5 Acupoints Effective for Both Asthma and Constipation | Traditional Medicine Self-Care Guide

Why Asthma and Constipation Appear Together

Asthma and constipation may seem like unrelated symptoms, but in traditional medicine, they share a common cause: weakened lung function and insufficient qi circulation.

• Asthma: Weakened respiratory function of the lungs → reduced oxygen absorption → difficulty breathing
• Constipation: Weakened lung-colon meridian connection → poor intestinal peristalsis
• Common cause: Lack of vital energy in the body, reduced immunity, stress

Therefore, by stimulating acupoints that strengthen lung function and improve qi circulation, you can improve both symptoms simultaneously. The following 5 acupoints are most effective for caring for both the respiratory and digestive systems.

5 Acupoints Effective for Asthma and Constipation at a Glance

Note: Time to effect varies depending on individual constitution, symptom severity, and overall health status before starting. The above figures represent typical response times, and consistent practice for at least 2 weeks is recommended.

Precise Location and Acupressure Technique for Each Acupoint

1. Zusanli (ST36) — The Hub of Immunity and Colon Function

Precise location: When you bend your knee, it’s located just below the protruding bone (tibial tuberosity) beneath the kneecap, about one finger width toward the outer side. You can find it by running your finger down the front of the shin bone (tibia) until you find a depressed area.

Effect on asthma and constipation: Zusanli is a fortifying acupoint. Regular stimulation strengthens the lung’s defensive function, reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. At the same time, it promotes intestinal peristalsis, encouraging natural bowel movements. You may notice digestive improvement within 2-3 days after acupressure, while asthma symptoms typically begin to ease after 1-2 weeks.

Effective acupressure technique:

1. Sit in a comfortable position and bend your knee to approximately 90 degrees.
2. Find Zusanli using your thumb and press slowly.
3. Press firmly for 5 seconds → release for 3 seconds → repeat (1-2 minutes per session).
4. Work both legs (total 2-4 minutes).
5. Drinking warm water after acupressure enhances blood circulation further.

Actual sensation: On first acupressure, you may feel soreness or slight pain (normal). After 2-3 days of consistent practice, the pain decreases, and after one week you’ll notice your chest feeling much lighter after acupressure.

2. Hegu (LI4) — Rapid Respiratory Improvement and Qi Circulation

Precise location: When you spread your thumb and index finger, it’s in the depressed area between them. Following the bone of the index finger (second metacarpal) toward the thumb, you’ll find Hegu about 1cm inward from the highest point of the V-shape formed. It’s easiest to find with the back of your hand facing upward.

Effect on asthma and constipation: Hegu is the starting point of the large intestine meridian and regulates qi circulation in the upper body. When people with shallow breathing from asthma stimulate this acupoint, they experience immediate improvement in breathing (within 1-2 hours). Constipation improves within 3-5 days through improved qi circulation.

Effective acupressure technique:

1. Rest one hand comfortably and locate Hegu with the thumb of the other hand.
2. Press the acupoint vertically with your thumb for 5-10 seconds (with a tapping sensation).
3. Rest for 2-3 seconds, then repeat (1 minute per session).
4. You can also press with the tip of an acupressure tool or pen.
5. Work both hands, and you can add extra stimulation before and after lunch.

Actual sensation: Within 10-30 minutes after acupressing Hegu, your chest opens and you experience deep breathing. If asthma prevents you from sleeping at night, stimulating this acupoint before bed can ease breathing and improve sleep quality.

3. Dazhui (GV14) — Lung Function Enhancement and Overall Immunity

Precise location: When you lean your head forward, it’s directly below the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra). It’s located on the midline of the back of the neck, at the center between the shoulder blades. When you press vertically with your finger, you’ll feel slight resistance.

Effect on asthma and constipation: Dazhui is where all the yang meridians meet, directly strengthening lung function. When asthma patients stimulate this point regularly, breathing depth noticeably improves after 5-10 days. Simultaneously, it enhances overall immune function to prevent asthma attacks themselves and promotes colon metabolism to improve constipation.

