Introduction
If you have both asthma and indigestion, it’s not a simple coincidence. In traditional medicine, the lungs and digestive system are closely connected. When breathing is shallow, digestive function weakens, and when digestion is poor, chest tightness develops, making it harder to breathe. This article introduces acupoint self-massage techniques to improve both symptoms simultaneously.
5 Acupoints for Asthma and Indigestion
1. Leg Three Miles — ST36
Location: 3 cun below the knee (width of 4 fingers), on the outer lateral surface of the tibia, 1 cun lateral to the tibial crest. Touch the area below the outer knee to find a hollow area next to the hard bony prominence.
Effects: One of the most important strengthening acupoints in traditional medicine. It strengthens stomach function to improve indigestion and simultaneously boosts immunity to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. It excels at restoring vitality and promoting overall health.
Technique: Using your thumb, press slowly for 10 seconds and release, repeating 10 times. Perform twice daily (morning and evening). Press until you feel warmth in the area.
2. Three Yin Intersection — SP6
Location: 3 cun above the highest point of the inner ankle (medial malleolus), on the inner posterior surface of the tibia. Follow up along the inner ankle to find a hollow area.
Effects: An important acupoint that regulates the spleen, liver, and nervous system. It fundamentally improves digestive function, relieves chest tightness, and facilitates easier breathing. It also promotes metabolism to help improve constitution.
Technique: Press vertically with your thumb to the point of mild soreness for 15 seconds. Perform the same technique on both legs, and this is particularly effective in the evening.
3. Great Vertebra — GV14
Location: When you lower your head, the most prominent bone is the 7th cervical vertebra. The depression below it is the Great Vertebra acupoint. You can locate it by following down the center of the back of the neck.
Effects: The most effective acupoint for directly strengthening lung function. It provides immediate relief from breathing difficulties caused by asthma, activates the immune system to prevent colds and respiratory diseases. At the same time, it boosts overall energy and improves digestive capacity.
Technique: Gently massage in circular motions using your finger or acupoint stick. Massage slowly for 3-5 minutes; you’ll feel warmth spread across your upper back. Press in the morning for easier breathing throughout the day.
4. Central Chest — CV17
Location: At the center of the chest, on the upper sternum. It’s located at the point where the line connecting both nipples meets the midline (at the 4th intercostal space). Find the hollow depression along the center of the breastbone.
Effects: An important acupoint that directly regulates the heart and lungs, providing immediate relief from chest tightness. It calms respiratory distress and anxiety caused by asthma and stabilizes heart rhythm. It also brings mental calm and improves stress-related indigestion.
Technique: Press vertically with your index finger for about 10 seconds and release, repeating 10 times. Start gently and adjust the intensity according to your pain tolerance. Press whenever you feel short of breath.
5. Central Stomach — CV12
Location: At the center of the abdomen, 4 cun above the navel (width of 5 fingers). It’s located exactly midway between the pit of the stomach and the navel. This point is widely known as a key acupoint for digestive disorders.
Effects: The primary acupoint for regulating digestive function. It quickly relieves indigestion, abdominal bloating, and acid reflux. It promotes peristalsis of the stomach and improves food digestion. At the same time, it promotes overall circulation of qi and blood, improving breathing difficulties.
Technique: Using 3 fingers (index, middle, and ring finger), massage in circular motions clockwise for 2-3 minutes. Press gently with a warm hand rather than applying strong force. This is most effective when practiced 1-2 hours after a meal.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning (Right after waking): Stimulate Great Vertebra (GV14) and then Central Chest (CV17), 2 minutes each. This will make your breathing easier and your chest feel more open.
Midday (3-4 PM): Press Leg Three Miles (ST36) and Three Yin Intersection (SP6) for 1 minute each. Stimulating at this time prevents afternoon energy slump.
Evening (1 hour after eating): Massage Central Stomach (CV12) for 2-3 minutes. If done before bed, digestion will proceed smoothly throughout the night, and breathing will be easier during sleep.
Emergency: During an asthma attack or when short of breath, alternate stimulating Central Chest (CV17) and Great Vertebra (GV14). Press for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating 5 times—your breathing will quickly return to normal.
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