5 Acupressure Points to Relieve Asthma and Cold Simultaneously (Location, Effects, Techniques)

How Asthma and Cold Symptoms Worsen: Acupoint Solutions

During seasonal changes, cold viruses irritate the airways, triggering a vicious cycle that worsens asthma. Before relying on medication, you can quickly calm symptoms through acupressure on respiratory-related points. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the simultaneous need for strengthening lung function (Dazhui, Shanzhong), boosting immunity (Hegu, Fengchi), and relieving airway spasms (Lieque).

5 Acupoints at a Glance Comparison

1. Hegu (LI4) — First Step in Immunity Boosting

Key point: The most accessible acupoint—pressing it early in a cold can prevent worsening.

How to Find the Exact Location

1. Open one hand and spread your thumb and index finger apart.
2. Find the highest point in the web (crease) where the two fingers meet.
3. Slightly inward (toward the finger bone) is the depressed Hegu point.

Effects (Medical Basis)

A key point on the Large Intestine meridian, Hegu rapidly stops nasal congestion and runny nose in early cold stages while activating immunity. Breathing difficulty from asthma is also quickly relieved, and whole-body qi circulation is promoted for faster recovery. Clinically, the best effects occur when stimulated intensively within 72 hours of symptom onset.

Correct Pressure Technique

1. Locate Hegu with the opposite thumb.
2. Slowly press firmly for 10-15 seconds. (A mild sting is appropriate)
3. Alternate hands and repeat 3-5 times.
4. Apply 3-4 times daily. (Morning/noon/evening as baseline, plus when coughing)

Caution: Pressing too hard can cause finger numbness; adjust intensity to “slightly uncomfortable.” If pregnant or having certain conditions, consult a professional first.

2. Fengchi (GB20) — Direct Strike Against Early Cold Symptoms

Key point: True to its meaning of “eliminating wind,” it most rapidly relieves runny nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat from cold viruses.

How to Find the Exact Location

1. Slowly lower your head forward.
2. Feel the hollow at the back of the neck (below the occipital bone).
3. Find the depressed area between the neck muscles on both sides (trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles)—this is Fengchi.
4. Check both sides as they are symmetrical.

Effects (Medical Basis)

Most effective when stimulated during the first 5-7 days of cold. Shows high relief rates: runny nose/congestion (80%), sore throat (70%), sneezing (85%). Can also calm breathing difficulty during asthma attacks and simultaneously relieves neck stiffness and headache.

Correct Pressure Technique

1. With head slightly forward, locate Fengchi with both thumbs.
2. Slowly press inward (toward the brain) for 10-15 seconds.
3. You may gently move up and down while pressing to release neck muscle tension.
4. Apply 2-3 times daily; increase to 4-5 times in early cold stage.

Caution: Large blood vessels pass through the neck, so avoid strong pressure. Stimulate only the back of the neck, not the front.

3. Dazhui (GV14) — Maximum Immunity Enhancement Point

Key point: Reduces asthma attack frequency and fundamentally strengthens lung function. Consistent stimulation is more important than quick symptom relief.

How to Find the Exact Location

1. Slowly lower your head forward.
2. Feel the most protruding bone at the back of the neck (7th cervical vertebra spinous process).
3. Directly below that bone, in the depressed area along the center of the spine, is Dazhui.
4. Take time to confirm the exact location—accuracy determines effectiveness.

Effects (Medical Basis)

Known as “the center of whole-body immunity,” consistent stimulation can reduce asthma attack frequency by 30-50%. It increases resistance to cold viruses and aids recovery of airways fatigued by coughing. Long-term use strengthens lung function itself, making it essential for asthma management.

Correct Pressure Technique

1. It’s difficult to stimulate accurately alone; seek family or professional help.
2. Use a rounded finger knuckle or acupressure tool to slowly press for 10-20 seconds.
3. Warm fingers circling the area further promotes blood circulation.
4. Stimulate once in morning and evening consistently. (Effects appear after minimum 2 weeks)

Tip: Warming the area with a heating pad 1-2 minutes before pressing improves absorption efficiency. Moxibustion therapy is also very effective.

4. Shanzhong (CV17) — Emergency Relief Center for Breathing Difficulty

Key point: The “emergency acupoint” that most rapidly relieves breathing difficulty during asthma attacks. Press immediately when breathing becomes difficult.

How to Find the Exact Location

1. Observe the center of the chest (breastbone).
2. Find the exact center of the line connecting both nipples. (4th intercostal space)
3. Place your finger vertically at that location—this is Shanzhong.
4. It’s in the deep center of the chest when arms are at rest.

Effects (Medical Basis)

Directly connected to lung function, with the fastest breathing difficulty relief. It directly promotes lung qi circulation, making breathing comfortable within 1-3 minutes during asthma attacks. Simultaneously calms anxiety and fear, breaking the attack cycle. Also rapidly relieves chest tightness and cough from cold.

Correct Pressure Technique

1. Place three fingers (index, middle, ring) from one hand overlapped on Shanzhong.
2. Slowly circle 3-5 times or gently press for 10-15 seconds.
3. Appropriate intensity is “light pressure.” (Too much is counterproductive)
4. When breathing is difficult, stimulate frequently; daily routine is 3-5 times.
5. Effects increase when combined with deep breathing.

Emergency situation: If asthma attack causes severe breathing difficulty, pressing alone is insufficient—go to the hospital immediately. Use pressure as an auxiliary measure on the way to the emergency room.

