Introduction
If you experience persistent coughing along with pain in the face or jaw area, this is a combined condition resulting from reduced lung function and insufficient qi circulation. In traditional Chinese medicine, these symptoms are closely interconnected, and by stimulating specific acupoints, both conditions can be improved together.
Five Beneficial Acupoints for Cough and Facial Pain
1. Ligustrum (合谷) — LI4
Location: The most sensitive point between the fingers. When you bring your thumb and index finger together, there is a depression that marks Ligustrum. More precisely, it is at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone—directly below the highest point of the finger bones between the thumb and index finger when the hand is open.
Benefits: Ligustrum belongs to the Large Intestine meridian and is very effective at stopping cough. It is particularly excellent at relieving facial pain, toothache, and headaches. It also enhances immunity and improves overall qi circulation.
Pressure Technique: Using the thumb of the opposite hand, apply slow pressure toward Ligustrum. Press until you feel slight discomfort, hold for 3–5 seconds, then release. Repeat for 1 minute. Treat both hands.
2. Dazhui (大椎) — GV14
Location: Located at the back of the neck. When you bend your head forward, the most protruding bone at the back of the neck (the seventh cervical vertebra) becomes visible. The depression directly below the spinous process of that vertebra is Dazhui.
Benefits: Dazhui belongs to the Governing Vessel and is an important acupoint that regulates yang qi throughout the body. It stops cough, strengthens lung function, and relieves pain near the neck and shoulders. It is also effective for preventing colds through enhanced immunity.
Pressure Technique: Since this location is at the back of the neck, direct stimulation is challenging. Apply a heating pad, or gently massage in circular motions with a massage stick. Alternatively, lightly press and release repeatedly with two warm fingers. Perform 2–3 times daily, 3 minutes each time.
3. Tanzhong (膻中) — CV17
Location: Located at the center of the chest. It is exactly at the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples—at the fourth intercostal space (below the fourth rib) on the breastbone. Find it by following down the center of the chest until you locate the depression.
Benefits: Tanzhong belongs to the Conception Vessel and is the most important acupoint for respiratory health and lung function. It is very effective at relieving chronic cough, eliminates chest tightness, and makes breathing easier. It also calms the mind and body, alleviating facial pain caused by stress.
Pressure Technique: Since this is at the center of the chest, apply gentle stimulation. Using your middle finger, apply slow pressure to Tanzhong, starting with light force and holding for 5–10 seconds. Repeat for 2–3 minutes. Massage with warm hands before bed for enhanced effectiveness.
4. Lieque (列缺) — LU7
Location: Located on the wrist. It is about 1.5 cun (approximately 1.5 cm) above the wrist crease on the palm side. More precisely, it is directly above the radial styloid process (the wrist bone on the thumb side). When you cross your hands in an X shape, the depression where your index finger touches marks this point.
Benefits: Lieque belongs to the Lung meridian and is a key acupoint for respiratory health. It is very effective for cough, asthma, sore throat, and other upper respiratory conditions, and also improves dry throat symptoms. It can also relieve facial neuralgia and facial pain caused by eye strain.
Pressure Technique: Apply gentle pressure toward Lieque using your thumb. Press until you feel slight soreness, hold for 3 seconds, then release. Repeat for 1 minute on each hand. Since the wrist is a sensitive area, avoid excessive stimulation.
5. Fenglong (豐隆) — ST40
Location: Located on the shin. Moving downward from the lateral side below the knee toward the ankle, Fenglong is 8 cun (approximately 24 cm) above the lateral malleolus (the outer end of the shin). It is about 2 finger-widths to the outer side of the tibia (shinbone).
Benefits: Fenglong belongs to the Stomach meridian and strengthens the respiratory and immune systems. It is effective at removing cough and phlegm, and is particularly excellent for cough caused by damp phlegm. It also relieves facial swelling and facial neuralgia, improving overall qi flow to reduce pain.
Pressure Technique: Lie down and bend your knee slightly. Using the thumb of the opposite hand, apply deep, slow pressure toward Fenglong. Hold for 5–10 seconds, then release. Repeat for 1–2 minutes on both legs. Stimulation to the point of mild discomfort is most effective.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
5-Minute Acupressure Routine for Cough and Facial Pain Relief
Step 1 (1 minute): Stimulate both Ligustrum points (LI4) simultaneously—alternately press and release with your thumbs. Focus on relieving facial neuralgia.
Step 2 (1 minute): Stimulate both Lieque points (LU7)—press with your thumbs to a point of slight discomfort to calm the respiratory system. This is optimal for suppressing cough.
Step 3 (1 minute): Massage Tanzhong (CV17)—gently massage the center of the chest in circular motions with your middle finger to ease breathing. Focus on strengthening lung function.
Step 4 (1 minute): Stimulate both Fenglong points (ST40)—lie down and press deeply with your thumbs to improve qi circulation throughout the body. The goal is to eliminate damp phlegm.
Step 5 (1 minute): Warm massage of Dazhui (GV14)—gently massage the Dazhui area at the back of the neck with warm fingers to boost immunity.
Application Tips: Best performed 1–2 times daily, one hour after meals. Avoid excessive stimulation, and stop immediately if discomfort occurs. Treatment with warm hands is more effective.
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