Five Acupressure Points to Improve Asthma and Anemia Simultaneously: Integrated Respiratory-Circulatory Acupressure Method

Why Do Symptoms Worsen When Asthma and Anemia Occur Together?

When shallow breathing from asthma prevents proper oxygen exchange in the lungs, and anemia already reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, these two problems compound. When they overlap, oxygen reaching the brain and muscles drops sharply, causing fatigue that is 2-3 times worse than typical anemia.

In traditional Chinese medicine, this is seen as a “combined syndrome of insufficient lung qi and impaired qi-blood circulation.” Therefore, rather than treating only the respiratory system or improving only blood circulation, it is more effective to stimulate acupressure points that strengthen both systems simultaneously.

Five Acupressure Points Effective for Asthma and Anemia: Location, Effects, and Acupressure Method

The following five acupressure points show the fastest symptom improvement in clinical practice. They are categorized for respiratory function strengthening (CV17, LU5), whole-body qi-blood circulation (GV14, GV9), and breath relief (ST12), but all show synergistic effects when stimulated together.

1. Conception Vessel 17 (CV17): Emergency Acupressure Point for Asthma

Conclusion: This acupressure point offers the fastest calming effect when breathing difficulties are severe.

Location: At the center of the sternum, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (4th intercostal space). If you place your finger below the center of your chest at the level of your nipples, you can easily find it.

Effects: CV17 is an acupressure point that directly regulates cardiac and pulmonary function, normalizing lung qi and stabilizing heart rate. When this acupressure point is stimulated during an asthma attack with rapid breathing, you can feel your breathing calm down within 30 seconds to 1 minute. At the same time, blood circulation improves, and dizziness from anemia also subsides quickly.

Acupressure method: Apply one finger joint deep into the chest, then repeat pressing and releasing in a rhythmic manner. The ideal depth is about “a slight gentle pressure sensation.” Continue for 1 minute, and if you slowly press while breathing, the calming effect increases more than twofold. You can use this method for emergency management when asthma symptoms suddenly appear.

2. Lung 5 (LU5): Direct Lung Function Enhancement

Conclusion: This acupressure point manages venous blood in the lung meridian and is most direct in improving cough and breathing difficulties.

Location: When your arm is extended and palm facing upward, it is located at the thumb-side end of the inner elbow crease. As you touch the inside of your elbow and follow the crease line, you can feel a hollow point where bone and muscle meet.

Effects: LU5 is classified as a confluent point on the lung meridian (an important acupressure point for all meridians) and directly regulates lung qi. It improves not only cough and breathing difficulties from asthma, but also strengthens the lung’s oxygen exchange capacity itself, compensating for oxygen deficiency from anemia. According to clinical observations, consistent stimulation of LU5 shows notable improvement in breathing depth within 2 weeks.

Acupressure method: Find LU5 with the opposite thumb, then apply slow rotational acupressure in small circular motions. The appropriate pressure level is where “a warming sensation spreads throughout the arm.” Perform for 30 seconds per session, 2-3 times daily, and you will see breathing improvement effects after 1 week.

3. Governing Vessel 14 (GV14): Center of Whole-Body Qi-Blood Circulation

Conclusion: This acupressure point provides the most comprehensive benefit for improving both asthma and anemia symptoms. It is especially essential for chronic conditions.

Location: When you bend your head forward, it is directly below the most protruding bone at the base of the neck (7th cervical vertebra), in the hollow indentation. If you wrap both hands around the back of your neck and follow the vertebrae downward, you can easily find it.

Effects: GV14, called “the meeting point of all yang qi,” strengthens lung function while simultaneously promoting whole-body qi-blood circulation. This not only improves breathing but makes blood flow from the heart stronger, fundamentally addressing fatigue and oxygen deficiency from anemia. For people with chronic asthma and anemia, stimulation of GV14 amplifies the effects of all other acupressure points.

Acupressure method: Overlap both thumbs and press GV14 perpendicularly, then slowly repeat 3 times for 10 seconds each. If you feel a warm sensation spreading throughout your back during acupressure, your pressure is accurate. Practicing once in the morning and once in the evening as a habit will significantly improve whole-body fatigue after 2 weeks.

4. Governing Vessel 9 (GV9): Auxiliary Acupressure Point for Cardiac and Pulmonary Function Enhancement

Conclusion: When performed together with GV14, breathing depth and blood circulation speed improve dramatically.

Location: When both arms are brought forward, it is directly below the most protruding part of the spine in the center of the back (7th thoracic vertebra), in the hollow area. You can find it by following the center line of the spine downward from GV14.

Effects: GV9 is an acupressure point that directly promotes circulation in the thoracic vertebra area where the heart and lungs are located. By further improving chest blood flow beyond what GV14 alone provides, it more rapidly alleviates asthma symptoms. Low blood pressure and dizziness from anemia also improve significantly with stimulation of this acupressure point.

Acupressure method: Place warm hands on GV9 and apply 10-second pressing while taking deep breaths, repeating 5 times. Light pressing with warm fingers is more effective than strong acupressure. Similar effects can be expected by applying moxa or a heating pad for 10 minutes.

5. Stomach 12 (ST12): Immediate Relief of Respiratory Compression

Conclusion: This point most rapidly alleviates chest congestion and respiratory discomfort from asthma.

Location: Approximately 4 cun (12 cm) outward (toward the shoulder) from the center of the hollow above the clavicle. You can find it by moving your finger along the clavicle and locating the most obvious hollow area.

