Introduction
Do you know how difficult it is to breathe when cough and asthma are present at the same time? Coughing that wakes you up at night, shortness of breath when climbing stairs. These symptoms significantly reduce your quality of life. In Oriental medicine, there are specific acupoints that strengthen lung function and open the airways. Rather than relying solely on medication, you can relieve symptoms by stimulating acupoints on your hands, feet, and chest.
Five Acupoints Good for Cough and Asthma
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: The depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. When you bend your head forward, it’s the hollow part below the most prominent bone at the back of your neck.
Effect: Fundamentally strengthens lung function and enhances overall immune system. It is excellent not only for relieving cough but also for preventing asthma attacks.
Pressure technique: Slowly draw circles with your thumb and apply pressure for 30 seconds. It is effective when performed three times a day after meals—morning, noon, and evening.
2. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: The midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples on the sternum. It corresponds to the fourth intercostal space and is the hollow part in the center of the chest.
Effect: Tonifies the lungs and heart and directly alleviates discomfort in the airways. It immediately relieves chest tightness and the feeling of breathlessness caused by asthma.
Pressure technique: Stand one finger upright and gently press downward vertically. Repeat for 1 minute, pressing for 5 seconds and resting for 5 seconds.
3. Lieque — LU7
Location: 1.5 cun above the wrist crease, positioned on the radial styloid process (the bone on the thumb side of the wrist).
Effect: As an acupoint that directly regulates lung function, it is very effective at stopping cough and deepening breathing. It is particularly excellent for dry cough.
Pressure technique: Draw circles with the thumb of the opposite hand and apply pressure for 1 minute. Stimulate both wrists alternately and perform 2-3 times daily.
4. Fenglong — ST40
Location: 8 cun (approximately 24 cm) down from the outer edge of the knee toward the ankle, located on the lateral side of the tibia.
Effect: Removes phlegm accumulated in the lungs and clears the airways. It has the effect of alleviating both phlegm symptoms and congestion caused by asthma.
Pressure technique: Press and release for 30 seconds each with your thumb or acupressure stick, repeating 5 times. Pressing in the evening is good for preventing nighttime cough.
5. Chize — LU5
Location: When the elbow is bent, it is located above the elbow crease, on the lateral side of the biceps tendon.
Effect: Reduces heat in the lungs and calms cough. It helps reduce inflammatory responses that accompany asthma.
Pressure technique: Press firmly with the thumb of the opposite hand for 20-30 seconds. When pressed in the morning, breathing becomes lighter throughout the day.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Step 1 (1 minute): Apply pressure to Dazhui (GV14) at the back of the neck with warm fingers for 30 seconds, then massage by drawing circles for 30 seconds.
Step 2 (1 minute): Press Shanzhong (CV17) in the center of the chest vertically for 30 seconds, then warm your chest by rubbing it with both hands.
Step 3 (1 minute): Simultaneously apply pressure to Lieque (LU7) on both wrists with your thumbs, drawing circles for 1 minute.
Step 4 (1 minute): Stimulate Fenglong (ST40) on both calves with an acupressure stick or thumb for 30 seconds each.
Step 5 (1 minute): Press Chize (LU5) on both elbows firmly for 30 seconds each and finish.
If you repeat this routine twice a day, morning and evening, you will notice your breathing becomes lighter within one week.
