5 Acupoints That Help with Cough and Sore Throat at the Same Time

Introduction

Cough and sore throat that come with every season change greatly interfere with daily life. Especially when both symptoms appear together, it’s difficult to eat or speak. Before relying only on cold medicine from pharmacies, try using the natural healing points already in your body. Through acupressure on acupoints verified over a long time and recorded in the Donguibogam, you can relieve both cough and sore throat at the same time.

5 Great Acupoints for Cough and Sore Throat

1. Hegu (Union Valley) — LI4

Location: Located in the depression between the thumb and index finger, precisely at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. Open the thumb and index finger of one hand, then find the highest point between them.

Effects: Hegu is called a “universal acupoint” because it has diverse benefits. It particularly relieves cough and sore throat symptoms quickly, and improves overall discomfort caused by colds. It also excels at strengthening immunity and reducing inflammation.

Acupressure method: Using the thumb of the opposite hand, press the Hegu area firmly while making circular motions for 30 seconds. It’s effective to stimulate to the point of feeling discomfort. Repeat 3-4 times a day, 1-2 minutes each time.

2. Quchi (Pool at the Bend) — LI11

Location: When the arm is bent, it’s located at the outer end of the elbow crease, specifically at the thumb side end. When the arm is completely bent, the most protruding part is Quchi.

Effects: Quchi is very effective at regulating body temperature and reducing heat. It relieves chest tightness caused by coughing, removes the heat sensation of sore throat, and quickly recovers whole body fatigue caused by colds.

Acupressure method: Using the thumb of the opposite hand, press Quchi firmly. While repeating slight arm extension motions, apply acupressure for 30 seconds. Acupressure 3 times a day, after breakfast, lunch, and dinner is most effective.

3. Taixi (Great Stream) — KI3

Location: The depression between the inner ankle bone of the foot and the Achilles tendon. When you feel the inside of your ankle, you’ll find the point where your finger sinks between the bone and tendon—that’s Taixi.

Effects: Taixi is an acupoint that strengthens kidney function and enhances immunity. Since the kidneys are closely related to respiratory health, acupressure on Taixi can fundamentally relieve coughing. It also helps improve chronic sore throat.

Acupressure method: Repeat firmly pressing and releasing Taixi with your thumb (stimulation rather than acupressure). Continue for about 1 minute, and perform twice a day (morning and evening). If you feel your foot becoming warm, that’s a sign the treatment is working.

4. Dazhui (Great Vertebra) — GV14

Location: When you bow your head at the back of the neck, it’s located in the depression directly below the most protruding bone (the seventh cervical vertebra). Find the point where the neck and back meet, and that’s Dazhui.

Effects: Dazhui is an acupoint directly connected to the lungs and is the most important point for respiratory health. It quickly calms coughing, relieves sore throat symptoms, and removes body aches and chills caused by colds.

Acupressure method: Place your hand at the back of your neck and press the Dazhui area firmly with your thumb (or middle finger). Apply acupressure in a circular motion clockwise for 30 seconds, then counterclockwise for 30 seconds. Perform 2-3 times a day, and acupressure especially before bed helps reduce coughing through the night.

5. Tanzhong (Hall of Chest) — CV17

Location: Located on the sternum (center bone of the chest), at the exact midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (the fourth intercostal space). As you brush your finger down the center of your chest, you can find the depression.

Effects: Tanzhong has a direct effect on relieving cough and sore throat. It relieves tension in the chest, deepens breathing, and removes chest pain caused by coughing. It also helps with psychological stability and reduces anxiety.

Acupressure method: Repeat pressing and releasing Tanzhong vertically with your middle finger. Continue for about 1 minute, but it’s more important to maintain consistent pressure rather than pressing hard. Perform 3 times a day, especially whenever coughing is severe.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Step 1 (1 minute): Sit or lie in a comfortable position and repeat deep breathing 3 times.

Step 2 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to Hegu (LI4) on both hands, 30 seconds each. Press firmly while repeating circular motions.

Step 3 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to Quchi (LI11) on both arms, 30 seconds each. It’s more effective when done with slight arm extension motions.

Step 4 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to Dazhui (GV14) and Tanzhong (CV17), 30 seconds each. Stimulate the back of the neck and center of the chest with circular motions.

Step 5 (1 minute): Stimulate Taixi (KI3) on both feet, 30 seconds each. Proceed with quick stimulation rather than acupressure.

Tips: If you repeat this routine 2-3 times a day (morning, afternoon, evening, or whenever coughing is severe), you can feel symptom improvement within 3-5 days. It’s even better when done while drinking warm water.