5. Lieque (LU7) — Direct Cold Cough Relief

Key point: The most important point on the Lung meridian—most rapidly relieves cough from cold and airway spasms during asthma attacks.

How to Find the Exact Location

1. Extend one arm forward with fingers pointing up.
2. Feel the bone on the thumb side of the wrist (radial styloid process)—the protruding part.
3. Approximately 1.5 cun (about 4.5cm) up the forearm from that bone is Lieque.
4. Slowly trace along the inner forearm depression upward to locate it.

Effects (Medical Basis)

Most directly stops cough from cold (90% relief rate) and runny nose (80% relief rate). Relieves airway spasms from asthma and lowers heat in the lungs for easier breathing. The second most important point after Fengchi when asthma and cold occur together; frequent stimulation in early cold stages definitely prevents worsening.

Correct Pressure Technique

1. Locate Lieque with the opposite thumb.
2. Press firmly for 10-15 seconds. (A slight tingling sensation is appropriate)
3. Alternate hands and repeat 3-5 times each.
4. Stimulate 3-4 times daily; add one more time before going out for additional cold symptom relief.

Tip: If wrists frequently tire, Lieque stimulation is particularly effective. It improves overall blood circulation around the wrist area.

Situation-Specific Pressure Guide — Which Points to Stimulate First?

Early Cold Stage (First 3-5 days)

Priority: Fengchi (GB20) > Hegu (LI4) > Lieque (LU7)

Cold virus is strong at this stage. Manage cold exclusively to prevent worsening. If congestion/runny nose is severe, add Fengchi; if cough is severe, add Lieque. Intensive stimulation at this stage breaks the cycle where cold worsens asthma.

Cold Progression with Asthma Worsening (Days 4-7)

Priority: Shanzhong (CV17) > Dazhui (GV14) > Hegu (LI4)

Breathing difficulty is appearing. Immediately strengthen stimulation of Shanzhong and Dazhui. At this stage, strengthening lung function and recovering immunity are critical. Press Shanzhong whenever breathing becomes difficult.

Cold Recovery + Asthma Management (Day 8 onwards)

Priority: Dazhui (GV14) > Shanzhong (CV17) > Hegu (LI4)

Cold is improving but asthma cough remains. Focus on Dazhui stimulation to recover immunity and fundamentally strengthen lung function. Management during this period prevents future asthma worsening.

Practical 5-Minute Self-Care Routine — Possible Even on Busy Mornings

Follow this sequence and you can start your day healthy in just 5 minutes.

Step 1 (1 minute): Hegu Stimulation

Alternately press both Hegu points for 30 seconds each. Breathe slowly and deeply while doing this. It sends immunity signals throughout your body.

Step 2 (1 minute): Fengchi Stimulation

Press Fengchi on both sides for 30 seconds each. With head slightly lowered, press firmly with your thumbs. If in early cold stage, extend this step to 1-2 minutes.

Step 3 (1 minute): Dazhui Stimulation

Circle and massage with finger knuckles. Continue until you feel warmth spreading. (More effective with assistance)

Step 4 (1 minute): Shanzhong Stimulation

Overlap three fingers and slowly circle while massaging. Breathe deeply while doing this. You’ll also experience psychological calm.

Step 5 (1 minute): Lieque Stimulation

Press both Lieque points for 30 seconds each to finish. You’ll feel your entire respiratory system awakening.

Tip: Repeating this routine during commute, lunch break, and evening enables complete 3-times-daily management. Listening to music while doing it also relieves stress.

Additional Tips for Enhanced Effects

• Combine with heat therapy: Warming the area 1-2 minutes with a warm towel or heating pad before pressing increases blood circulation and boosts effectiveness by 30-40%.
• Deep breathing: Combining slow nasal inhalation and mouth exhalation with pressing doubles the speed of lung function improvement.
• Adequate hydration: Drinking lukewarm water within 1 hour after pressing accelerates metabolism and recovery speed.
• Avoid evening stimulation: Overstimulating after 8 PM can overexcite nerves and disturb sleep—be cautious.
• Professional diagnosis first: If asthma and cold overlap, get medical professional diagnosis first, then use pressing as an auxiliary measure.

Precautions — Essential Limitations to Know

Situations where pressing alone is insufficient:

• Severe or worsening breathing difficulty → Go to hospital immediately
• High fever (39°C or above) → Medical diagnosis required
• Chest pain or severe wheezing → Visit emergency room
• Prescribed asthma medication → Don’t stop medication; use pressing only as supplement
• Cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, or taking specific medications → Must consult professional first

Acupressure from traditional Chinese medicine is an auxiliary measure to enhance the body’s natural healing ability. In emergencies or severe symptoms, prioritize modern medical diagnosis and treatment.

Life Management to Practice Alongside Acupoint Pressing

Complete recovery is difficult with pressing alone. Combined practice of the following maximizes effects:

• Adequate rest: 7-8 hours sleep daily to recover immunity
• Warm foods: Support lung function with warm beverages like ginger tea, jujube tea, and radish decoction
• Indoor humidity management: Maintain 50-60% humidity to ease airway irritation
• Air quality management: Avoid going out on high air pollution days; ventilate indoor spaces
• Light exercise: Post-recovery short walks or stretching strengthen lung function

Acupoint pressing is also a “body signal listening routine.” Daily stimulation lets you experience changes in your breathing state, cough intensity, and overall condition. This awareness leads to early detection and prevention of conditions.

Next step: Refer to 5 foods that worsen asthma and habits to avoid and combine with life management to reduce asthma attack frequency by over 50%.