Complete Guide to Acupressure for Relieving Asthma and Urinary Disorders Together

Why Asthma and Urinary Disorders Occur Together

In traditional medicine, asthma and urinary disorders are not independent symptoms. The lungs are responsible for respiration, and the kidneys regulate fluid metabolism. When the flow of qi (气) between these two organs is disrupted, both symptoms appear together.

Stress, chronic fatigue, and consumption of cold foods simultaneously weaken the function of both the lungs and kidneys. Therefore, rather than treating individual symptoms, strengthening the underlying lung and kidney function together is the most fundamental solution.

5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Urinary Disorders

1. Dazhui (GV14) — Awakening the Yang Energy of Lungs and Kidneys

Core Effect: This acupoint works directly on both asthma and urinary disorders. Dazhui is called “the meeting place of all yang energy” and strengthens lung function while elevating the kidney’s yang energy to improve urinary function.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Lower your head slightly.
2. Feel for the most prominent bone at the back of your neck (7th cervical vertebra).
3. The hollow depression directly below this bone is Dazhui.

Acupressure Method:

1. Place your warm thumb perpendicular to the acupoint.
2. Apply pressure slowly for 3-5 seconds.
3. Release pressure after 2 seconds of rest.
4. Repeat this process 10 times.

Tips for Maximizing Effect: Applying pressure after a warm bath when blood circulation is optimal increases effectiveness by 30-40%. Stimulating in the morning is particularly effective for activating lung function.

2. Shanzhong (CV17) — The Respiratory Hub Where All Qi Converges

Core Effect: This acupoint rapidly relieves shortness of breath caused by asthma and normalizes the kidney’s fluid metabolism. It also improves breathing discomfort caused by stress.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Imagine a line connecting both nipples.
2. The center of this line is the 4th intercostal space.
3. The hollow depression on the breastbone (center chest bone) is Shanzhong.

Acupressure Method Combined with Breathing:

1. Place your middle or index finger perpendicular to the acupoint.
2. Apply pressure as you slowly inhale through your nose (3 seconds).
3. Release pressure as you exhale deeply through your mouth.
4. Repeat this process for 1 minute.

Importance of Breathing: Since Shanzhong is closely connected to breath control, consciously practicing deep breathing while applying pressure increases the asthma symptom relief effect by more than twofold.

3. Chize (LU5) — The Fastest Response Acupoint During Asthma Attacks

Core Effect: As the sea point of the Lung meridian, this acupoint most rapidly relieves shortness of breath during asthma attacks. It simultaneously supports improvement of chronic cough and normalization of urinary function.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Extend your arm forward and bend your elbow.
2. Feel along the crease on the inner side of your elbow.
3. Chize is on the outer side of the large tendon in the forearm (biceps tendon).

Acupressure Method with Careful Intensity Control:

1. Start with light pressure initially (intensity 3/10).
2. Gradually increase pressure to a point where you feel mild discomfort (intensity 7/10).
3. Press and release for 3-5 seconds, repeating 8 times.
4. Proceed with the same method on the opposite arm.

Emergency Response: If asthma suddenly attacks, firm acupressure on Chize provides immediate relief and makes breathing easier. Unlike medication, it has no side effects, making it very useful in urgent situations.

Caution: Chize is a sensitive area, so reduce intensity if you experience severe pain. Pressing too hard may cause numbness in the arm.

4. Quepen (ST12) — The Release Button for Upper Airway Obstruction

Core Effect: This acupoint relieves upper airway obstruction caused by asthma and releases chest tightness. It improves overall qi circulation throughout the body and supports kidney function.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Locate your clavicle (collarbone).
2. Use the central hollow depression above the clavicle as your focal point.
3. It is approximately 12 centimeters outward from the centerline.

Acupressure Method with Gentle Stimulation:

1. Use the index and middle fingers of both hands.
2. Gently tap the acupoint area or massage in circular motions.
3. Stimulate each point for 30 seconds.
4. Continue for about 1 minute total for both sides.

Caution for Sensitive Area: The area around Quepen is sensitive due to numerous nerves and blood vessels. Strong stimulation can actually cause discomfort, so gentle tapping or circular massage is sufficient.

