5 Acupoints Effective for Both Asthma and Postpartum Recovery | Self-Acupressure Guide

Why This Information Matters

When experiencing asthma symptoms along with postpartum recovery issues, the two conditions negatively affect each other. Unstable breathing slows uterine recovery, and post-delivery physical weakness further compromises respiratory immune function. Traditional medicine offers acupoints that comprehensively address these complex symptoms.

The 5 acupoints below are areas that have been validated over many years in traditional medicine clinical practice to support both respiratory strengthening and uterine recovery simultaneously.

Acupoint Effects Comparison

1. Dachu (Governing Vessel 14) — GV14 | The Primary Acupoint

Effects (Key Points First)

Asthma: Strengthens immunity and restores whole-body vitality, reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. Consistent acupressure for a month tends to decrease emergency situations.

Postpartum Recovery: Supports both uterine function normalization and nervous system stability. Recovery speed after delivery visibly improves.

Exact Location

When you bend your neck forward, the most protruding bone appears (the 7th cervical vertebra). The hollow area below that bone is the Dachu acupoint. Pressing with your finger will cause slight tenderness.

Acupressure Method

1. Place both thumbs on top of each other perpendicular to the Dachu acupoint
2. Press firmly for 3-5 seconds while exhaling deeply
3. Rest for 3 seconds and repeat (total 10 times)
4. Perform 2-3 times daily at the same times for increased effectiveness

Tip: First thing in the morning and before bed are most effective. When asthma attacks occur suddenly, pressing just 5 times quickly as emergency relief can ease breathing.

2. Tanzhong (Conception Vessel 17) — CV17 | Addresses Both Breathing and Emotions

Effects

Asthma: Relieves chest tightness and enables deeper breathing. Helps the lungs and heart function in harmony.

Postpartum Recovery: Particularly effective when experiencing anxiety and heart palpitations after delivery. Brings psychological calm quickly.

Exact Location

The Tanzhong acupoint is located exactly at the midpoint of a horizontal line connecting both nipples. It’s at the center of the sternum in a small hollow. It’s a space that fits about one finger.

Acupressure Method

1. Place your thumb or three overlapping fingers gently on the Tanzhong acupoint
2. Massage slowly in a circular, clockwise motion (30 circles)
3. Apply gentle pressure, not strong pressure
4. Once in the morning, once in the evening (total 2 times daily)

Tip: Handle this point more gently than Dachu. Pressing too hard can actually cause chest discomfort. Breathing slowly during massage increases effectiveness.

3. Chize (Lung Meridian 5) — LU5 | Directly Strengthens Respiratory Function

Effects

Asthma: Directly strengthens lung function. Shows the most immediate effect on chronic cough and breathing difficulty relief. Many asthma patients report easier breathing after acupressure.

Postpartum Recovery: Improves systemic circulation to indirectly support uterine recovery and aids overall body recovery through improved arm circulation.

Exact Location

Bend your arm and locate the crease on the inside of your elbow. The Chize acupoint is on the crease, on the outer side between the biceps and fascia of the forearm. Pressing causes mild tenderness.

Acupressure Method

1. Use your opposite hand’s thumb to locate the Chize acupoint
2. Press slowly in a perpendicular direction for 3 seconds
3. Rest for 3 seconds (total 15 repetitions)
4. Perform the same method on both arms
5. For immediate emergency relief when breathing becomes difficult

Tip: Chize is a frequently sought acupoint by asthma patients. You can press slightly harder than other acupoints. Alternating between arms increases effectiveness.

4. Jianjing (Gallbladder Meridian 21) — GB21 | Fastest Relief in Emergency Situations

Effects

Asthma: Releases tense muscles in the shoulders and neck, immediately easing breathing. Pressing this acupoint at the beginning of an asthma attack rapidly relieves breathing difficulty.

Postpartum Recovery: Relieves stress and tension while indirectly supporting uterine function recovery.

Exact Location

The Jianjing acupoint is located exactly at the midpoint of an imaginary horizontal line connecting the Dachu acupoint (GV14) at the back of the neck and the shoulder tip (acromion). It’s at the highest peak of the shoulder.

