5 Acupoints to Relieve Asthma and Dizziness Simultaneously

Why Asthma and Dizziness Occur Together

When asthma makes breathing irregular, insufficient oxygen reaches the brain, causing dizziness to develop alongside. In traditional Chinese medicine, this is viewed as “weakened lung function” and “disrupted qi circulation.” Improvement isn’t just about fixing breathing—you need to strengthen kidney energy and normalize qi and blood circulation to relieve both symptoms.

Comparison Table: 5 Acupoints for Asthma and Dizziness Relief

※ Each acupoint works independently, but stimulating all 5 together creates synergistic effects.

Exact Location and Pressure Technique for Each Acupoint

1. Zusanli (ST36) — The Key to Respiratory Immunity

How to Find It: Located about 3 cun (approximately four finger-widths) below the knee. It sits on the outer edge of the tibia, about one finger-width lateral to the shin bone. You can find it by bending your knee and moving downward along the outer edge of the shinbone toward the toes.

Benefits: Zusanli is the most important acupoint for strengthening lung function. It enhances respiratory immunity to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks while activating digestive function to replenish overall body energy. It’s particularly effective for recovering from weakened physical condition due to asthma.

Pressure Technique:

1. Sit comfortably with your legs extended.
2. Use your thumb to slowly press and release the Zusanli point for 3-5 seconds at a time.
3. Perform 10 repetitions on each leg.
4. Apply moderate pressure—slightly sore or achy is ideal.
5. Practice 1-2 times daily, at least 1 hour after eating.

Real Experience: People who consistently stimulate Zusanli report that asthma attack frequency noticeably decreases after 2-3 weeks. For those with seasonal asthma, starting this pressure technique 3 months in advance can prevent attacks.

2. Sanyinjiao (SP6) — The Center of Nervous System Stability

How to Find It: Located 3 cun (about three finger-widths) above the highest point of the inner ankle bone. It sits in a small depression on the inner surface of the tibia, so you’ll feel a slight indentation when pressing.

Benefits: Highly effective for relieving dizziness. It stabilizes the nervous system, normalizes irregular breathing caused by asthma, and prevents symptom worsening from stress. This acupoint responds first when breathing becomes uneven.

Pressure Technique:

1. Lie comfortably or sit in a relaxed position.
2. Simultaneously press both Sanyinjiao points gently with your thumbs.
3. Massage gently in circular motions for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Practice twice daily, morning and evening, for best results.

Caution: Stimulating Sanyinjiao during pregnancy can trigger uterine contractions, so avoid it if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

3. Taichong (LR3) — The Regulator of Qi Circulation

How to Find It: Located in the depression between the big toe and second toe on the top of the foot. It’s at the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones, slightly toward the toes from the crease.

Benefits: Quickly alleviates breathing difficulty caused by stress and tension. It regulates liver function to promote smooth qi flow and improves blood circulation disorders that directly cause dizziness. This acupoint produces immediate effects even during asthma attacks.

Pressure Technique:

1. Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor.
2. Use your thumb to slowly press the Taichong point.
3. Maintain pressure for 3-5 seconds, then slowly release.
4. Repeat 10 times on each foot.
5. Practice twice daily, morning and evening.

In Emergencies: During an asthma attack, firm pressure on Taichong can quickly stabilize your breathing.

4. Taixi (KI3) — The Kidney Respiratory Function Enhancer

How to Find It: Located in the depression between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. It’s the point that feels hollow when you rotate your ankle, where the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles meet.

Benefits: In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys govern respiration. Taixi directly strengthens kidney respiratory function and replenishes the qi deficiency that underlies asthma. It boosts body energy to enable deep, stable breathing and calms anxiety from dizziness.

Pressure Technique:

1. Sit comfortably and bend one leg slightly.
2. Use your thumb to press Taixi with a slight inward tilt.
3. Maintain pressure for 5 seconds, then slowly release.
4. Perform 10 repetitions on each foot, twice daily.
5. Pressing in the evening can also promote better sleep.

Long-term Effects: Consistent stimulation of Taixi allows you to feel deeper breathing within 2 weeks. After 1-2 months, many people experience a marked reduction in asthma attacks.

5. Neiguan (PC6) — The Acute Symptom Tranquilizer

How to Find It: Located 2 cun (about three finger-widths) up from the wrist crease toward the elbow. It sits in a small depression between two tendons when you slightly bend your wrist.

Benefits: Neiguan is the center of heart-mind stability. It immediately alleviates severe anxiety and fear during asthma attacks, stabilizes breathing, and even reduces nausea from dizziness. Of the five acupoints, it shows the fastest results and can be used even in emergencies.

Pressure Technique:

1. Let your arm hang naturally and bend your wrist slightly.
2. Use the opposite thumb to locate Neiguan.
3. Gently massage in circular motions, pressing for 3-5 seconds.
4. Repeat 10 times on each hand.
5. Practice regularly 3 times daily (morning, noon, and evening).
6. In Emergencies: If an asthma attack begins, immediately press Neiguan to stabilize breathing.

Real Results: Based on clinical experience, pressing Neiguan during an asthma attack stabilizes breathing and eliminates anxiety within 1-2 minutes.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine for Asthma and Dizziness Relief

Goal: Practice this routine once daily at a consistent time to see symptom relief effects most quickly.

