack, shallow breathing leads to oxygen deprivation in the brain, which increases anxiety. As anxiety increases, your nerves tense further, making breathing even shallower—a vicious cycle. Since these two symptoms affect both body and mind simultaneously, complete relief is difficult with only one or two methods.

Key Point from Traditional Chinese Medicine: By stimulating acupoints that work simultaneously on the respiratory meridian (Lung meridian) and nervous system meridians (Heart meridian, Liver meridian), both body and mind become stabilized.

Acupoint Role Table by Asthma and Anxiety Symptoms

Finding Acupoint Locations and Acupressure Methods

1. Taichong (LR3) — Stress-Relief Acupoint of the Liver Meridian

Effect (Priority): This acupoint most quickly relieves stress and anxiety. By opening the Liver meridian to release psychological tension, it simultaneously promotes deep breathing. It is the most effective for restoring autonomic nervous system balance.

Exact Location: On the top of the foot, in the depression between the base of the big toe and second toe (between the toe bones). You can clearly feel it by touching with your hand.

Acupressure Method (3 Steps):

1. Sit and place one foot on your knee
2. Use both thumbs to press deeply into the depression and release (repeat)
3. Apply pressure for 1 minute to the point of mild soreness, perform on both feet

Best Time: Effects are quickest when stimulated immediately after waking or when anxiety rises.

2. Neiguan (PC6) — Anxiety and Chest Tightness Relief Acupoint of the Pericardium Meridian

Effect (Priority): When the chest feels tight and anxious, this acupoint shows the fastest response. It stabilizes heart rate while simultaneously improving respiratory function.

Exact Location: About 3cm above the wrist crease, on the inner forearm center. On the inner forearm, find the depression between the tendons along the center line when the wrist is extended.

Acupressure Method (3 Steps):

1. In a comfortable position, extend one arm with the palm facing upward
2. Use the thumb of the other hand to apply strong pressure to the Neiguan location
3. Press while taking a deep breath and release slowly while exhaling (1 minute, both arms)

Best Time: Stimulate immediately when anxiety is felt. Performing before sleep at night also induces better sleep quality.

3. Dazhui (GV14) — Respiratory Immune-Enhancing Acupoint of the Governing Vessel

Effect (Priority): It strengthens the immune function of the entire respiratory system, reducing asthma attacks themselves. It improves qi and blood circulation in the lungs, making breathing more stable.

Exact Location: On the back of the neck, at the prominent bone that protrudes when you bend your head forward. The depression directly below this bone. Pressing your finger will reveal a clear depression between the vertebrae.

Acupressure Method (3 Steps):

1. Keep your neck slightly bent forward
2. Press gently with your index or middle finger on Dazhui and release (repeat 20 times)
3. Applying heat with a warm patch or compress enhances the effect

Best Time: Include in your morning and evening routine. Heat therapy is especially effective in the evening.

4. Shanzhong (CV17) — Breathing Regulation Acupoint of the Conception Vessel

Effect (Priority): Most directly regulates breathing. This is an emergency acupoint that shows immediate breathing improvement during asthma attacks. It also relieves anxiety by stabilizing heart function.

Exact Location: At the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. Located at the fourth intercostal space on the breastbone. A slight depression can be felt when pressed with your hand.

Acupressure Method (3 Steps):

1. Lie in a comfortable position with the chest exposed
2. With one finger, gently massage Shanzhong in circular motions (clockwise)
3. Perform for 1-2 minutes slowly without applying excessive force

Best Time: Stimulate immediately when experiencing asthma attack or shortness of breath. You will experience immediate effects.

Attack Tip: It is normal if you feel deeper breathing when pressing Shanzhong strongly. After this, you must definitely consult a medical professional.

5. Shenmen (HT7) — Mental Calming Acupoint of the Heart Meridian

Effect (Priority): Most rapidly calms mental symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. It is especially effective in preventing nocturnal asthma attacks.

Exact Location: On the inner wrist, in the depression on the wrist crease line. When the wrist is extended, it is near the little finger side.

Acupressure Method (3 Steps):

1. With the wrist extended, locate Shenmen with the thumb of the opposite hand
2. Press to the point of mild soreness and release (repeat)
3. Perform for 1 minute on each hand, in the evening and before bed

Best Time: Performing after 6 PM maximizes anxiety relief effects along with better sleep induction.

Situation-Specific Acupressure Routines (5-15 minutes/day)

Morning Routine (Upon Waking, 5 minutes) — Anxiety Prevention and Breathing Stabilization

Goal: Start the day stably to prevent anxiety worsening

1. Taichong (1 minute) — Immediate stress relief, autonomic nervous system stabilization
2. Shenmen (1 minute) — Mental and physical preparation
3. Neiguan (1 minute) — Preventive relief of chest tightness
4. Dazhui (2 minutes) — Enhanced respiratory immune function

Effect: Following this sequence ensures you start the day with psychological stability, lowering the risk of asthma exacerbation.

Evening Routine (Before Bed, 5 minutes) — Sleep Induction and Breathing Stabilization

Goal: Relieve daily stress, promote peaceful sleep, prevent nocturnal asthma attacks

1. Neiguan (1 minute) — Relief of chest anxiety
2. Shanzhong (2 minutes) — Breathing normalization and deep sleep preparation
3. Shenmen (2 minutes) — Anxiety and restlessness relief, inducing deep sleep

Effect: Sleep quality improves and the frequency of nocturnal asthma attacks decreases.

Emergency Routine (During Attack, 2-3 minutes) — Acute Breathing Difficulty Relief

Goal: Quickly relieve and stabilize breathing difficulty

1. Shanzhong (30 seconds strong stimulation) — Direct breathing regulation
2. Neiguan (30 seconds strong stimulation) — Heart rate stabilization
3. Taichong (30 seconds strong stimulation) — Immediate anxiety relief

Important: Medical consultation is essential after the emergency routine. Self-acupressure cannot substitute for emergency medical care.

Medical Professional Consultation Required: If breathing difficulty persists or worsens, visit an emergency room. Self-management is for prevention and symptom relief and cannot substitute for medical treatment.

Key Checklist for Sustained Results

• ✓ Routine Consistency — Results appear after consistently performing the morning and evening routines for at least 4 weeks.
• ✓ Accurate Acupoint Location — Effects decrease significantly if the acupoint location is inaccurate. For beginners, direct guidance from an acupuncture practitioner is recommended.
• ✓ Proper Pressure Intensity — Stimulation at the level of “slightly painful but bearable” is most effective.
• ✓ Medication and Medical Care Coordination — Continue taking prescribed asthma medication while practicing acupressure.

If You Experience Additional Symptoms

If you have symptoms beyond asthma and anxiety, a customized acupoint combination is needed.

• Severe Insomnia: Extend Shenmen (HT7) pressing to 3 minutes in the evening. Referring to our insomnia acupoint guide can help you find a more effective combination.
• Accompanying Neck Stiffness: Extend Dazhui (GV14) pressing time to 3-4 minutes and add heat therapy.
• Accompanying Indigestion: Through our stress-related indigestion acupoint article, learn about additional acupoints like Zusanli (ST36).

Precautions for Pregnant Women and Special Situations

Pregnant Women: Some acupoints like Taichong (LR3) and Hegu (LI4) may trigger uterine contractions. During pregnancy, you must consult with an acupuncture practitioner before practicing acupressure.

Heart Disease Patients: Prior medical professional approval is required before pressing Shanzhong (CV17).

Skin Conditions: Avoid stimulation if there are wounds or inflammation at the acupressure site.