5 Acupoints Beneficial for Both Cough and Arm Pain

Introduction

If you experience cough and arm pain at the same time, you’ll understand how inconvenient it is for daily life. With each cough, your arm tingles, and each arm movement worsens the cough—a vicious cycle. This is not simply two symptoms overlapping, but a signal that your body’s qi circulation is blocked. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are effective acupoints that can relieve both symptoms together.

5 Acupoints for Cough and Arm Pain

1. Quchi (Pool at the Bend) — LI11

Location: When your elbow is bent at 90 degrees, at the outer end of the crease on the thumb side—in the depressed area. If you wrap your opposite hand around your arm, your thumb lands exactly at this point.

Effects: Quchi is an important acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian, excellent for stopping cough and clearing heat from the throat. At the same time, it relieves arm tension, reduces elbow pain, and alleviates rigidity in the upper arm muscles. It also improves fever symptoms.

Pressure technique: Gently massage in circular motions with your opposite thumb for 1-2 minutes. A slight sensation of discomfort is most effective. Perform 2-3 times daily, in the morning and evening.

2. Dazhui (Great Vertebra) — GV14

Location: The depressed area (indentation) directly below the most prominent bone when you lower your head (the 7th cervical vertebra). Find the 7th cervical vertebra by putting your hand behind your neck, then press one level below it.

Effects: Dazhui is an important acupoint where the Governing Vessel meets all Yang meridians. It fundamentally controls cough, strengthens lung function, and boosts immunity. It also promotes qi circulation in the upper body, simultaneously addressing arm pain and numbness. It is particularly effective for early-stage colds and chronic cough.

Pressure technique: It is difficult to apply pressure by yourself, so ask a family member or use a massage stick with a handle to press firmly and hold for 5 seconds, repeating 10 times. Applying a warm compress is also effective.

3. Tanzhong (Middle of the Chest) — CV17

Location: On the sternum in the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (the 4th intercostal space). At a height where you can press with your index finger by bringing both hands together.

Effects: Tanzhong is the center of the respiratory system and an important acupoint on the Pericardium meridian. It calms cough and improves asthma or chest tightness. At the same time, it promotes qi circulation of the heart and lungs, improves blood flow to the arms, and relieves arm pain. It also eliminates chest tightness caused by stress.

Pressure technique: Sit in a comfortable position and gently press the center of your chest with your overlapped index and middle fingers. Maintain pressure for 2-3 seconds while slowly exhaling, and repeat 10-15 times. Be careful not to press too hard.

4. Lieque (Broken Sequence) — LU7

Location: When you bring both arms forward and cross them in an X shape, 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) above the inner wrist crease of the upper arm, directly above the radial styloid process (the bone on the thumb side of your wrist).

Effects: Lieque is an important acupoint on the Lung meridian and most quickly relieves cough and sore throat. It activates lung function and deepens breathing. Through the meridian pathway, it also relieves pain and stiffness throughout the entire arm, and is particularly effective for numbness symptoms in the upper extremities.

Pressure technique: Find Lieque with your opposite thumb and press firmly, holding for 3-5 seconds. Gently massage in circular motions for 1 minute. You can apply pressure anytime, even while out, making it the most practical acupoint.

5. Fenglong (Abundant Bulge) — ST40

Location: On the lateral side of the shin below the knee. About 8 cun (approximately 24 cm) below the highest bone below the knee (the lateral condyle), at about 3 cm lateral to the tibia (shin bone).

Effects: Fenglong is an important acupoint on the Gallbladder meridian, called the “treasury of phlegm.” It removes hot phlegm to stop cough and improves stomach function, promoting overall qi circulation. By promoting circulation in the lower extremities while regulating qi rising to the upper body, it relieves arm pain and general upper extremity conditions.

Pressure technique: Sit comfortably, find the Fenglong point with your fingers, press firmly and hold for 5 seconds, then release—repeat this. Perform 15-20 times on one leg, then do both legs. If you apply pressure in the evening, your sleep quality will also improve.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Morning routine (focus on improving cough): ① Press Lieque (LU7) for 1 minute ② Press Quchi (LI11) for 1 minute ③ Dazhui (GV14) – apply warm compress for 5 minutes. Doing this in the morning makes breathing easier throughout the day.

Evening routine (focus on relieving arm pain): ① Press Fenglong (ST40) on both sides for 1 minute ② Press Tanzhong (CV17) for 1 minute ③ Press Quchi (LI11) on both sides for 1 minute. Following this routine in the evening relieves arm fatigue and reduces nighttime cough.

Emergency pressure when symptoms are acute: When cough is severe, pressing Lieque → Quchi → Tanzhong in order for 30 seconds each provides quick relief.