5 Acupoints Effective for Both Asthma and Appetite Loss: Accurate Locations and Pressure Techniques

Why Asthma and Appetite Loss Appear Together

When respiratory distress accumulates stress, digestive function becomes weakened, and nutritional deficiency lowers immunity, which worsens respiratory symptoms—creating a vicious cycle. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that fundamental improvement is only possible by managing these two symptoms together.

Comparison of 5 Acupoints Effective for Asthma and Appetite Loss

Accurate Location and Pressure Techniques for Each Acupoint

1. Chize (LU5) — Acupoint That Directly Strengthens Lung Function

Benefits: This is the acupoint where you can experience the fastest relief during an asthma attack. It works directly on the lung meridian to restore respiratory function.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Lower your arm naturally and spread your fingers.
2. Bend your elbow to approximately 90 degrees.
3. A crease will form on the inside of the elbow; find the outer end of that crease (toward the thumb).
4. When you press with your finger, you should feel slight pain and a sensation like something resonating.

Pressure Technique:

1. Use the tip of your thumb on the opposite hand to find Chize.
2. Press vertically and slowly, maintaining pressure at a level that causes slight discomfort.
3. Hold the pressure for 2-3 seconds, then slowly release.
4. Perform 10 repetitions on each arm alternately.

Precautions: If you press too firmly, your arm may become numb. It’s important to stop at an appropriate level of discomfort.

2. Tanzhong (CV17) — Acupoint for Immediate Relief of Breathing Difficulty

Benefits: This acupoint provides immediate effects during acute respiratory distress. At the same time, it calms the mind and improves appetite loss caused by stress.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Imagine a horizontal line connecting both nipples.
2. Find where this line meets the center of the chest (midline of the body).
3. As you follow the breastbone downward and press the hollow area, that is Tanzhong.
4. It is generally located slightly below the center of the chest, roughly halfway between the solar plexus and the chest.

Pressure Technique:

1. A comfortable sitting or lying position is best.
2. Find Tanzhong using your middle or index finger.
3. Press vertically and slowly, avoiding strong pressure.
4. Hold gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes while breathing deeply.
5. Deep breathing enhances the effect.

Precautions: Avoid this right after meals and perform it in a sufficiently relaxed state. Excessive pressure may cause chest discomfort.

3. Dazhui (GV14) — Acupoint That Strengthens Overall Immunity

Benefits: This helps strengthen lung function and restore overall physical strength simultaneously. It is effective for chronic asthma or appetite loss due to physical weakness.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Bend your head forward.
2. Find the most prominent bone at the back of your neck (the 7th cervical vertebra).
3. The hollow area directly below that bone is Dazhui.
4. It is located directly below the spinous process of the vertebra, centered between the shoulder muscles on both sides.

Pressure Technique:

1. A slightly bent head position is good for applying pressure.
2. Overlap the thumbs of both hands and press Dazhui vertically.
3. With gentle pressure, hold for 10-15 seconds.
4. Slowly release, then repeat 5-10 times.

Precautions: Since it is a sensitive area at the back of the neck, avoid excessive pressure. Professional consultation is especially important if you have neck pain.

4. Zhongwan (CV12) — Acupoint That Improves Digestive Function

Benefits: Rapidly improves appetite loss and poor digestion. Strengthens stomach function to enhance nutrient absorption.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Use the navel as your reference point.
2. Measure approximately 12cm (four finger widths) vertically upward from the navel.
3. Zhongwan is at the exact midpoint between the solar plexus and the navel.
4. Place your fingers on the navel and trace upward; you’ll find a slight hollow area.

Pressure Technique:

1. Performing this in a lying position is most effective.
2. Overlap the thumbs of both hands and press Zhongwan vertically.
3. Press slowly and deeply, hold for 1-2 seconds, then slowly release.
4. Repeat 10-20 times.

Optimal Timing: Pressure is more effective for promoting digestion when applied 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals. Alternatively, applying pressure 30 minutes before meals can stimulate digestive secretions and also enhance appetite.

Precautions: Avoid this immediately after eating or when your abdomen feels bloated. If it has been less than 2 weeks since abdominal surgery, professional consultation is necessary.

5. Jiefe (ST12) — Acupoint That Harmonizes Respiratory and Digestive Function

Benefits: Serves as a connecting link that improves both respiratory and digestive function. Relieves tension around the neck, making it easier to swallow food.

Finding the Exact Location:

1. Find the collarbone at the base of your neck (the bone connecting the neck and chest).
2. Find the most hollow area on top of the collarbone at its center (midline).
3. Jiefe is located approximately 12cm outward (toward the shoulder) from that point.
4. It is located near the boundary between the neck and chest, slightly upward.

Pressure Technique:

1. In a comfortable position, use the middle or index finger of both hands to find Jiefe.
2. Press vertically and slowly, without applying excessive force.
3. Hold gentle pressure for 5-10 seconds, then slowly release.
4. Repeat 5-10 times on each side alternately.

Optimal Timing: It is effective to apply pressure when breathing is difficult or 30 minutes before meals.

Precautions: Since it is close to the thyroid area, avoid excessive pressure.

5-Minute Self-Massage Routine to Simultaneously Improve Asthma and Appetite Loss

Recommended Time: 5-10 minutes after waking in the morning or before bed in the evening

Routine Composition:

1. Chize Pressure (1 minute) — 10 repetitions on each arm, approximately 1 minute total (immediately activates lung function)
2. Tanzhong Pressure (1 minute) — Maintain for 1-2 minutes with deep breathing (stabilizes breathing)
3. Dazhui Pressure (1 minute) — Overlap both thumbs and repeat 5-10 times (strengthens overall immunity)
4. Zhongwan Pressure (1.5 minutes) — 10-20 repetitions in a lying position (activates digestive function)
5. Jiefe Pressure (1.5 minutes) — 5-10 repetitions on each side (harmonizes respiratory and digestive function)

Expected Timing of Benefits:

• Immediate relief: Increased breathing ease within 1-5 minutes
• Short-term improvement: Noticeable improvement in breathing and digestion within 3-5 days
• Sustained effect: With consistent practice for 2 weeks or more, expect increased lung capacity and normalization of appetite

Precautions to Enhance Effectiveness

• Consistency: It is important to apply pressure at the same time daily for at least 2 weeks. While urgent symptom relief appears within 1-5 minutes, fundamental improvement requires consistency.
• Pressure Intensity: Maintain an appropriate level of pressure for about 1 minute on each acupoint. Pressing too firmly can cause fatigue and bruising.
• Timing: The most effective times are after waking in the morning and before bed in the evening. Avoid applying pressure within 1 hour after meals.
• Breathing: Maintain deep, slow breathing during pressure application. This produces effects comparable to medication or acupuncture.
• Individual Differences: If you have high respiratory sensitivity or are experiencing a severe asthma attack, consult a medical professional first. Pressure application is a supplementary method.

When Professional Consultation is Necessary

• When sudden severe breathing difficulty occurs
• When symptoms show no improvement even after consistently applying pressure for 2 weeks or more
• When symptoms worsen after applying pressure
• When severe weight loss accompanies appetite loss
• When taking prescription asthma medication (interaction verification is needed)

Using Additional Acupoints

If asthma symptoms are more severe, you can use additional acupoints that strengthen lung function. Our related articles provide detailed explanations of lung meridian pressure techniques. Also, if appetite loss is due to stress, using acupoints that balance the autonomic nervous system will be even more effective.