5 Acupoints for Simultaneous Relief of Asthma and Hiccups

Have you ever experienced the discomfort of asthma symptoms and hiccups occurring together? In traditional Eastern medicine, this is viewed as “reversed qi flow in the lungs.” Both symptoms result from reduced lung function and abnormal diaphragm muscle contractions. This article introduces 5 verified acupoints that address both conditions simultaneously, along with specific acupressure techniques.

The Root Cause of Asthma and Hiccups – Why Do They Occur Together?

Although asthma and hiccups appear to be different symptoms, their root causes are identical:

• Asthma: Blockage of qi circulation in the lungs causes airway contraction and breathing difficulty
• Hiccups: A nervous reaction caused by abnormal diaphragm muscle contraction
• Common Cause: Nerve stimulation due to reduced lung function

Therefore, by pressing acupoints that enhance lung function and stabilize the nervous system, you can improve both symptoms together.

5 Acupoints for Asthma and Hiccup Relief

Table: Summary of acupoint locations, benefits, and pressure duration

1. Neiguan (PC6) – Starting Point for Nervous System Stabilization

Location: Approximately 2 cun (about two finger widths) above the wrist crease on the inner forearm, moving toward the elbow. It is located in the depression between two tendons (palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons).

Benefits: PC6 is a key acupoint for regulating the heart and nervous system. Pressing this point stabilizes an overactive nervous system and normalizes oxygen supply to the lungs, relieving asthma symptoms. Simultaneously, it calms the irregular movements of the diaphragm muscle, quickly stopping hiccups.

Pressure Technique:

1. In a comfortable position, place your thumb on the Neiguan point of the opposite hand.
2. Apply light pressure for the first 10 seconds, then gradually increase pressure over the next 50 seconds until you feel mild discomfort.
3. Repeat the same technique on both hands.
4. Taking deep breaths while applying pressure increases effectiveness.

Caution When Pressing: Avoid excessive pressure as it can cause unnecessary irritation. Maintain a “tender but pleasant” intensity level.

2. Dazhui (GV14) – Core Point for Lung Qi Strengthening

Location: When bending the neck forward, it is located directly below the most prominent bone at the base of the neck (the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra), in the depression below it. You can feel a small indentation when pressing with your finger.

Benefits: GV14 is an acupoint that fundamentally strengthens lung qi. Stimulating this point improves lung function and promotes whole-body qi circulation. It also directly stimulates nerves distributed along the spine, normalizing abnormal signals from the diaphragm nerve. It is particularly effective for **chronic relief** rather than acute asthma attacks.

Pressure Technique:

1. Sit with your head bent slightly forward.
2. Apply firm downward pressure with your thumb or middle finger.
3. For approximately 2 minutes, press slowly in circular motions or tap rhythmically about once per second.
4. If self-application is difficult, you can use the rounded edge of a coin or massage tool.

Intensity Control: GV14 responds well to strong stimulation. You should press until you feel some discomfort to achieve effectiveness, but avoid pressing hard enough to cause bruising.

3. Shanzhong (CV17) – Center of Thoracic Respiration

Location: The point where a horizontal line connecting both nipples intersects with the midline of the breastbone (in the 4th intercostal space). It is located in the depression on the breastbone.

Benefits: CV17 directly regulates the qi of the thorax. It is most effective for relieving **immediate breathing difficulty** caused by asthma. It also calms irregular diaphragm contractions, quickly stopping hiccups. This is the first acupoint to press when experiencing chest tightness.

Pressure Technique:

1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
2. Place your middle and ring fingers side by side on the Shanzhong point.
3. Apply very gentle pressure for the first 30 seconds, then gradually increase pressure over the next 1 minute 30 seconds.
4. Press slowly in circular motions as if massaging.
5. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly while applying pressure.

When Severe Breathing Difficulty Occurs: Apply pressure more gently. Strong stimulation can actually make breathing feel more restricted.

4. Chize (LU5) – Direct Stimulation of Lung Meridian

Location: At the elbow crease (antecubital fossa), moving slightly toward the thumb side (lateral aspect). It is located in the depression on the lateral side of the biceps brachii tendon—the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent.

Benefits: LU5 provides the most direct stimulation of the lung meridian. This acupoint shows **immediate effects during acute asthma attacks**. It cools excess heat in the lungs, improving respiratory symptoms, and simultaneously relieves asthma accompanied by coughing. It is especially effective when both hiccups and coughing are present.

