Introduction
Are you suffering from asthma while also experiencing ear pain? In traditional medicine, these two symptoms are seen as closely related. When lung function weakens, it can lead to not only respiratory diseases but also ear-related symptoms. In this article, I’ll introduce 5 acupoints that can simultaneously relieve asthma and ear pain.
5 Acupoints Good for Asthma and Ear Pain
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression below the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra) when tilting the head downward. It’s in the hollow part at the center of the spine.
Benefits: This acupoint enhances vital qi throughout the body and strengthens immunity. It improves shortness of breath from asthma and reduced lung function, and promotes blood circulation around the ears to relieve ear pain. It also helps regulate body temperature and is effective for cold prevention.
Acupressure Technique: Using your warm hands, apply moderate pressure with your thumb or middle finger, pressing for 3-5 seconds and then releasing. Repeat 10 times, and it’s recommended to practice 2-3 times per day. Moxibustion therapy is also very effective.
2. Tanzhong — CV17
Location: Located on the breastbone at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. It’s at the center of the chest between the 4th ribs (4th intercostal space).
Benefits: This is an important acupoint that strengthens lung and heart function. It immediately relieves shortness of breath and chest tightness from asthma, and normalizes the lung’s qi function. It increases breathing depth and reduces the frequency of asthma attacks long-term.
Acupressure Technique: With interlaced fingers, apply gentle but firm pressure, pressing and releasing 10 times for 3-5 seconds each. Avoid overly strong stimulation, and it’s important to practice in a relaxed state while breathing slowly.
3. Chize — LU5
Location: Located above the crease on the inside of the elbow when the arm is bent. It’s on the thumb side, at the lateral border of the biceps tendon.
Benefits: As an important point on the Lung meridian, it directly strengthens lung function. It quickly relieves asthma symptoms, stops coughing, and eases breathing. At the same time, it improves circulation to the upper respiratory tract mucosa, alleviating ear discomfort as well.
Acupressure Technique: Use the opposite thumb to locate the elbow crease and press with moderate pressure for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times, and can be practiced 3-4 times daily if needed. It’s most effective when performed with the arm extended.
4. Quepen — ST12
Location: Located in the depression above the collarbone, approximately 4 cun (about 3 finger widths) lateral to the midline of the chest. It’s in the area connecting the neck and shoulder.
Benefits: This acupoint is responsible for upper respiratory diseases and qi circulation in the neck area. It relieves bronchial constriction from asthma, and simultaneously promotes blood circulation in the ear and neck areas to quickly relieve ear pain. It also relieves neck stiffness.
Acupressure Technique: Place your index and middle fingers together on the depression above the collarbone and press gently inward. Repeat 10 times for 3-5 seconds each, alternating both sides. Avoid very strong stimulation and practice at a comfortable intensity.
5. Zhiyang — GV9
Location: Located in the depression below the 7th thoracic vertebra spinous process (the thoracic vertebra near the lower back). It’s below the spine that can be felt when bending forward.
Benefits: This acupoint strengthens qi energy in the chest and throughout the body. It fundamentally strengthens lung function weakened by asthma, and alleviates chronic coughing and shortness of breath. Moxibustion therapy makes it even more effective, and it improves nerve circulation around the ears to help relieve ear pain.
Acupressure Technique: Stack both thumbs on top of each other and press the depression below the spine with moderate pressure. Repeat 10 times for 3-5 seconds each, it’s safer to stimulate the muscles beside the spine rather than the spine itself. Even better results can be expected when combined with moxibustion therapy.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Step 1 (1 minute): Sit in a comfortable position and take 3-5 deep breaths.
Step 2 (1 minute): Press GV14 (Dazhui) with your thumbs using moderate pressure, 10 times. This step awakens the body’s overall qi.
Step 3 (1 minute): Press and release CV17 (Tanzhong) gently 10 times with interlaced fingers. Maintain a relaxed state while breathing slowly.
Step 4 (1 minute): Alternately press LU5 (Chize) and ST12 (Quepen) on both sides, 10 times each. This activates circulation to the upper respiratory tract and around the ears.
Step 5 (1 minute): To finish, press GV9 (Zhiyang) with both thumbs 10 times, and conclude with 3-5 more deep breaths.
Recommendations: If you practice this routine twice daily, morning and evening, you can expect improvement in asthma and ear pain symptoms within 1-2 weeks. When symptoms are severe, you can also practice once during midday.
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