Effective acupressure technique:

1. Sit at a desk with your arms together and lean your head forward.
2. Press vertically on Dazhui with the handle of a spoon or the tip of an acupressure tool for 5-10 seconds.
3. Rest for 2-3 seconds, then repeat (1 minute per session). Be careful not to press too hard.
4. If self-acupressure is difficult, you can lie on your back with a tennis ball underneath to stimulate it with your own body weight.
5. If possible, have a family member or friend gently press it for even better results.

Actual sensation: Pressing Dazhui causes the back muscles to relax and your chest to open. With consistent stimulation, asthma symptoms gradually ease, and chest tightness upon waking in the morning decreases.

4. Shanzhong (CV17) — Immediate Respiratory Improvement

Precise location: It’s located at the center of your chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting your two nipples. Following the ribs downward, you can find it where the sternum (breastbone) meets the ribs (4th intercostal space). For men, it’s about one finger width below the height of the nipple.

Effect on asthma and constipation: Shanzhong is an acupoint that regulates the qi of the lungs and heart, providing the fastest respiratory improvement. When you massage this acupoint during an asthma attack, breathing becomes easier within minutes. The connection to constipation is indirect, but if constipation is stress-related, emotional stabilization through this point can help.

Effective acupressure technique:

1. Sit upright and exhale deeply.
2. Find Shanzhong using your middle or ring finger (for men, slightly below the nipple height).
3. Don’t press too hard; instead, massage gently in circular motions for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Following your breathing pattern enhances effectiveness (press during inhalation, release during exhalation).
5. You can do this once each morning and evening, or stimulate immediately whenever breathing becomes difficult.

Actual sensation: After massaging Shanzhong, chest tightness dissolves instantly and you experience deep breathing. Each time you feel an asthma attack coming, stimulating this acupoint can stabilize your breathing without medication (though emergency care is necessary for severe attacks).

5. Qihai (CV6) — Constipation Relief and Abdominal Vitality Recovery

Precise location: It’s located about two finger widths (approximately 1.5 cun) below your navel, on the midline of your abdomen. If you divide the distance between your navel and pubic bone into thirds, it’s at the point closest to your navel. It’s easy to find by gently pressing the abdomen when lying down.

Effect on asthma and constipation: Qihai provides the most direct effect for constipation relief. By directly stimulating colon peristalsis, it naturally encourages bowel movement within 1-3 days. At the same time, it restores vitality to the lower body and abdomen, improving fatigue and increasing breathing depth.

Effective acupressure technique:

1. Drink warm water and wait 15-20 minutes before practicing.
2. Lie down and relax your abdomen without tension.
3. Stack your middle and ring fingers and press vertically on Qihai for 10-15 seconds.
4. Rest for 3-5 seconds, then repeat (1-2 minutes per session).
5. Following your breathing enhances effectiveness: press during inhalation → release during exhalation.
6. Practicing after waking in the morning and before bed establishes a regular bowel movement habit.

Actual sensation: Within 10-30 minutes after acupressing Qihai, you’ll hear your intestines gurgling and feel a bowel movement urge. Some people experience immediate results after the first acupressure, but chronic constipation requires 3-7 days of consistent practice.

Customized Acupressure Routines by Symptom

Situation 1: When Asthma Symptoms Are Severe (Difficulty Breathing)

1. Shanzhong (CV17) → Gentle circular massage for 2-3 minutes (immediate effect)
2. Hegu (LI4) → Press for 10-15 seconds, repeat 5 times (1 minute)
3. Zusanli (ST36) → Combined stimulation (1-2 minutes)

⚠️ Warning: If the asthma attack is severe or breathing doesn’t improve within 5-10 minutes, seek emergency medical care immediately. Acupressure is a supplementary therapy and cannot replace medication and medical treatment.

