5 Acupoints for Simultaneous Relief from Asthma and Blurred Vision

Why Asthma and Blurred Vision Occur Simultaneously

In traditional medicine, these two symptoms are viewed not as separate problems but as interconnected issues. When lung function weakens, oxygen supply becomes insufficient, causing respiratory difficulty (asthma), and at the same time, blood supply to the eyes decreases, resulting in blurred vision.

Especially when stress or fatigue persists, the lung qi becomes depleted and blood circulation stagnates, so these two symptoms tend to worsen together.

5 Acupoints for Simultaneous Relief from Asthma and Blurred Vision

Acupoint Name	Location	Primary Effects	Asthma Relief	Blurred Vision Relief
GV14	Below the 7th cervical vertebra	Restores overall vitality	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
CV17	Center of chest, 4th intercostal space	Immediate breathing relief	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆
LU5	Upper elbow crease	Directly stimulates lung function	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
ST12	Hollow area above the collarbone	Simultaneously improves respiratory and vision	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
GV9	Below the 7th thoracic vertebra	Promotes blood circulation	★★★☆☆	★★★★★

1. GV14 — Essential Acupoint for Restoring Overall Vitality

Effects: Replenishes lung qi and strengthens the immune system. It’s the most fundamental acupoint for alleviating both physical weakness from asthma and eye fatigue.

Finding the Location: When you bow your head forward, you’ll see the most prominent bone at the back of your neck (the 7th cervical vertebra). GV14 is located in the indented area directly below it.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
2. Press vertically with your thumb pad.
3. Repeat pressing and releasing for 10 cycles, holding for 5 seconds and resting for 3 seconds.
4. A warm, slightly achy sensation (soreness and distension) indicates appropriate pressure.

Usage Tips: Practicing in the morning maintains vitality throughout the day, while evening practice promotes quality sleep. With consistent practice, you can notice improved overall stamina in about 2 weeks.

2. CV17 — Acupoint for Immediate Breathing Relief

Effects: Stabilizes lung and heart qi to deepen breathing. When stimulated during an asthma attack, you’ll experience the fastest relief.

Finding the Location: Draw an imaginary line connecting both nipples, and CV17 is at the midpoint. It’s located at the level of the 4th intercostal space on the breastbone.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Practice while lying comfortably or sitting down.
2. Place your index and middle fingers together on CV17.
3. Gently make circular motions in a clockwise direction for 1 minute.
4. Apply gentle warmth rather than strong pressure.

When Needed Urgently: During an asthma attack or when breathing is difficult, press gently without force while breathing slowly. You can feel breathing ease within 30 seconds to 1 minute.

3. LU5 — Acupoint for Direct Lung Function Stimulation

Effects: The most important acupoint on the lung meridian. It works most directly to relieve asthma symptoms and is excellent to press immediately during attacks or severe breathing difficulty.

Finding the Location: When you bend your arm, it’s located on the upper side of the elbow crease on the inside of your forearm. When your elbow is bent, you’ll feel a slightly protruding tendon when touching the upper part of the elbow crease; LU5 is on the outer side of this tendon (toward the thumb).

Acupressure Technique:

1. Keep your arm comfortably bent.
2. Find LU5 with your thumb and move up and down.
3. Press slowly until you feel tenderness (a slightly painful, relieving sensation).
4. Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat 10 times on each arm.

Usage Tips: When asthma symptoms are severe, you can stimulate this point 3-4 times daily. With consistent practice, the frequency of attacks themselves decreases.

4. ST12 — Caring for Respiratory System and Eyes Simultaneously

Effects: Smooths qi flow in the lungs and bronchial tubes while promoting blood supply to the facial area. If you want simultaneous relief from asthma and blurred vision, this is the most effective acupoint.

Finding the Location: There’s a hollow area above the collarbone. ST12 is located in this hollow area about 4 cun (four finger widths) outward from the center of the neck, above the collarbone.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Stimulate both ST12 points simultaneously.
2. Gently tap with the tip of your middle or index finger.
3. Continue for 1 minute until the area around your neck softens and breathing becomes easier.
4. Be careful not to tap too forcefully.

Usage Tips: Taking several deep breaths after pressing ST12 maximizes the effect. It’s particularly effective when experiencing both breathing difficulty and eye fatigue.

5. GV9 — Improving Blurred Vision Through Enhanced Blood Circulation

Effects: Promotes systemic blood circulation to increase blood supply to the eyes. As oxygen supply improves, both respiratory and eye symptoms ease. It works most directly to improve blurred vision.