Effects: ST12 is an acupressure point that relieves respiratory qi, immediately alleviating chest congestion and breathing difficulties from asthma. Simultaneously, it promotes circulation of blood vessels passing below ST12, improving oxygen deficiency from anemia. Although this acupressure point produces a less direct sensation than CV17, LU5, GV14, and GV9, it is essential for long-term respiratory health improvement.

Acupressure method: Gently press both ST12 points simultaneously with your thumbs, hold for 15 seconds, then slowly release. You don’t need to apply much force; light pressure is sufficient. Practicing once in the morning and once in the evening will make breathing noticeably easier.

Symptom-Specific Acupressure Strategies

You don’t need to stimulate all acupressure points every day. It is more effective to set priorities based on your current symptoms and apply acupressure accordingly.

When breathing difficulties are severe (priority order): Stimulate CV17 → LU5 → ST12 in sequence. This combination provides immediate breathing stabilization effects.

When fatigue and dizziness are severe: Stimulate GV14 → GV9 → CV17 in sequence. Focus on whole-body qi-blood circulation, and finishing with CV17 to enhance cardiac and pulmonary function is effective.

For chronic symptom improvement (long-term management): Stimulate all five points daily, dividing them as GV14 and GV9 in the morning and CV17, LU5, and ST12 in the evening, aligning with your body’s natural rhythm.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine for Asthma and Anemia

The following routine is designed to simultaneously stimulate the respiratory and circulatory systems. It is best to perform it immediately after waking in the morning or 1 hour before bedtime in the evening.

1. Step 1 (1 minute): Rub both hands together to warm them, then place your fingers on GV14 and apply slow circular acupressure for 1 minute. Take deep, slow breaths during this time to relax your body. Success is indicated by feeling warmth around the spine.
2. Step 2 (1 minute): Press CV17 rhythmically. Touch the chest with one finger joint, then repeat pressing and releasing for 1 minute with a “1-second press, 1-second release” rhythm. During this process, you should feel chest congestion releasing.
3. Step 3 (1 minute 30 seconds): Apply rotational acupressure to both LU5 points simultaneously. Use the opposite thumb to massage the inside of the elbow in small circular motions. Stimulating both arms simultaneously ensures balanced improvement in both lung functions.
4. Step 4 (1 minute): Gently press both ST12 points simultaneously, hold for 15 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this process 3-4 times. Be conscious of the warming sensation in the clavicle area and easier breathing.
5. Step 5 (30 seconds): Finally, gently tap the GV9 point in the center of the back with your finger knuckles for 30 seconds. This completes the routine as warmth spreads throughout your back.

Timeline of results: By performing this routine daily, you will notice slightly deeper breathing after 1 week, and clearly reduced fatigue during daily activities after 2-3 weeks. The frequency of asthma attacks also gradually decreases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is it safe to apply acupressure alone when asthma symptoms flare up?

Yes, it is actually recommended. Stimulation of CV17 is the fastest emergency measure. When breathing becomes rapid, immediately pressing CV17 for 30 seconds to 1 minute produces a noticeable breathing stabilization effect. However, severe asthma attacks (where lips turn blue or consciousness becomes unclear) require immediate medical attention. Acupressure is a supplementary measure and cannot replace emergency medical treatment.

Q. How many times per day and for how long should I apply acupressure for maximum effect?

The basic recommendation is 1-2 times daily for 30 seconds to 1 minute per acupressure point. During periods of severe symptoms (frequent asthma attacks or extreme fatigue), you may apply acupressure up to 3 times daily. However, unlimited stimulation of the same point is not helpful, so limit to a maximum of 3 times daily and supplement the remaining time with adequate sleep and proper nutrition, which are important.

Q. Is it safe to combine acupressure with anemia medication I’m currently taking?

Yes, it is safe to use them together. Acupressure does not interact with medications and actually supports their effects. When medication supplements blood iron levels and acupressure simultaneously improves blood circulation, the medication’s effects appear more rapidly. However, if you are taking anticoagulants (warfarin, high-dose aspirin, etc.), it is wise to avoid excessive pressure during acupressure.

Q. When will I see results?

Acupressure results vary by individual. Immediate breathing stabilization (minutes) appears with CV17 stimulation, but chronic symptom improvement requires 2-3 weeks. Reduced asthma frequency becomes noticeably apparent after 4-6 weeks of consistent practice. Consistency is most important, so please don’t give up if you see no results in 1-2 weeks—practice daily for at least 4 weeks or longer.

Q. Is it normal to feel pain during acupressure?

Slight tenderness (slight soreness when pressed) is normal and even signals that you have found the correct acupressure point. However, severe pain or pressure strong enough to cause bruising should be avoided. Acupressure is ideally performed with “a warming sensation” and “gentle pressure.” If pain is severe, reduce the pressure and proceed more slowly.

Q. Is acupressure necessary if I’m already using asthma medication (inhalers)?

Yes, it is recommended. Inhalers excel at rapidly alleviating acute symptoms but have limitations in fundamentally improving chronic asthma. Combining acupressure can reduce inhaler usage frequency and provide long-term lung function improvement.

Precautions and Contraindications

Next Steps: Complete Asthma and Anemia Management

The 5-minute routine above alone can produce significant symptom improvement, but understanding additional Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches can be even more effective. You can learn more about lung-function-specific acupressure points in the Guide to Five Additional Acupressure Points for Asthma Symptom Relief. Additionally, the Complete Guide to Acupressure for Anemia Improvement provides a customized routine focused solely on improving anemia.

In addition to acupressure, regular aerobic exercise, consuming iron-rich foods, and getting sufficient sleep are also important. Respiratory and circulatory health improve through harmony of the entire body.