Introduction
Sudden shortness of breath at dawn or breathing obstruction during exercise—asthma can really be frustrating. While medication helps, traditional medicine’s time-tested acupressure techniques can also improve underlying respiratory function. Today, I’ll share the five most effective acupoints for asthma relief, their precise locations, and the correct pressing methods.
Five Acupoints Effective for Asthma
1. Dachu — GV14
Location: The back of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you bend your head forward, it’s the hollow space directly below the most protruding bone (cervical spine) at the back of your neck.
Effect: One of the most important Yang acupoints in traditional medicine, it strengthens lung function and increases respiratory resistance. It soothes breathlessness and cough caused by asthma while being excellent for boosting immunity.
Pressing Method: Using your thumb or acupressure tool, apply vertical pressure at light to moderate intensity for 30 seconds. Repeat 10 times while taking deep breaths. Practice morning and evening for best results.
2. Tanzhong — CV17
Location: The center of the chest, on the midline between the two nipples. It’s located on the breastbone, in the space between the 4th ribs.
Effect: It promotes Qi circulation between the lungs and heart, immediately relieving sudden breathing difficulty during asthma attacks. It also alleviates chest tightness and anxiety.
Pressing Method: Use your middle or thumb finger to gently press and release repeatedly in a vertical motion. Press for 3-5 seconds, then rest for 2 seconds, continuing for a total of 1 minute. This point can also be used as an emergency acupoint in urgent situations.
3. Chize — LU5
Location: The upper arm, above the elbow crease. When the arm is extended, it’s located on the thumb side of the inner elbow crease (lateral to the biceps tendon).
Effect: A major point on the lung meridian, it soothes not only asthma but also cough, phlegm, and wheezing. It directly strengthens lung function and is excellent for preventing respiratory diseases.
Pressing Method: Use the thumb of the opposite hand to press toward the point. Press for 30 seconds, rest for 3 seconds, and repeat 10 times. Perform on both arms. Press 2-3 times during the day for best effectiveness.
4. Quepen — ST12
Location: In the center of the hollow above the collarbone (clavicle), approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) lateral to the midline of the chest. It’s in the hollow depression above the collarbone near the neck.
Effect: It supports lung function and relieves bronchial constriction. It particularly prevents worsening of asthma caused by cold air and alleviates discomfort in the chest and throat.
Pressing Method: Use your index and middle fingers on both sides to gently massage in circular motions. Continue for 30 seconds on one side and 1 minute on both sides total. Pressing this point before bed helps prevent nighttime asthma flare-ups.
5. Zhiyang — GV9
Location: The center of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra. It’s located lower than Dachu (GV14), in the hollow space below the spine in the middle of the chest area.
Effect: It reinforces Qi in the lungs and bronchi and is effective for fundamental treatment of chronic asthma. By strengthening immune function, it reduces the frequency of asthma attacks.
Pressing Method: Use an acupressure tool or rounded handle to slowly rub this area up and down. Perform for 1 minute at a time until you feel warmth. It’s good to do this after stretching in the morning.
5-Minute Self Routine
Morning (30 minutes after waking): Dachu (GV14) 30 seconds × 10 repetitions → Chize (LU5) both arms 1 minute each → Zhiyang (GV9) 1 minute (total 5 minutes)
Evening (30 minutes before bed): Tanzhong (CV17) 1 minute → Quepen (ST12) both sides 1 minute → Dachu (GV14) 30 seconds × 10 repetitions (total 5 minutes)
By consistently practicing this routine, you’ll notice easier breathing and significantly reduced asthma attack frequency after 2-3 weeks. Especially during seasonal changes or sudden weather shifts, pre-emptive pressing of these points is highly effective for prevention.
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