Finding the Location: On the spine in the upper back area. Starting from above the solar plexus and tracing down the spine with your fingers, you’ll find the most prominent vertebra (the 7th thoracic vertebra), and GV9 is in the indented area directly below it.

Acupressure Technique (Self-administered):

1. Get a tennis ball.
2. Lie on your back and place the tennis ball behind your back, positioning it on GV9.
3. Slowly move your body to stimulate the area around GV9 (1-2 minutes).
4. With consistent practice, tension in the upper back releases and blood circulation improves.

Acupressure Technique (With assistance):

1. Lie face down in a comfortable position.
2. Have your helper locate GV9 with their thumb.
3. Press deeply for 5 seconds and rest for 3 seconds, repeating 10 times.
4. A warm, refreshing sensation spreading outward indicates effectiveness.

Usage Tips: Since GV9 is on the back, it’s difficult to press accurately yourself. Ideally, get help from a family member or use a tennis ball. Stimulating this acupoint brings rapid relief from eye fatigue.

Maximizing Effectiveness: 5-Minute Self-Care Routine

We recommend practicing twice daily (after morning wake-up and before bedtime). The entire routine takes about 5 minutes.

Step-by-Step Routine

1. Step 1 (1 minute): Press GV14
   • Sit and locate the 7th cervical vertebra below the back of your neck.
   • Repeatedly press vertically with your thumb and release.
   • Activate vitality throughout your body.
2. Step 2 (1 minute): Circular pressure on CV17
   • Sit and locate the center of your chest.
   • Gently press with your index and middle fingers in clockwise circles.
   • Relax your respiratory system.
3. Step 3 (1 minute): Press LU5 on both arms
   • Bend your arm and locate the upper elbow crease.
   • Repeatedly press and release with your thumb until you feel tenderness.
   • 30 seconds on each arm (1 minute total).
   • Directly stimulate lung function.
4. Step 4 (30 seconds): Gentle tapping on both ST12 points
   • Locate the hollow areas above both collarbones.
   • Gently tap both sides simultaneously with your middle finger.
   • Promote smooth breathing.
5. Step 5 (1 minute): Stimulate GV9
   • Lie on your back and place a tennis ball against GV9, or get a family member to press it deeply.
   • Improve blood circulation and relieve blurred vision.

Routine Progress Results

After 1 week: You’ll notice breathing becomes slightly easier and eye fatigue decreases.

After 2 weeks: The frequency of asthma attacks decreases noticeably and vision becomes clearer.

After 4 weeks or more: Overall stamina and breathing capacity improve significantly, with blurred vision rarely occurring.

Common Mistakes and Precautions When Doing Acupressure

Applying Too Much Pressure

Common Mistake: Many believe that stronger pressure produces greater effects.

Correct Method: The most effective pressure is one that produces a warm, slightly achy sensation (soreness and distension). You shouldn’t experience sharp pain. Acupoints respond to subtle stimulation, so consistent practice with lighter pressure is far more effective.

Pressing Immediately After Eating

Common Mistake: Many think acupressure can be done anytime without consideration.

Correct Method: Avoid acupressure within 30 minutes after eating. Stimulating during digestion can irritate digestive organs. The best times are on an empty stomach in the morning or at least 1 hour after your evening meal.

Doing Acupressure While Excessively Fatigued

Common Mistake: Using acupressure to recover when you’re overly tired.

Correct Method: Your body cannot respond properly to stimulation when you’re excessively fatigued. It’s most effective to practice acupressure after getting sufficient rest.

Giving Up After a Few Days

Common Mistake: Some decide there’s no effect after 2-3 days and stop.

Correct Method: Traditional medicine effects are cumulative. You need to practice consistently for at least 2-3 weeks to notice changes. Consistency is most important.

Can I Use Acupressure Together with Medications?

Answer: Acupressure is a complementary therapy. You can continue taking your prescribed asthma medications while practicing acupressure for enhanced benefits. Using both together is safest and most effective.

Caution: Always consult your doctor before starting new treatments or changing medications.

Precautions for Pregnant Women and Special Populations

When Should You Visit a Hospital?

Seek immediate medical attention in these cases:

• Sudden severe breathing difficulty or serious asthma attack
• Severe chest pain
• Sudden worsening of blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye
• No improvement in symptoms even after 2 weeks of acupressure
• Continuous appearance of new symptoms