5 Acupoints Beneficial for Asthma and Chest Pain Simultaneously

Introduction

Many people experience the sudden onset of asthma symptoms accompanied by a feeling of chest tightness and heaviness. When breathing becomes obstructed, causing anxiety, and at the same time you feel a pressing pain in the center of your chest, the worry intensifies. Fortunately, Eastern medicine has long utilized specific acupoints that can address these symptoms together. You can experience immediate relief at home with just one finger, without needing to go to a pharmacy.

5 Beneficial Acupoints for Asthma and Chest Pain

1. Inner Gate (Pericardium 6) — PC6

Location: Located approximately 2 cun (about 6cm) from the inner wrist crease toward the forearm, positioned between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. When you extend your wrist, you can find the hollow point between these two tendons.

Effects: Regulates heart function and relieves chest tightness. It particularly calms heart palpitations caused by anxiety and improves lung qi flow to ease breathing during an asthma attack. It also simultaneously improves nausea and digestive discomfort.

Acupressure Method: Using your opposite thumb, slowly press in circular motions for 1 minute. At first, you may feel slight pain, but gradually it will turn into a warming sensation as you press firmly. The effect doubles when you take deep breaths while applying pressure.

2. Major Vertebra (Governing Vessel 14) — GV14

Location: Located in the indentation directly below the most prominent bone at the back of the neck when your head is lowered (the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra). When you bend your head forward, it is found below the round bone felt on the spine.

Effects: An important acupoint that governs all yang qi in the body. It strengthens lung qi to help fundamentally improve asthma symptoms. At the same time, it promotes qi and blood circulation around the thoracic spine to quickly relieve chest pain and boosts immunity to prevent asthma recurrence.

Acupressure Method: Since it’s difficult to apply self-pressure, seek help from family or use a massage stick. Using warm fingers or your thumb, slowly press for 3 minutes, maintaining medium pressure as excessive pressure can cause spine pain. Applying heat therapy with a moxa stick or heat pack is also very effective.

3. Central Palace (Conception Vessel 17) — CV17

Location: Located on the breastbone (the flat bone in the center of the chest) at the exact midpoint when you draw a line connecting both nipples. It corresponds to the 4th intercostal space (space between the ribs) at the center of the chest.

Effects: The most important acupoint governing the entire respiratory system, directly improving breathlessness and shortness of breath from asthma. It also promotes qi and blood flow along the pericardium meridian to rapidly relieve chest tightness and severe chest pain. Mental anxiety is also resolved, preventing symptom aggravation.

Acupressure Method: Press vertically using your thumb or by bringing your middle and ring fingers together. Begin with light pressure and gradually increase it over 1-2 minutes, never pressing forcefully. When you apply rhythmic pressure while taking slow, deep breaths, lung airflow improves more quickly.

4. Elbow Marsh (Lung 5) — LU5

Location: Located on the outer side (thumb direction) of the elbow crease when the arm is extended, on the lateral side of the biceps tendon. When your arm is extended, it is the tender point found along the inner elbow crease line toward the thumb side.

Effects: A key acupoint of the lung meridian that directly stimulates lung function during an asthma attack to facilitate easy breathing. It quickly alleviates coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It also regulates the coordinated function of the lungs and heart to relieve chest pain and reduce chest heat sensations.

Acupressure Method: Using the opposite thumb, slowly brush downward along the elbow crease while applying pressure. Once you locate the acupoint, which will produce some soreness or aching sensation, apply firm pressure for 1 minute on that spot. When shortness of breath is severe, pressing both arms produces faster effects.

5. Household (Stomach 12) — ST12

Location: Located precisely at the center of the hollow area above the clavicle (the bone connecting the shoulder and neck), specifically about 4 cun (approximately 12cm) lateral to the midline of the body. It is at the center of the deepest groove created by the clavicle when you bend your neck gently.

Effects: An important respiratory control point of the stomach meridian that relieves tension in the upper chest caused by asthma. It particularly quickly improves stiffness and pain in the upper chest area and relaxes tense muscles around the neck to allow deeper breathing. It is especially effective for stress-related asthma.

Acupressure Method: Stack your middle and ring fingers and press vertically on the hollow area above the clavicle. Press slowly for 1 minute, being careful not to press excessively as the lungs are located below the clavicle. Accuracy improves when you maintain a normal posture and do not tilt your head backward.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Step 1 (1 minute): Using your opposite hand, slowly press the PC6 Inner Gate acupoint for 1 minute. Start with both wrists.

Step 2 (1 minute): Using your finger or massage stick, gently rub the GV14 Major Vertebra area in circular motions for 1 minute. If possible, apply heat therapy with a moxa stick or heat pack.

Step 3 (1 minute): Bring your fingers together and press vertically on the CV17 Central Palace acupoint for 1 minute. It is important to breathe slowly and deeply during this step.

Step 4 (1 minute): Press the LU5 Elbow Marsh acupoint on both arms, approximately 30 seconds each. Also perform a brushing motion downward along the elbow crease.

Step 5 (1 minute): Press the ST12 Household acupoint on both sides, approximately 30 seconds each. After completing this routine, finish by taking 3-5 deep breaths and exhaling slowly.

Recommended Times: It is most effective to perform this routine after waking in the morning and before bed at night, and whenever asthma symptoms begin. Especially during seasonal changes or when weather changes suddenly, performing it daily can prevent asthma recurrence.