Dealing with Cough and Sore Throat? These 5 Points Can Help

Introduction

When the seasons change, cough and sore throat often appear together. Did you know that simple acupressure can relieve symptoms before taking medication? By pressing 5 acupoints proven in both the Dongui Bogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) and modern clinical practice, you can quickly restore respiratory health.

5 Acupoints That Help with Cough and Sore Throat

1. Fengchi (風池) — GB20

Location: Located in the hollow depression below the occipital bone, at the junction of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. You can find it at a point about 2-3cm down from below the back of both ears.

Benefits: Immediately relieves neck stiffness and calms coughing. Reduces chills and fever from colds, and is especially effective when cough accompanies migraines. It reduces inflammation of the respiratory tract mucosa and aids in phlegm discharge.

Acupressure technique: Place both thumbs on Fengchi and apply slow circular pressure 5-10 times. Start with light pressure and gradually increase the intensity. It’s effective to perform this 3-4 times per day, 1-2 minutes each time.

2. Dazhui (大椎) — GV14

Location: In the hollow depression below the most prominent bone when you bend your neck forward (the 7th cervical vertebra). It’s located on the midline of the spine, at the boundary between the neck and upper back.

Benefits: Strengthens the respiratory system and removes the root cause of coughing. Boosts immunity to promote recovery from colds and revitalizes the body’s overall energy. It also addresses whole-body fatigue that appears alongside neck stiffness.

Acupressure technique: Locate the Dazhui acupoint with your middle finger or thumb, then gently press downward 10 times. Use gentle pressure that feels warm rather than strong stimulation. Perform this every morning and evening.

3. Tanzhong (膻中) — CV17

Location: The center of the breastbone, at the point where the line connecting both nipples intersects (the 4th intercostal space). It’s located in the center of the chest and is easy to find.

Benefits: Makes breathing deeper and easier, relieving chest tightness caused by coughing. Calms the anxiety and chest tightness that appear alongside sore throat, and promotes mental and physical stability. It promotes regeneration of respiratory tract mucosa damaged by coughing.

Acupressure technique: Lie flat on your back, locate Tanzhong with your middle finger, and maintain gentle but steady pressure for 30 seconds. Then perform 5 circular clockwise massages. Do this 2-3 times per day. Performing this before sleep helps improve sleep disruption caused by coughing.

4. Liequan (列缺) — LU7

Location: Located 1.5 cun (about 2cm) above the wrist crease, on the radial (thumb-side) forearm bone, above the radial styloid process. It’s in the hollow depression when you slightly bend your wrist.

Benefits: Directly strengthens lung function to quickly calm coughing. Relieves sore throat that appears with nasal congestion and is particularly effective for chronic cough. It improves breathing difficulty and phlegm discharge.

Acupressure technique: Extend one arm and locate Liequan with the opposite thumb, then apply circular pressure 10 times. The appropriate intensity is when you feel a slight tingling sensation. Perform on both arms for 1 minute each, and repeat 3-4 times per day.

5. Fenglong (豐隆) — ST40

Location: Located about 8 cun (approximately 24cm) down from the outer upper end of the knee (lateral knee) toward the ankle, at a point 2 finger-widths (twice the width of the thumb) lateral to the tibia (shinbone). It’s in the center of the front of the calf.

Benefits: Fundamentally suppresses phlegm production to eliminate sputum and coughing. Improves overall respiratory function and enhances immunity. It also addresses difficulty eating caused by sore throat.

Acupressure technique: Sit down, bend your knees to expose Fenglong, then apply strong pressure with your thumb 10 times. The appropriate intensity is when you feel slight discomfort, which signals effectiveness. Perform on both legs for 1-2 minutes each.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

An easy 5-minute routine you can do even on a busy morning. ① Fengchi (1 minute): Apply circular pressure to the back of the neck with both thumbs ② Dazhui (30 seconds): Press the center of the upper back downward with your fingers ③ Tanzhong (1 minute): Gently massage the center of the chest in circular motions ④ Liequan (1 minute): Alternately apply circular pressure to both wrists ⑤ Fenglong (1 minute 30 seconds): Apply strong pressure to both calves. Repeating this routine twice daily (morning and evening) will result in noticeable improvement of cough and sore throat within 3-5 days.