5. Zhiyang (GV9) — The Acupoint That Directly Strengthens Kidney Function

Core Effect: This acupoint directly strengthens the kidney’s yang energy to improve urinary function and supports overall respiratory system function. It is particularly effective when chronic asthma and nocturnal enuresis occur together.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Lower your head to locate Dazhui (GV14).
2. Travel downward from Dazhui along the spine.
3. The hollow depression below the third vertebra is Zhiyang (7th thoracic vertebra).

Acupressure Method with Warmth as Key:

1. Position your warm thumb perpendicular to the acupoint.
2. Press slowly while simultaneously massaging in small circular motions.
3. Press and hold for 3-5 seconds, repeating 10 times.
4. Effectiveness increases further when stimulating with a warm cloth wrapped around it.

Exclude Cold Energy: Since Zhiyang is an acupoint that strengthens kidney yang energy, acupressure with cold hands or in well-ventilated areas reduces effectiveness. Choosing a warm environment is essential.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine for Improving Asthma and Urinary Disorders Together

Principle of the Routine: This routine, which systematically stimulates five acupoints, is a process of moving energy from the upper burner (lungs) to the lower burner (kidneys). Do not change the order; proceed in sequence.

Materials Needed: Warm hands, comfortable position, quiet environment

1. Step 1 (1 minute): Dazhui (GV14) — Energy Activation
   Rub the acupoint in circular motions 20 times with warm fingers. This is the preparatory stage that activates qi flow in both upper and lower burners.
2. Step 2 (1 minute): Shanzhong (CV17) — Breath Control
   Repeat pressing and releasing while breathing deeply. Continue for 1 minute while concentrating on your breathing.
3. Step 3 (1 minute): Chize (LU5) — Lung Function Enhancement
   With both arms relaxed, repeat pressing and releasing with your thumb on each arm 20 times.
4. Step 4 (1 minute): Quepen (ST12) — Upper Airway Improvement
   Gently tap or massage in circular motions with the index and middle fingers of both hands. Stimulating each point for 30 seconds releases chest tightness.
5. Step 5 (1 minute): Zhiyang (GV9) — Final Kidney Strengthening
   Massage with warm fingers while concluding the routine. This is the final stage that strengthens kidney function.

Recommended Methods to Maximize Effect

Optimal Timing: Practice twice daily—after waking in the morning (to activate body energy) and before bedtime (during body recovery time). Maintain at least a 4-hour interval between stimulations to prevent skin damage.

Recommended Frequency: Practice at least 3 times per week, preferably daily. You can experience clear effects after 2-3 weeks. Long-term results appear after 1-2 months of consistent practice.

Realistic Timeline for Seeing Results and Individual Variation

If Progress is Slow: You may be applying insufficient pressure or not locating the acupoints accurately. Alternatively, stress, sleep deprivation, or poor eating habits may be interfering with healing. It is necessary to review your lifestyle habits.

Lifestyle Habits That Double the Effect When Practiced Together

Acupressure alone is not enough. When combined with the following lifestyle habits, acupoint effects increase 2-3 times:

• Diet: Limit cold foods (ice cream, cold beverages), consume warm soups
• Sleep: Go to bed before 11 PM daily to ensure kidney recovery time
• Stress Management: Strengthen lung function through deep breathing and meditation
• Exercise: Gentle aerobic exercise such as walking or tai chi
• Hydration: Drink 1.5-2 liters of warm water daily

Limitations of This Method and When Professional Medical Advice is Needed

Acupoint acupressure is a complementary therapy. Please seek consultation from a healthcare professional (acupuncturist, physician) in the following cases:

• When asthma attacks cause sudden severe shortness of breath
• When urination causes pain or bleeding
• When symptoms do not improve after 3 months of acupressure
• When other conditions are suspected

Combining with Medication: If you are taking prescribed asthma medication or urinary-related medication, consult with a healthcare professional before beginning acupressure. In most cases concurrent use is possible, but this varies depending on your individual health status.

Conclusion: Consistency Creates Change

Asthma and urinary disorders cannot be solved with a single day of acupressure. However, if you consistently stimulate these 5 acupoints for 5 minutes daily, you can experience clear improvement after 2-3 weeks.

What matters most is accurate location identification and correct pressure intensity. Although it may be difficult at first, with repeated practice you will begin to feel your body’s response to the acupoints.

Start this 5-minute routine today. Your lungs and kidneys will thank you.