Acupressure Method

1. Use your opposite hand’s thumb to locate the Jianjing acupoint
2. Press firmly in a perpendicular direction (synchronized with breathing)
3. Press for 3 seconds, rest for 3 seconds (total 10 times)
4. Can be used anytime tension or breathing difficulty occurs

Tip: This is the fastest emergency relief acupoint when asthma attacks occur suddenly. You can expect more immediate effects than Dachu, Tanzhong, and Chize. However, avoid prolonged pressure to prevent skin damage from the firm pressure.

5. Jiefeng (Stomach Meridian 12) — ST12 | Supports Both Breathing and Digestion

Effects

Asthma: Relieves neck tension, making breathing easier and supporting respiratory function improvement.

Postpartum Recovery: Promotes digestive function recovery after delivery. Particularly helpful when experiencing digestive discomfort post-delivery.

Exact Location

The Jiefeng acupoint is located approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) outward from the midline of the neck, in the hollow depression above the clavicle. It’s in the indented area where the neck and shoulder connect.

Acupressure Method

1. Use both thumbs to locate the Jiefeng acupoints
2. Press for 3 seconds while taking a deep breath
3. Rest for 3 seconds while slowly exhaling (total 10 times)
4. Once in the morning, once in the evening (2 times daily)

Tip: Moving with the breath is key to this acupoint’s effectiveness. Holding your breath while pressing reduces its effect. Maintain natural breathing rhythm.

5-Minute Daily Self-Acupressure Routine

Basic Routine (Once Morning and Evening, Total 2 Times Daily)

This sequence takes approximately 5 minutes:

1. Dachu Acupoint (1 minute): 10 firm presses
2. Tanzhong Acupoint (1 minute): 30 gentle clockwise massage circles
3. Both Jianjing Acupoints (1 minute): 8 firm presses each, alternating
4. Both Chize Acupoints (1 minute): 10 slow presses each
5. Both Jiefeng Acupoints (1 minute): 10 synchronized presses with breathing

Emergency Routine (For Sudden Breathing Difficulty)

When asthma attacks occur suddenly, quickly press each point 5 times in this order:

1. Dachu
2. Tanzhong
3. Jianjing
4. Chize

This emergency routine takes about 2 minutes and usually provides breathing relief.

Additional Tips for Better Results

Optimal Timing

Right after waking in the morning and 30 minutes before bed are most effective. You should continue consistently for at least 1 month to notice changes.

Pressure Intensity

Start gently and progress to a level where you feel mild tenderness. If skin turns red or bruises appear, reduce the pressure.

Breathing

Breathe slowly and naturally throughout all acupressure. Holding your breath increases tightness instead.

Precautions and Limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

I have asthma symptoms but no postpartum experience. Can I use this method?

Yes, you can. The acupoints in this article are effective for asthma alone. Focusing on three acupoints—Dachu, Chize, and Tanzhong—is sufficient for respiratory function improvement. However, combining all acupoints together is more effective as it also supports whole-body vitality recovery.

I experience pain during acupressure. Should I continue?

Mild tenderness is normal. However, you should avoid sharp pain or bruise-level pain. Reduce the pressure and restart after 3-5 days rest. If pain persists, consult a traditional medicine practitioner.

How long until I see results?

Results vary, but generally easier breathing is felt within 2 weeks. Decreased asthma attack frequency becomes noticeable after 1-2 months of consistent practice. Continuing for at least 3 months is recommended.

Can I apply acupressure while sleeping or working?

Yes, you can. Particularly, Jianjing can be pressed frequently when work stress makes breathing difficult. However, the basic routine of doing all 5 points morning and evening is most effective.

Can I use this alongside asthma medications?

Yes, acupoint acupressure is complementary therapy. Don’t stop asthma medications and consult with healthcare professionals to use them together. Even if symptoms improve with acupressure, discontinue medications only under professional guidance.

Learn More Related Information

Interested in other acupoints effective for asthma? Find more detailed information in the article [7 Acupoints That Strengthen Lung Function].

If you want faster postpartum recovery, also refer to the article [Traditional Medicine Self-Care for Uterine Recovery After Delivery].

If you’re new to acupoint acupressure, reading the [Correct Acupoint Acupressure Methods and Precautions] basic guide first will help you proceed more safely and effectively.