Situation 2: Managing Chronic Constipation (Consistent Care)

1. Morning: Qihai (CV6) → 1 minute + Zusanli (ST36) → 1 minute
2. Evening: Hegu (LI4) → 1 minute + Dazhui (GV14) → 1 minute + Qihai (CV6) → 1 minute
3. Maintain for at least 2 weeks

Situation 3: Daily Routine for Simultaneous Asthma and Constipation Improvement (Most Effective)

Time required: 5-7 minutes | Recommended time: After waking in the morning or before bed

1. Drink a glass of warm water (promotes blood circulation)
2. Zusanli (ST36) — Both legs, 2 minutes
3. Hegu (LI4) — Both hands, 1 minute
4. Dazhui (GV14) — 1 minute
5. Shanzhong (CV17) — 1 minute
6. Qihai (CV6) — 1 minute
7. Avoid eating for 30 minutes after acupressure (maintains effectiveness)

Additional tip: Warming the area around the acupoints with a warm compress for 3-5 minutes before acupressure increases blood circulation and boosts acupressure effectiveness by 30% or more.

How Long Until Results Appear?

Honest note on individual variation: The effect times above represent general trends and may vary depending on the following factors:

• Constitution: Yin-deficient constitution tends to show faster results, yang-deficient constitution slower results
• Symptom severity: Mild asthma requires 1 week, severe asthma may require 1+ month
• Consistency: Even practicing 2-3 times per week shows results, but daily practice is faster
• Lifestyle habits: Stress, sleep deprivation, and spicy food consumption reduce effectiveness

Precautions When Doing Acupressure

These practices are dangerous

• Pressing too hard: Risk of bruising and muscle damage. Pressing to the point of mild discomfort is appropriate.
• Stimulating the same acupoint for more than 30 minutes: May cause fatigue and counterproductive effects.
• Acupressure immediately after eating or on an empty stomach: Interferes with digestion. Practice 1 hour after eating or 30 minutes before meals.
• Acupressure on inflamed or wounded areas: Risk of infection.
• Vigorous acupressure when your body is fatigued or ill: Can overload the immune system, potentially causing chills or headache.

These conditions require professional consultation

• Very severe asthma or currently receiving medication treatment
• Severe abdominal pain accompanying constipation
• Adverse effects after acupressure (severe bruising, persistent pain)
• Pregnant or possibly pregnant
• Bleeding disorder or taking anticoagulants

Learn More About Additional Acupoints

Beyond the 5 acupoints introduced above, many more acupoints can help with asthma and constipation. Combining different acupoints based on your symptoms and constitution can speed up improvement.

• When lung function enhancement is needed: Consider combining Yuji (LU10), Shaishang (LU11), Zhongfu (REN17)
• For stress-related constipation: Consider combining Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR3), Neiguan (PC6)
• When immune enhancement is needed: Consider combining Qimen (GV4), Mingmen (GV4), Shuidao (KD27)

For more detailed acupoint information and constitution-specific techniques, see the following articles:

• ▶ 8 Effective Acupoints for Respiratory Conditions and Acupressure Techniques
• ▶ Customized Acupoints by Constipation Type Guide (Part 1: Colon Function)
• ▶ 5 Acupoints to Boost Immunity, Daily 5-Minute Routine

Conclusion: Asthma and Constipation Can Be Improved Through Acupoint Acupressure

If you’re experiencing both asthma and constipation together, it’s a sign that both your lungs and colon are weakened. Fortunately, traditional medicine offers a way to improve both symptoms simultaneously.

By stimulating the 5 acupoints introduced today (Zusanli, Hegu, Dazhui, Shanzhong, and Qihai) for 5-7 minutes daily, you can experience clear improvement within 2-3 weeks. In particular, Shanzhong provides immediate respiratory improvement, and Qihai provides rapid constipation relief.

Unlike medication, acupressure has almost no side effects and can be done anytime, anywhere. However, if symptoms are severe or persistent, be sure to consult a healthcare professional. Acupressure is a supplementary therapy and should be combined with medication treatment if necessary.

Start now: Begin your 5-minute morning and evening routine today. You’ll notice changes in yourself after 2 weeks.