Introduction
When you suddenly feel a sharp chest pain and blood starts coming from your nose at the same time, it’s very alarming and anxiety-inducing. These symptoms are a signal that heat is accumulating in the upper body and blood circulation is not smooth. In traditional medicine, this is understood as ‘heart heat’ and ‘qi stagnation,’ and can be naturally improved through proper acupoint acupressure.
5 Beneficial Acupoints for Chest Pain and Nosebleeds
1. Neiguan — PC6
Location: On the inner forearm, approximately 2 cun (about 6cm) from the wrist crease toward the elbow, on the midline between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon
Benefits: Helps calm the mind and spirit while alleviating heart palpitations and anxiety. It particularly improves chest pressure and irregular pulse, and calms brain excitement to also relieve nosebleed symptoms.
Pressure Technique: Use the opposite thumb to press firmly for 3 seconds and release slowly for 3 seconds. Apply pressure to both sides for 1 minute each, 3 times daily.
2. Shangzhong — CV17
Location: At the center of the breastbone, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples, in the depression of the 4th intercostal space above the sternum
Benefits: A primary heart acupoint that directly alleviates chest tightness and chest pain. It promotes blood circulation and reduces heat in the upper body to stop nosebleeds.
Pressure Technique: Gather 3-4 fingers and press vertically and slowly. Press for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds for a total of 2 minutes, applying pressure rhythmically with your breath.
3. Xinshu — BL15
Location: On the back below the 5th thoracic vertebra spinous process, approximately 1.5 cun lateral to the spine on both sides
Benefits: An important acupoint that directly strengthens heart blood circulation and supports heart function. It resolves blood stagnation, which is the root cause of chest pain, and stabilizes blood pressure.
Pressure Technique: While lying down, have another person or use a massage tool to apply pressure to both sides simultaneously, or place a tennis ball under your back and apply pressure with your body weight for 3-4 minutes.
4. Qimen — LR14
Location: Directly below the nipple, approximately 4 cun lateral to the midline at the 6th intercostal space
Benefits: Relieves tightness and stagnation in the lateral chest while improving liver qi circulation. It alleviates chest pressure from stress and reduces upper body heat to relieve nosebleeds.
Pressure Technique: Use both thumbs to press slowly in rhythm with your breathing. Release tension when inhaling and press firmly when exhaling, applying to each side for 1 minute.
5. Zhiyang — GV9
Location: On the back in the depression below the 7th thoracic vertebra spinous process, on the midline of the spine
Benefits: A primary acupoint that strengthens the entire chest and respiratory system and fundamentally alleviates chest pain. It reduces upper body heat to stop nosebleeds and harmonizes lung and heart function.
Pressure Technique: Sit upright with your back straight, reach your arms behind your back, and apply strong pressure with your thumbs. Press for 10 seconds and rest for 5 seconds for a total of 2 minutes.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Preparation: Sit or lie in a comfortable position and take 3 deep breaths.
Step 1 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to PC6 (Neiguan) simultaneously on both sides using your thumbs. Repeat pressing for 3 seconds and releasing for 3 seconds.
Step 2 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to CV17 (Shangzhong) slowly with 3-4 fingers. Continue in a rhythm of pressing for 5 seconds and resting for 5 seconds.
Step 3 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to LR14 (Qimen) simultaneously on both sides in rhythm with your breathing.
Step 4 (1 minute): Alternate applying pressure to BL15 (Xinshu) and GV9 (Zhiyang), or stimulate them with a tennis ball.
Closing (1 minute): Apply acupressure to PC6 once more and take 3-4 deep breaths. Practicing this routine every morning and evening will allow you to feel improvement within a week.
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