Introduction
Are you struggling with both labored breathing from asthma and the discomfort of bad breath? In fact, according to traditional medicine, these two symptoms are closely related. It’s common for weakened lung function and digestive system imbalance to occur together. The good news is that by stimulating specific acupoints, you can improve both respiratory and digestive function simultaneously. Try the 5 acupoint techniques introduced in this article to free yourself from these frustrating symptoms.
5 Best Acupoints for Asthma and Bad Breath
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: When you bend your neck forward, this point is located in the depression directly below the 7th cervical vertebra (the largest bone at the base of your neck). When you press with your finger, you can feel a slight tenderness at the exact location.
Effects: Dazhui is where all the yang meridians converge, making it excellent for strengthening immunity and improving respiratory function. It effectively alleviates asthma symptoms and normalizes lung function, while boosting overall qi to improve digestive deficiency that causes bad breath.
Technique: Overlap the thumbs of both hands and press vertically and firmly on the Dazhui point. Press for 3 seconds, rest for 2 seconds, and repeat for 1 minute. Pressing 2-3 times daily, especially in the morning and evening, is most effective.
2. Tanzhong — CV17
Location: This point is where the horizontal line connecting the centers of both nipples meets the breastbone in the center of the chest. It’s slightly indented at the center of the sternum, located at the level of the 4th intercostal space.
Effects: Tanzhong is an important point that regulates both the respiratory and digestive systems. It relieves chest tightness and strengthens lung function to improve asthma, while simultaneously normalizing stomach function to resolve digestive disorders that cause bad breath.
Technique: Gather your index, middle, and ring fingers together and gently press them vertically on Tanzhong. Avoid pressing too hard as it may cause discomfort; use comfortable pressure and repeat 10 times for 2-3 seconds each. Pressure is more effective when you breathe slowly while pressing.
3. Chize — LU5
Location: When you extend your arm to show the elbow crease, this point is located on the outer side (thumb direction) of the crease on the inside of your elbow. It’s the slightly indented area on the outer side of the arm, lateral to the biceps tendon.
Effects: Chize is a major acupoint on the Lung meridian that directly alleviates coughing and asthma symptoms. It reduces heat and inflammation in the respiratory tract and activates lung function to make breathing easier. It also removes heat from the throat area, fundamentally blocking the causes of bad breath.
Technique: Use the thumb of your opposite hand to press directly on Chize. Apply pressure at an intensity that causes slight tenderness for 3 seconds, then rest for 1 second, and continue for 1 minute. Stimulate both arms in the same manner.
4. Quepen — ST12
Location: This point is at the center of the hollow depression above the collarbone, approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) outward from the midline of the body. You can easily find it by following the hollow area above the collarbone.
Effects: Quepen is an acupoint that directly regulates the respiratory system and esophagus. It alleviates breathing difficulties from asthma and simultaneously promotes smooth digestion of food to improve bad breath. It’s also effective at relieving chest tightness in the throat area.
Technique: Place the index fingers of both hands in the hollow area above the collarbone. Press diagonally downward toward the pelvis, but be careful not to press too deeply. Apply gentle pressure for 10 seconds at each location, performing this 2 times daily.
5. Zhiyang — GV9
Location: When you bend your neck forward, the 7th cervical vertebra is the most prominent bone on your upper back. The 7th thoracic vertebra is located at the spinous process of the spine in the middle of the back at the level of the highest points of both shoulder blades. Zhiyang is in the depression directly below this 7th thoracic vertebra.
Effects: Zhiyang is an important acupoint that regulates lung qi and the entire body’s qi. It activates respiratory function to improve asthma and increases overall immunity to reduce inflammation that causes bad breath. It relieves tension in the central back area to make breathing even easier.
Technique: While lying on your back, place a tennis ball or massage ball below the Zhiyang point and slowly roll your body left and right to stimulate the point. Alternatively, have someone use their thumb to press for 2-3 seconds about 10 times. Performing this in the evening also helps promote better sleep.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning Routine (3 minutes): Press the Dazhui point for 1 minute immediately after waking to start your day (1 minute). After washing up, gently stimulate the Tanzhong point for 2-3 minutes to awaken your respiratory system (2 minutes). Press the Chize point on both arms for 30 seconds each to complete your morning routine.
Midday Routine (2 minutes): Press the Quepen point on both sides for 30 seconds each to promote digestion (1 minute). Stimulate Chize again for 30 seconds on each side to energize your afternoon (1 minute).
Evening Routine (3 minutes): After work, massage the Zhiyang point with a tennis ball for 1 minute while lying down (1 minute). Gently press Tanzhong for 2-3 minutes while breathing slowly; this relieves stress and prepares you for restful sleep (2 minutes). By consistently following this routine, you can expect to feel symptom improvement within 2-3 weeks.
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