When you experience both breathing difficulties from asthma and cold hands and feet, you face a double burden of discomfort and chilliness. In traditional Chinese medicine, these two symptoms can be improved together. By stimulating specific acupoints that strengthen lung function and promote whole-body blood circulation, you can simultaneously improve both breathing and blood flow.

This article introduces 5 acupoints effective for both asthma and cold extremities, along with precise acupressure methods and a 5-minute daily routine.

Why You Can Improve Both Asthma and Cold Extremities Together

In traditional Chinese medicine, both asthma and cold extremities stem from weakened lung function and insufficient qi and blood circulation throughout the body. Therefore, by selecting acupoints that stimulate the lung meridian (肺經), you can address both symptoms simultaneously.

Two key approaches are especially important:

• Strengthen Lung Function: Enable deeper, easier breathing to relieve asthma
• Promote Blood Circulation: Allow warm blood flow to reach the hands and feet to eliminate cold extremities

5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Cold Extremities

The following table summarizes the location, primary benefits, and stimulation intensity of each acupoint.

3 Most Effective Acupoints for Asthma Relief

1. Dachu (GV14) – The Strengthener of Lung Function

Location: Slowly lower your head and locate the most prominent bone at the base of your neck—this is the 7th cervical vertebra. Dachu is in the hollow area directly below this bone.

Benefits: Dachu is known as “the king of acupoints” and directly strengthens lung function. It quickly restores weakened breathing capacity from asthma and boosts the body’s overall yang energy (qi), simultaneously alleviating cold extremities.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Place your thumb on Dachu.
2. Press firmly for 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds.
3. Repeat this 10 times.
4. Perform one set each morning and evening.

Tip: Warm the area first with a warm finger or heat pack before stimulating—this increases effectiveness by over 30%.

2. Shanzhong (CV17) – The Center of Breathing

Location: The exact midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. This is a hollow area on the breastbone (sternum) corresponding to the 4th intercostal space (between the ribs).

Benefits: Regulates lung and heart function to immediately relieve chest tightness caused by asthma. Strengthening heart-lung function improves blood circulation, warming the hands and feet to relieve cold extremities.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Locate Shanzhong with your middle finger.
2. Massage gently in clockwise circles for 30 seconds.
3. Coordinate with your breathing: press when inhaling, release when exhaling.
4. Repeat twice daily.

Caution: Avoid pressing too hard to prevent discomfort. Aim for a “pleasant soreness” sensation.

3. Chize (LU5) – The Key to the Lung Meridian

Location: Extend your arm and look at the inner crease of your elbow. Chize is located above this crease line, on the outer side of the biceps tendon.

Benefits: Chize is an important acupoint on the lung meridian, directly stimulating the lungs of asthma patients. It makes breathing deeper and easier while promoting blood circulation in the arms and hands, quickly relieving upper extremity cold. It can provide immediate relief even during asthma attacks.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Place your thumb on Chize.
2. Press firmly for 3-5 seconds while simultaneously bending and straightening your elbow slowly.
3. Perform 2-3 times daily, 10 repetitions each.

Timing of Effects: You can feel your breathing become easier within 5-10 minutes after continuous stimulation.

2 Specialized Acupoints for Cold Extremities Relief

4. Quepen (ST12) – The Gateway to Upper Body Blood Flow

Location: A hollow area above the clavicle (collarbone). It’s located approximately 4 cun (about 4 finger widths) lateral from the chest midline.

Benefits: Quepen regulates qi and blood in the neck and upper chest, opening the airway to the lungs. It relieves congested bronchial passages and improves blood circulation in the neck and upper body, directly eliminating upper body cold sensations.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Locate both Quepen points simultaneously with the middle fingers of both hands.
2. Alternate between pressing for 3-5 seconds and releasing.
3. Complete 10 repetitions as one set.
4. Coordinating with your breath—pressing while inhaling and releasing while exhaling—doubles the effectiveness.

Special Note: Particularly effective for people with shallow breathing. When experiencing both asthma and cold extremities simultaneously, this is a priority acupoint for stimulation.

5. Zhiyang (GV9) – Activation of the Spinal Center

Location: The hollow area below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (the 7th bone of the mid-spine). When you bring your arms forward, it’s directly below the most prominent bone in the middle of your back.

Benefits: Zhiyang is a key point on the central meridian (督脈), activating the energy pathway that flows along the spine. It strengthens lung function and promotes whole-body qi and blood circulation, fundamentally improving breathing problems from asthma. It also activates blood circulation around the spine, making it highly effective for treating cold extremities.

Acupressure Technique:

1. While lying down, place a tennis ball under Zhiyang.
2. Apply controlled pressure for 10-15 minutes.
3. Alternatively, have a partner press with their thumb for 5 seconds at a time, repeating 10 times.

Advantage: Because it stimulates a wider area, its effects last the longest.

Daily 5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine

Perform the following sequence after waking in the morning or before bed at night for best results. The entire routine takes approximately 5 minutes.

Expected Timeline for Results: With consistent practice, you can expect to feel easier breathing and warmer hands and feet within 1-2 weeks.

Recommended Times: Early morning (7:00-8:00 AM, right after waking) or evening (9:00-10:00 PM, before bed) are most effective.

3 Ways to Maximize Acupressure Effectiveness

1. Combine with Heat Stimulation

Applying pressure in a warm environment relaxes blood vessels, increasing absorption by over 30%.

• Warm the acupoint with a heat pack or warm hands before stimulating
• Apply a warm hot water bottle to your chest while performing acupressure
• In winter, maintain a warm indoor temperature during the routine

2. Coordinate with Breathing

Timing acupressure with your breath deepens the meridian stimulation.

• Press the acupoint while inhaling, release slowly while exhaling
• Perform along with abdominal breathing
• Maintain a deep and slow breathing rhythm

3. Maintain Consistency

Steady, consistent stimulation over time is more effective than intense short-term pressure.

• Perform the same routine at a set time each day
• Even if you miss a day, resume the next day without interruption
• You need at least 2 weeks of continuous practice to see noticeable changes

Situations to Avoid

Stop acupressure or consult a healthcare professional before proceeding in these situations:

Determining Correct Stimulation Intensity

Here are the correct guidelines for acupressure intensity:

• Light: Barely perceptible pressure → Insufficient effect
• Moderate: “Pleasant soreness” sensation ← This level is most effective
• Strong: Intensity that causes you to wince in pain → Risk of skin damage

When Can You Expect to Feel Results?

While individual responses vary, you can expect the following timeline:

Note: These are average responses. Results vary depending on individual constitution, severity of symptoms, and consistency of practice.

When Should You Consult a Healthcare Professional?

Acupressure is a supportive therapy, not a primary treatment. Professional consultation is necessary in these cases:

• When asthma worsens and breathing becomes difficult
• When symptoms don’t improve after 4 weeks of consistent practice
• When new symptoms develop
• When taking other medications
• When you have chronic conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes)

Acupressure can be combined with modern medical treatment. Consulting with healthcare professionals before proceeding makes the practice safer and more effective.

Learn More

Check out the following articles for related information:

• 10 Customized Acupoints by Asthma Symptoms – Choosing acupoints based on asthma type and symptoms
• Traditional Chinese Medicine Causes of Cold Extremities and Dietary Therapy – Lifestyle habit improvements to combine with acupressure
• Basics of Meridian Massage for Lung Health – Essential knowledge for respiratory health
• Seasonal Management Strategies for Asthma and Cold Extremities – Preparation methods for winter and seasonal transitions