Introduction
When cough and hemorrhoids occur together, they can be caused by decreased immunity or chronic stress. Cough addresses respiratory health, and hemorrhoids appear to be a separate issue requiring improved blood circulation around the anus. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, the root causes of these two symptoms are seen as “disrupted qi circulation” and “blood stagnation.” By improving overall qi circulation through appropriate acupoint stimulation, you can alleviate cough while simultaneously improving hemorrhoid symptoms.
5 Acupoints That Help Cough and Hemorrhoids
1. Baihui — GV20
Location: At the center of the crown, at the intersection of the line connecting the tops of both ears and the midline. Located at the apex of the head, you can find it by running your middle fingers up along the center of your head.
Effects: Baihui is the acupoint that governs the yang qi of the entire body, strengthening immunity and improving upper respiratory health. It alleviates not only cough but also fatigue and dizziness, while activating qi circulation throughout the body to improve lower body blood circulation.
Pressure technique: In a seated position, locate Baihui with your middle fingers, then gently press and release repeatedly at about 1-2 second intervals. Perform approximately 20 times, but avoid pressing too hard to prevent headaches—stimulate only until you feel slight discomfort.
2. Dazhui — GV14
Location: At the back of the neck, in the small indentation below the 7th cervical vertebra (the bone that protrudes most when you bend your head forward). Find it by placing your fingers at the back of your neck and moving downward until you locate the most prominent bone, then the hollow area below it is Dazhui.
Effects: Dazhui is known as the “foundation of yang qi” that governs the body’s overall immunity. It directly alleviates cough from respiratory infection, while simultaneously promoting intestinal peristalsis to improve constipation and hemorrhoid symptoms. It also activates metabolism.
Pressure technique: Looking in a mirror to verify the back of your neck, use your middle fingers to gently press Dazhui continuously for 3-5 seconds. Perform 2-3 times daily with 10-15 repetitions per session for effective results.
3. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: At the center of the chest, exactly midway between the two nipples in the 4th intercostal space (between the ribs) on the breastbone. Identify the position of both nipples with your fingers, then follow the middle line downward to find the space between the ribs.
Effects: Shanzhong is an acupoint that regulates heart and lung function, making it highly effective for improving respiratory health. It alleviates cough, asthma, and chest tightness while strengthening the immune system. It also provides emotional stabilization and stress relief, simultaneously improving stress-induced cough and worsened hemorrhoid symptoms.
Pressure technique: Lie in a comfortable position and gently press Shanzhong with your middle fingers. Alternate between pressing for about 1-2 seconds and resting for 1 second, performing 20-30 repetitions per session, twice daily. Adjust to a comfortable pressure level to avoid discomfort.
4. Lieque — LU7
Location: On the outer side of the forearm, approximately 1.5 cun (about 2cm) above the wrist crease, right next to the thumb bone. When you slightly bend your wrist, there is a small depression on the inner side of the wrist, and this point is located above it.
Effects: Lieque is called the “confluent point of the lung meridian” and directly controls respiratory health. It is a highly effective acupoint for rapidly alleviating respiratory conditions such as cough, common cold, and asthma. Through its meridian connection with the large intestine, it also promotes bowel movement, preventing constipation and worsening of hemorrhoids.
Pressure technique: Extend one arm, then locate Lieque with the thumb of your other hand and press for about 2-3 seconds. Repeat gently pressing and releasing until you feel slight soreness, performing 10-15 repetitions per arm, 2-3 times daily.
5. Fenglong — ST40
Location: On the outer side of the lower leg below the knee, approximately 8 cun (about 24cm) down from the outer end of the kneecap toward the ankle, on the outside of the shinbone. It is located about twice the width of your finger outward from the center line.
Effects: Fenglong is an acupoint that regulates stomach function while simultaneously improving lower body circulation. Through intestinal gas elimination and promoted bowel movement, it effectively alleviates constipation and hemorrhoids. It also strengthens the immune system to improve cough symptoms from respiratory infection, and helps relieve lower body swelling and fatigue.
Pressure technique: In a seated position, extend one leg, then use your thumb to press Fenglong. Repeat pressing firmly for 3-5 seconds followed by release, performing 15-20 repetitions per leg. Perform 1-2 times daily, especially in the evening for improved bowel movement the following morning.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning routine (focused on cough relief): (1) Gently press Baihui 20 times (30 seconds) → (2) Repeat pressing Dazhui 10 times (20 seconds) → (3) Rhythmically press Shanzhong 30 times (60 seconds) → (4) Press Lieque on both sides, 15 times each (60 seconds). This routine helps alleviate cough symptoms and start your day with energy.
Evening routine (focused on improving overall circulation and hemorrhoid relief): (1) Baihui 20 times (30 seconds) → (2) Shanzhong 20 times (40 seconds) → (3) Press Fenglong on both sides, 20 times each (80 seconds) → (4) Dazhui 10 times (20 seconds). Performing this routine in the evening activates intestinal peristalsis throughout the night, facilitating morning bowel movement and gradually alleviating hemorrhoid symptoms.
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