Materials Needed: Comfortable clothing, a cushion or pillow (for comfortable ankle placement)

1. Step 1 (1 minute) — Stimulate Zusanli (ST36):
   From a seated position, slowly press the Zusanli point on each foot 10 times in succession. Maintain slightly sore pressure.
2. Step 2 (1 minute) — Stimulate Sanyinjiao (SP6):
   Simultaneously press both Sanyinjiao points gently with your thumbs and massage in circular motions for 30 seconds. Repeat this twice.
3. Step 3 (1 minute) — Stimulate Taichong (LR3):
   Slowly press the Taichong point on each foot 10 times. Position your foot comfortably as you do this.
4. Step 4 (1 minute) — Stimulate Taixi (KI3):
   Press and release the Taixi point on each foot 10 times in succession. Relax your ankles before proceeding.
5. Step 5 (1 minute) — Stimulate Neiguan (PC6):
   Simultaneously massage both Neiguan points gently in circular motions, pressing 10 times. Keep your wrists relaxed as you do this.

Additional Tips:

• When Experiencing Breathing Difficulty: If you don’t have time for the full routine, immediately press Neiguan (PC6) to stabilize your breathing.
• Maximize Effects: After completing the routine, drinking warm water enhances qi and blood circulation.
• Optimal Time: Practicing between 7-9 AM (when lung function is most active) helps maintain stability throughout the day.

Situational Pressure Strategies

During Acute Asthma Attacks

For calming, press Neiguan (PC6) first. Once breathing stabilizes, stimulate Taichong (LR3) to normalize qi circulation. These two acupoints alone enable emergency management during attacks.

For Chronic Asthma Prevention

Focus on stimulating Zusanli (ST36) and Taixi (KI3) daily. Strengthening immunity and replenishing qi fundamentally reduces asthma attack frequency.

When Dizziness Is the Primary Symptom

Concentrate on Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Taichong (LR3). Stabilizing the nervous system and improving blood circulation quickly relieves dizziness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can acupoint pressure alone cure asthma?

A: Acupoint pressure is effective for symptom relief and reducing attack frequency, but it’s better thought of as “management and improvement” rather than “cure.” Especially for allergic asthma or severe asthma, you should combine medical diagnosis and medication with pressure techniques. Think of acupoint therapy as a complementary treatment to medical care.

Q: Are these acupoints effective for asthma alone, without dizziness?

A: Absolutely. All five acupoints effectively enhance respiratory function. However, if you have only asthma, it’s more efficient to focus on Zusanli (ST36) and Taixi (KI3), as these are the core acupoints for strengthening lung function.

Q: When do pressure effects appear?

A: This varies by individual, but acute symptoms (during asthma attacks) show effects within 1-5 minutes. For chronic symptom improvement, consistent pressure begins showing changes after 1-2 weeks, and attack frequency noticeably decreases after 1-3 months. Consistency is most important.

Q: Is it safe to practice pressure multiple times daily?

A: It’s best to follow recommended frequency (1-3 times daily). Excessive pressure can cause skin damage or tissue irritation. However, during asthma emergencies, pressing Neiguan (PC6) frequently is safe.

Q: Is it okay if pressure causes pain?

A: Slightly sore or achy pressure is most effective. However, reduce pressure if severe pain occurs. Since daily pressure at the same spot can increase sensitivity, it’s good to gradually shift stimulation to nearby areas for varied stimulus.

Q: How do I practice pressure with long nails?

A: With long nails, use the side of your finger or the pad of your fingertip. Alternatively, using a pressure tool or massage device allows more precise and cleaner stimulation.

Q: Can I practice pressure while traveling or away from home?

A: Yes. All five acupoints are easily accessible with fingers, so you can practice anywhere regardless of location. Neiguan (PC6) on the wrist requires no clothing adjustment, and the rest only need you to remove your shoes. This accessibility is a major advantage of acupoint therapy.

Precautions and Limitations

🤰 Pregnant Women: Avoid Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Taichong (LR3) as they can trigger uterine contractions. If pregnant or planning pregnancy, consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or OB-GYN before practicing pressure.

🩹 Skin Damage: Do not practice pressure on areas with wounds or inflammation. There is infection risk.

🚨 Emergencies: For severe asthma attacks or changes in consciousness, don’t rely on pressure alone—immediately call 911. Pressure is supplementary, not an emergency treatment substitute.

💊 Taking Medications: If taking asthma medications, consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or doctor before starting pressure techniques. While medication-pressure interaction is unlikely, professional guidance is recommended for safety.

⏰ After Meals: Stimulating abdominal acupoints during digestion can interfere with the process. Practice pressure at least 1 hour after eating.

Scientific Evidence for Acupoint Pressure

Modern medical research has validated acupoint stimulation effects. Acupoint pressure increases endorphin secretion and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, stabilizing breathing. Specifically, Zusanli pressure increases lung capacity and activates immune cells, while Neiguan pressure regulates heart rate and reduces anxiety. These physiological changes manifest as relief from asthma and dizziness symptoms.

Next Steps: Exploring Advanced Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy

While acupoint pressure alone can produce significant improvement, combining it with other traditional Chinese medicine methods enhances effectiveness.

[See Related Article] Learn more about herbal formulas effective for asthma and constitution-specific treatment. Using acupoint pressure and herbal medicine together creates synergistic effects.

[See Related Article] Discover additional acupoints (LI4, LU1, LU3) that quickly relieve breathing difficulty. You can apply supplementary acupoints based on your specific asthma symptoms.

[See Related Article] Consult an advanced guide on dizziness-specific acupoints and pressure techniques. If dizziness alone is severe, you can find more effective strategies.

Conclusion

Asthma and dizziness appear as separate symptoms but share a common cause: weakened respiratory function. By precisely stimulating these five acupoints, you can simultaneously address that underlying cause. With just 5 minutes of consistent daily pressure for about 3 months, you can experience noticeable changes.

More important than perfect technique is consistency. Pressing the same points at the same time every day for 5 minutes is far more effective than a single 30-minute session on a weekend. Start with Neiguan (PC6) today. Even a single pressure session will bring immediate changes to your breathing.