Introduction
When a cough persists, the shoulders and neck area become stiff, and conversely, when the shoulders are tense, breathing becomes shallow, which worsens the cough. These two symptoms are actually part of one cycle. In traditional medicine, there are effective acupoints for this situation, and with proper acupressure, both symptoms can be improved together.
5 Acupoints That Help with Cough and Shoulder Pain
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you lower your head, you can find it in the depression just below the most prominent bone at the back of the neck.
Benefits: Strengthens lung function and boosts immunity to calm coughs. At the same time, it relieves tension in the back and shoulders and eases muscle tightness. It also excels at restoring overall vitality.
How to apply: Slowly press vertically with your thumb and stimulate for 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times until you feel a warm sensation.
2. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: Located on the sternum at the midpoint of a line connecting both nipples. Since it is at the level of the 4th intercostal space, you can find it by moving your finger downward from below the collarbone.
Benefits: A key acupoint for respiratory conditions that quickly calms coughs. It also relieves chest tightness and eases shoulder tension caused by stress.
How to apply: Overlap your index and middle fingers and gently press vertically for 40 seconds. Repeat 3 times while breathing slowly.
3. Lieque — LU7
Location: Located about 1.5 cun (approximately 2 centimeters) above the wrist crease. You can find it by extending your arm and locating the area above the bone on the thumb side of the wrist.
Benefits: Directly connected to the lungs, this point provides immediate relief from coughs and cold symptoms. It helps release neck tension and supports shoulder pain relief.
How to apply: Press firmly with your opposite hand’s thumb and stimulate for 1 minute. Alternate between both arms until you feel warmth.
4. Fenglong — ST40
Location: Located on the outer side below the knee. From the outer edge of the ankle bone, move upward toward the knee about 8 cun (approximately 24 centimeters), and then move outward from the tibia about 2 cun (approximately 3 centimeters).
Benefits: A key point for phlegm removal that helps expel mucus and phlegm that cause coughs. It relieves upper body tension and improves shoulder stiffness.
How to apply: Massage in circular motions with your thumb for 50 seconds. Stimulate both legs twice.
5. Waiguan — TE5
Location: Located about 2 cun (approximately 3 centimeters) above the back of the wrist crease. When your fingers are extended, it is located in the middle between the radius and ulna.
Benefits: A key point for relieving upper body symptoms that releases tension in the neck and shoulders. It strengthens immunity to help with cough recovery and relieves overall body pain.
How to apply: Gently press and release with your opposite hand’s thumb, repeating for 45 seconds. Alternate between both arms.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Try this routine when you wake up in the morning or before bed at night. First, stimulate Dazhui (GV14) for 30 seconds to establish the foundation. Next, press Shanzhong (CV17) for 40 seconds to deepen your breathing. Then stimulate both Lieque (LU7) points on your wrists for 1 minute each. Stimulate Fenglong (ST40) on both legs for 50 seconds each to remove phlegm. Finally, press Waiguan (TE5) on both arms for 45 seconds each to finish. The entire routine takes about 5 minutes, and with consistent daily practice, you can feel improvement effects from the first week.
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