Where Asthma Meets Acupoint Therapy
Asthma symptoms—breathlessness at night and wheezing with even slight movement—significantly reduce quality of life. Traditional medicine views this as a deficiency of lung qi (vital energy). Modern stress, exposure to cold air, and overwork weaken lung function, leading to recurring breathing difficulties.
Fortunately, our body has special points that directly regulate lung function—acupoints. By stimulating these acupoints, circulation of qi and blood improves and lung resilience increases, reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. The greatest appeal of acupoint pressing is that you can protect your own health with just your fingers, without relying solely on medication.
5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma Relief
1️⃣ Tiantu (天突, CV22) — Specific Point for Asthma
Location: Located in the hollow area above the collarbone on the front of the neck. It’s directly above the point where the two clavicles meet when the neck is tilted back in an inverted V-shape.
WHO Code: CV22 (22nd point on the Conception Vessel)
Effects: Tiantu is known as the most effective acupoint for asthma, cough, and sore throat. As a point directly connected to the lungs, stimulating it dilates the airways and makes breathing much easier. In particular, pressing this point at the early stage of an asthma attack can quickly relieve symptoms.
Pressing method: Overlap your two index fingers and press vertically on the Tiantu point. Apply pressure in a 1-second-on, 1-second-off rhythm for about 1 minute. Avoid pressing too hard; maintain a refreshing level of stimulation.
2️⃣ Feishu (肺俞, BL13) — Key to Strengthening Lung Function
Location: Located on the back, approximately 1.5 cm to the side of the third thoracic vertebra. It’s at the level of the upper border of the scapula when the arms are brought across the chest.
WHO Code: BL13 (13th point on the Bladder Meridian)
Effects: Feishu directly replenishes lung qi. It’s effective not just for asthma but for all respiratory conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis. With sustained stimulation, lung resilience increases and it has disease prevention benefits.
Pressing method: Since it’s difficult to reach alone, it’s recommended to ask someone else for help or to lie on a tennis ball placed on your back and use your body weight for stimulation. Apply gentle pressure for 3-5 minutes.
3️⃣ Fengmen (風門, BL12) — Respiratory Protective Shield
Location: Located on the back, approximately 1.5 cm to the side of the second thoracic vertebra. It’s at the level of the upper border of the shoulders.
WHO Code: BL12 (12th point on the Bladder Meridian)
Effects: In traditional medicine, “wind” refers to the cause of disease. Fengmen blocks external pathogenic influences (cold air, cold viruses, etc.) from entering the body. Since asthma symptoms worsen when patients catch a cold, it’s important to stimulate this acupoint to protect the respiratory system.
Pressing method: Like Feishu, this point is located on both sides of the back. If possible, seek help from someone else, or use the tennis ball method described above if pressing alone.
4️⃣ Dingchuan (定喘, EX-HN16) — Emergency Point for Asthma Attacks
Location: Located on the back of the neck, approximately 1 cm to the outside of the thick neck muscle (sternocleidomastoid muscle). It’s right next to the muscle that protrudes when the neck is tilted to the side.
WHO Code: EX-HN16 (Extra-point at the head-neck region)
Effects: The name “Dingchuan” itself means “stopping asthma.” This is an emergency point for rapid response when asthma attacks occur suddenly. It acts very quickly to improve oxygen supply and relieve airway spasms.
Pressing method: Simultaneously press both Dingchuan points on the sides of the neck with your thumbs. Press slowly, but in an acute attack situation, slightly stronger stimulation is acceptable. Continue for 2-3 minutes until breathing returns to normal.
5️⃣ Zusanli (足三里, ST36) — Boosting Immunity and Physical Strength
Location: Located below the knee, approximately 1 cm to the outside of the tibia (shinbone). It’s about 10 cm below the hollow point beneath the kneecap.
WHO Code: ST36 (36th point on the Stomach Meridian)
Effects: Zusanli is called the “universal healing point” because it enhances immunity and physical strength throughout the body. Since asthma often stems from weak lungs and overall low immunity, consistently stimulating Zusanli improves your constitution to resist disease.
Pressing method: Press Zusanli on both legs using your thumb or knuckle. Repeat circular, gentle pressing motions for 1-2 minutes. This point benefits from stronger stimulation, so apply pressure at a level that produces noticeable sensation but remains tolerable.
Maximize Results! 5-Minute Self-Massage Routine
Stimulating all acupoints together is more effective. Follow the sequence below and perform once in the morning and once in the evening:
- Tiantu (CV22) — 1 minute: Press Tiantu on the front of the neck with both index fingers. Press deeply and slowly.
- Dingchuan (EX-HN16) — 1 minute: Press Dingchuan on the sides of the neck with both thumbs.
- Zusanli (ST36) — 1.5 minutes: Alternate pressing both legs. You can do this sitting or lying down.
- Feishu (BL13) + Fengmen (BL12) — 1.5 minutes: Stimulate the back using a tennis ball or roller. You can do this leaning against a wall or lying on a bed.
- Closing breathing — 0.5 minute: Perform 10 slow, deep breaths to oxygenate your body.
⏰ Tip: Doing this before bed is effective for preventing nighttime attacks, and doing it in the morning helps you start the day with energy.
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