Pressure Technique:

1. With your arm comfortably extended, use your thumb to press the Chize point on the opposite arm.
2. Apply pressure for approximately 1 minute 30 seconds, using light pressure for the first 30 seconds and gradually increasing intensity for the remaining time.
3. Repeat with equal intensity on both arms.
4. **Taking deep breaths while pressing and slowly exhaling** doubles the effectiveness.

Humming Technique: Making an “mmm” sound while exhaling more effectively expels lung qi.

5. Quepen (ST12) – Final Gateway for Qi Flow to the Lungs

Location: In the depression above the clavicle, approximately 4 cun (about four finger widths) lateral to the midline of the neck. It is located in the depression above the clavicle.

Benefits: ST12 is the final gateway that normalizes qi flow to the lungs. It stimulates nerves in the cervical region, relieving respiratory symptoms. It **releases chest tightness** caused by asthma and resolves diaphragm muscle tension, stopping hiccups.

Pressure Technique:

1. Sit facing forward and place your middle finger in the depression above the clavicle.
2. Apply upward pressure for 1 minute.
3. Avoid excessive pressure as it can cause discomfort in the neck. Maintain a comfortable pressure level.
4. Press both sides.

Additional Tip: Repeatedly raising and lowering your shoulders while pressing Quepen increases effectiveness.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine – Perform Immediately When Symptoms Appear

Repeat the following routine 2-3 times daily whenever symptoms appear. It is important to maintain the precise time for each step.

Table: 5-minute self-care routine step-by-step composition

Tips for Using the Routine

Daily Frequency:

• When symptoms appear: Perform 5-minute routine immediately
• General: Repeat 2-3 times daily
• Severe attacks: Repeat at 30-minute intervals
• For prevention: Once each in morning and evening daily

Ways to Enhance Effectiveness:

• Perform diaphragmatic breathing throughout the process.
• Rest for at least 5-10 minutes after pressing.
• Drinking warm water (around 40°C) promotes lung qi circulation.
• Perform in a warm environment.

Important Notes:

• In cases of very severe asthma attacks or emergencies, prioritize visiting a hospital.
• If symptoms do not improve after 3 or more days, medical professional consultation is necessary.
• Pregnant women should avoid certain acupoints and should consult with professionals.

Symptom-Specific Pressure Strategies

Since not everyone experiences the same symptoms, you can adjust the routine based on your symptom type.

Table: Customized acupressure strategies by symptom type

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I enhance the effectiveness of acupressure?

The key to enhancing effectiveness is **accurate location and consistency**. It is important to locate the acupoints precisely and repeat at the same time daily. Additionally, combining deep diaphragmatic breathing with pressure enhances lung qi circulation.

How soon can I expect to see results?

For acute symptoms (immediate breathing difficulty or hiccups), you can feel **relief within 5-15 minutes**. However, for chronic asthma, **2-3 weeks of consistent pressure** is needed for fundamental improvement.

Does the same effect occur in everyone?

The effectiveness of acupoint pressure varies depending on individual constitution, symptom severity, and acupressure technique. If no effect is observed after 3-4 attempts, consulting with a medical professional is advisable.

Are there acupoints to avoid if I have certain conditions?

Pregnant women should avoid pressing PC6, ST12, and GV14. Additionally, if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, consult with a professional before proceeding.

Can I use acupressure alongside medications?

Acupressure and medication therapy do not conflict and can be performed together. However, if you are taking medications, it is safer to inform your doctor and consult with them.

Precautions and Limitations

Comprehensive Summary and Recommendations

The simultaneous appearance of asthma and hiccups is a signal of imbalance in lung qi and the nervous system. By correctly stimulating the 5 acupoints introduced in this article (PC6, GV14, CV17, LU5, and ST12), you can relieve both symptoms simultaneously.

Key Points:

• For acute symptoms, start by pressing CV17 (Shanzhong) and LU5 (Chize).
• For nervous system stabilization, always include PC6 (Neiguan).
• For fundamental improvement, repeat the 5-minute routine daily.
• If symptoms do not improve after 3 or more weeks, medical professional consultation is necessary.

This information is a general health guide, and effectiveness may vary depending on individual symptoms and constitution. If you have chronic asthma or nerve disorders, consulting with a traditional medicine practitioner or medical professional for personalized advice is recommended.