5 Acupoints to Relieve Asthma and Hand Numbness Simultaneously

Why Asthma and Hand Numbness Occur Together

Breathing difficulty from asthma and hand numbness may seem like separate symptoms, but in traditional medicine they often stem from the same root cause. When lung function weakens, overall qi-blood circulation throughout the body decreases, and blood and nerve supply to the upper body and arms becomes insufficient. People with weak respiratory systems tend to have tense shoulder and arm muscles, and when these muscles tighten, they compress nerves, causing hand numbness.

To improve both symptoms simultaneously, you need to select acupoints that strengthen respiratory function while promoting qi-blood circulation in the upper body. The following 5 acupoints all meet these criteria and are highly effective.

5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Hand Numbness

1. Dazhui (GV14) — The Center of Respiratory Function

Key Effect: Strengthens lung function and promotes whole-body qi-blood circulation, fundamentally improving asthma symptoms.

Location: When you bend your neck forward, it’s located in the hollow depression below the most prominent bone (the seventh cervical vertebra). It’s at the midpoint where the neck and upper back meet.

Mechanism of Action: Dazhui is located at the center of the spine and governs the yang qi (vital energy) of the entire body. By directly stimulating weakened respiratory function, it restores lung qi and improves qi-blood circulation to the arms and hands.

Acupressure Method: Locate Dazhui with your thumb and slowly press for 10 seconds, then rest for 5 seconds. Repeat this 10 times. Consistent, gentle stimulation is more important than applying excessive pressure. Perform this twice daily — morning and evening — for best results.

2. Tanzhong (CV17) — The Acupoint That Opens Breathing

Key Effect: Immediately relieves chest tightness and makes breathing easier.

Location: On the center of the chest at the midpoint of the line connecting both breasts, which corresponds to the 4th intercostal space (below the 4th rib).

Mechanism of Action: An important meridian point that regulates lung and heart function. By releasing tension in the chest, it improves blood circulation from the heart to the arms, simultaneously alleviating hand numbness.

Acupressure Method: Place your middle and index fingers side by side and gently press on Tanzhong for 15 seconds. Avoid pressing too hard, as this may cause discomfort. Repeat 5 times and perform twice daily.

3. Chize (LU5) — Relieving Nerve Compression in the Arms and Hands

Key Effect: Directly stimulates the lung meridian to quickly relieve asthma and releases nerve compression that travels from the arms to the hands.

Location: When your arm is extended, it’s located at the upper part of the elbow crease on the inner side of the arm (thumb side), just outside the tendon. When you bend your elbow, it’s 1-2 cm away from the inside end of your elbow in the direction of your thumb.

Mechanism of Action: A major acupoint on the lung meridian that directly strengthens respiratory function. Simultaneously, it passes through arm nerves and effectively relieves nerve compression that causes hand numbness.

Acupressure Method: Use your opposite thumb to locate Chize and gently massage it in circular motions 10 times. You can stimulate this point whenever your breathing feels tight. Performing this 2-3 times daily can provide immediate relief.

4. Jiefeng (ST12) — Stabilizing Nerve Function in Shoulders and Arms

Key Effect: Governs both the respiratory pathway and shoulder-arm nerves, directly relieving the nerve compression that causes hand numbness.

Location: Approximately 1-2 cm outward from the hollow depression above the collarbone (clavicle). It’s located slightly below the point where the neck and shoulder meet.

Mechanism of Action: Simultaneously regulates nerves of the respiratory system and upper limbs. By relaxing chest and shoulder muscles tightened by asthma while releasing nerve compression to the arms, it’s effective for both symptoms.

Acupressure Method: Place your middle and ring fingers side by side and gently press Jiefeng for 8-10 seconds. Since this is a sensitive nerve area, be careful not to press too hard. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

5. Zhiyang (GV9) — Fundamental Strengthening of Lung Function

Key Effect: Strengthens lung and entire respiratory system function and normalizes qi-blood circulation around the spine.

Location: Located in the hollow depression below the 7th thoracic vertebra spinous process (the chest spine area below the cervical spine) on the central spine line of the back. When pressed with a finger, it’s the indented point approximately 10-12 cm below Dazhui.

Mechanism of Action: The most direct acupoint for strengthening lung and respiratory system function. By promoting qi-blood circulation around the back and spine and normalizing nerve pathways, it simultaneously improves nerve compression connected to hand numbness.

Acupressure Method: Lie down and place a tennis ball on the Zhiyang point, applying pressure with your body weight for 10-15 seconds. Since direct hand pressure is difficult, use an acupressure tool when standing or ask a partner for assistance. Once or twice daily is sufficient.

Acupoint Effectiveness Comparison Table

As shown in the table, Tanzhong and Chize are particularly effective when you want quick symptom relief, while Dazhui and Zhiyang are especially effective for fundamental improvement. For simultaneously improving both symptoms, using all 5 acupoints is most efficient.

5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine

Perform this sequence in order when you wake up, when your breathing feels tight, or when your hands feel numb. The entire routine takes about 5 minutes.

1. Step 1 (1 minute) — Stimulate Dazhui
   Slowly press and release Dazhui with your thumb 10 times. This first step helps gather your vital energy.
2. Step 2 (1 minute) — Stimulate Tanzhong
   Place your middle and index fingers side by side and gently press Tanzhong 5 times. This opens your chest and normalizes breathing.
3. Step 3 (1 minute) — Stimulate Both Chize Points
   Use your opposite thumb to massage both Chize points on each arm 10 times each in circular motions. This improves circulation in the arms and hands.
4. Step 4 (1 minute) — Stimulate Both Jiefeng Points
   Use your middle and ring fingers to gently press both Jiefeng points 8 times each. This relieves shoulder and nerve compression.
5. Step 5 (1 minute) — Stimulate Zhiyang
   Lie down and place a tennis ball or acupressure tool on Zhiyang and apply pressure for 10-15 seconds. This strengthens lung function.

By consistently performing this routine daily, you’ll notice asthma symptoms and hand numbness beginning to improve within 2-3 weeks. Repeating it twice daily — morning and evening — is most effective.

Additional Tips to Enhance Effectiveness

Combine with Breathing Exercises: Acupressure combined with abdominal breathing doubles its effectiveness. Practice slow breathing — inhaling for 4 seconds and exhaling for 8 seconds — while performing acupressure.

Apply Heat: Warming the area first with a heat pack or warm hands before acupressure relaxes blood vessels and enhances effectiveness.

Consistency is Most Important: Rather than applying strong pressure, the key is practicing daily consistently. Prioritize regularity over intensity.

Asthma and hand numbness are closely linked to nerve and respiratory health. By learning more about acupoints for different respiratory conditions, you can find additional acupoints tailored to your specific symptoms.

Precautions and When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

Cases Requiring Special Care: Pregnant women should consult a traditional medicine practitioner before using certain acupoints (such as Sanyinjiao, Hegu, and Taichong), as these can trigger uterine contractions. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, consult a TCM doctor before proceeding.

When to Visit a Healthcare Professional: If symptoms show no improvement after consistent acupressure for 2 or more weeks, if breathing difficulty worsens, or if hand numbness suddenly becomes severe, you should seek medical attention. These may be signs of nervous system or respiratory disorders.

When Accompanying Symptoms Are Present: If hand numbness is accompanied by arm pain, numbness, or color changes in the fingers, nerve compression is severe. In these cases, consult a TCM doctor or neurologist.

Self-acupressure is a supplementary method, and if symptoms persist, professional diagnosis is necessary. Asthma in particular is a serious respiratory condition, so it’s safest to combine acupressure with professional medical care when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions