5 Acupoints for Simultaneous Relief of Asthma and Elbow Pain
When asthma-related shortness of breath and elbow pain occur together, it’s easy to fall into a vicious cycle. As breathing becomes difficult, arm movement becomes restricted, and as the arm stiffens, breathing becomes even more difficult.
Here’s the key point: From a traditional medicine perspective, these two symptoms are not separate. The Lung meridian that governs the lungs and the Large Intestine meridian that passes through the arms are interconnected. Therefore, symptoms improve most quickly when you strengthen lung function first while simultaneously opening the arm meridians.
The 5 acupoints introduced in this article are core points on the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. With just 5 minutes of daily practice, you can feel actual improvements within 1-2 weeks.
5 Acupoints Effective for Asthma and Elbow Pain at a Glance
| Acupoint Name | Code | Location | Main Benefits | Pressure Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chize | LU5 | Inner crease of the elbow | Strengthens lung function, relieves shortness of breath | Moderate |
| Shanzhong | CV17 | Center of chest (between nipples) | Immediate breathing improvement, relieves chest tightness | Light |
| Quchi | LI11 | Outer crease of the elbow | Directly relieves elbow pain, improves inflammation | Strong |
| Dazhui | GV14 | Below the neck on the spine (back) | Strengthens overall immunity, fundamental improvement | Moderate |
| Quepen | ST12 | Hollow area above the collarbone | Relieves respiratory muscle tension, promotes meridian circulation | Light |
Pressure Intensity: Light (gentle without discomfort) → Moderate (slight pain but comfortable) → Strong (distinct stimulation sensation)
Detailed Guide for Each Acupoint
1. Chize (LU5) — Core Acupoint of the Lung Meridian
Finding the Location:
When your arm is extended, it is located in the inner crease of the elbow (inside of the arm). More precisely, when you feel the inside of the elbow with your finger, you can feel a firm tendon (the biceps tendon), and it’s on the outer side of that tendon (toward the thumb). When you press with your finger, you can feel a slightly indented area.
Why It’s Effective:
Chize is a key acupoint of the Lung meridian that regulates overall lung function. It works most directly on respiratory symptoms like asthma, cough, and shortness of breath. At the same time, since it passes through the arm meridians, it improves circulation around the elbow and helps relieve pain.
Correct Acupressure Method:
- Find Chize using the opposite thumb.
- Press slowly and release repeatedly at a level that produces slight discomfort.
- Press for 10 seconds, rest for 5 seconds × 10 repetitions (total 2-3 minutes)
- Practice 2-3 times daily (morning and evening are essential)
When Effects Appear: Immediate breathing relief within 5-10 minutes after acupressure, fundamental improvement after 2 weeks of regular practice
2. Shanzhong (CV17) — Instant Solution for Chest Tightness
Finding the Location:
It is located at the center of the chest. If you connect both nipples with an imaginary line, the midpoint is Shanzhong. Counting ribs, it’s between the fourth and fifth ribs. When you press with your finger, you may feel slight pain or a sense of tightness.
Why It’s Effective:
Shanzhong is an important acupoint of the Conception Vessel that directly regulates lung qi. This acupoint shows the fastest effects on acute asthma symptoms (shortness of breath and chest tightness). In fact, when acupressure is applied to this point during an asthma attack, breathing becomes noticeably easier within 10-20 seconds.
Correct Acupressure Method:
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- Place your index and middle fingers overlapped on Shanzhong.
- Don’t press hard; gently massage it up and down (within about 1cm range).
- Gentle stimulation for 1 minute
- Practice 2 times daily (after waking in the morning and before bed at night) or immediately when needed
Caution: Pressing too hard can actually make chest tightness worse. A gentle massage-like intensity is appropriate.
3. Quchi (LI11) — Direct Solution for Elbow Pain
Finding the Location:
When your arm is bent at 90 degrees, a crease forms on the elbow. Quchi is located at the outer end of this crease (toward the thumb). When you press with your finger, you can clearly feel a depressed area. Chize (inner side) and Quchi (outer side) are located on opposite sides of the same elbow crease.
Why It’s Effective:
Quchi is the core acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian and has the most direct effect on elbow pain relief. At the same time, it regulates lung and large intestine function to improve respiratory symptoms and reduce inflammation. Because the Lung and Large Intestine meridians are connected, you can relieve both symptoms at this single point.
Correct Acupressure Method:
- Find Quchi using the opposite thumb.
- You can press harder than Chize (to a degree that you accept some discomfort).
- Press strongly for 10 seconds, rest for 5 seconds × 10 repetitions
- Practice 3 times daily, 3 minutes per session
When Effects Appear: Arm stiffness begins to ease immediately after acupressure, continuous pain reduction after 1 week
4. Dazhui (GV14) — Overall Immunity and Fundamental Improvement
Finding the Location:
When you bow your head forward, the most prominent bone at the boundary between the neck and back appears (this is called the seventh cervical vertebra). Dazhui is located in the indented area below this bone. If you slowly move your finger downward from the neck, it’s the first hollow area you encounter.
Why It’s Effective:
Dazhui is a key acupoint of the Governing Vessel that supplements overall yang qi and strengthens immunity. While tonifying the weakness of the lungs, which is the fundamental cause of asthma, it simultaneously improves qi and blood circulation throughout the body, thus relieving elbow pain as well. While other acupoints provide immediate symptom relief, Dazhui is effective for long-term fundamental improvement.
Correct Acupressure Method:
- It’s located on the back, so it’s difficult to do alone.
- Get help from family members, or it’s effective to place a tennis ball against a wall and slowly press the Dazhui area.
- Don’t press hard; apply moderate pressure, pressing for 10 seconds each time, 5 repetitions
- Practice 1 time daily (before bed in the evening)
When Effects Appear: Overall constitution begins to improve after 1-2 weeks of regular practice
5. Quepen (ST12) — Respiratory Muscle Relaxation and Meridian Communication
Finding the Location:
Located about 12cm (4 cun in traditional medicine units) away from the center of the neck toward the outside, in the hollow area above the collarbone. When you feel the top of both collarbones, you can find the indented area. More precisely, it’s the hollow area above the bone (collarbone) that you encounter as you move down from the neck toward the shoulder.
Why It’s Effective:
Quepen is an acupoint of the Stomach meridian but has deep connections to the lungs. It relieves tension in respiratory muscles (mainly the muscles that move the diaphragm) and allows lung qi to naturally descend, making breathing easier. It also promotes circulation in meridians near the elbow, thus relieving arm pain.
Correct Acupressure Method:
- Locate Quepen using the index and middle fingers of both hands.
- Don’t press hard; gently massage it in circular motions.
- Gentle massage for about 1 minute
- Practice 2 times daily (morning and evening)
Caution: The neck area is sensitive, so pressing too hard can be uncomfortable. Maintain a truly gentle massage-like intensity.
5-Minute Daily Self-Acupressure Routine
Following the sequence below will first strengthen lung function and then provide optimal effects in relieving elbow pain. Practice right after waking in the morning or before bed in the evening every day.
| Step | Acupoint | Method | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Chize (LU5) | Using opposite thumb, press and release repeatedly for 10 seconds | 1 minute | Activate lung function first |
| Step 2 | Shanzhong (CV17) | Slowly rub up and down with both index and middle fingers | 1 minute | Enhance breathing ease |
| Step 3 | Quchi (LI11) | Using opposite thumb, press strongly with 10-second repetitions | 1.5 minutes | Directly relieve elbow pain |
| Step 4 | Quepen (ST12) | Massage with both index and middle fingers in circular motions | 0.5 minutes | Release respiratory muscle tension |
| Step 5 | Dazhui (GV14) | Place tennis ball against wall and press slowly, or get family help | 1 minute | Boost overall vital energy |
Actual Results:
- Immediate effects (within 5-30 minutes): Breathing becomes easier and arm stiffness loosens
- Short-term improvement (1 week): Frequency and intensity of elbow pain decreases
- Fundamental improvement (1-2 weeks): Asthma attack frequency decreases, overall constitution improves
Emergency Management During Asthma Attack:
When asthma attack is severe, there’s no time to complete the full routine above. In this case, focus intensively on acupressure to just Chize and Shanzhong. Even 2 minutes on Chize + 2 minutes on Shanzhong makes breathing noticeably easier. If symptoms don’t improve after that, you should visit a hospital.
Essential Things You Must Know
When Should You Avoid Self-Acupressure?
In the following cases, consultation with a professional (acupuncture clinic or hospital) is needed rather than self-acupressure:
- Severe asthma attack: Emergency medication or oxygen supply may be needed.
- When there’s trauma to the elbow or swelling: There may be a fracture or inflammation, so consult before practicing.
- Pregnant women: Certain acupoints carry risk of miscarriage and should only be practiced under guidance of an acupuncturist (such as Quchi, Dazhui).
- Blood disorders: If you’re taking blood thinners, bruising may occur.
- Skin conditions: There’s a risk of infection, so wait until the affected skin area heals.
Pregnant Women Must Be Extra Careful
During pregnancy, some acupoints can trigger uterine contractions. Quchi, Dazhui, and Quepen should be avoided during pregnancy. Only gently stimulate Chize and Shanzhong, but always consult with an acupuncturist before proceeding.
Common Errors in Acupressure
❌ Pressing too hard: The key to acupoint stimulation is accurate location and consistency, not pressure intensity. Pressing too hard can cause bruising or side effects.
❌ Practicing more than necessary per day: More than 2-3 times daily is not necessary. In fact, the body may adapt and effectiveness may decrease.
❌ Focusing on just one acupoint: The best effects appear when stimulating multiple acupoints together. Follow the routine above accurately.
For Faster Results: Combining with Acupuncture Clinic Treatment
Self-acupressure is an excellent self-care method, but if you want faster and more definitive results, it’s good to combine it with acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine treatment at an acupuncture clinic.
Advantages of Combining Self-Acupressure + Acupuncture Clinic Treatment:
- Professional acupuncture stimulation at clinic → Self-acupressure at home to maintain (maximizes effects)
- Identify fundamental causes of asthma → Custom herbal medicine prescription for your constitution
- After 1-2 weeks of intensive treatment, effects can be maintained with self-acupressure alone
Recommended Clinic Visit Frequency:
During acute exacerbation: 2-3 times weekly acupuncture treatment → Once symptoms improve, 1-2 times monthly maintenance treatment, while practicing daily self-acupressure
Summary
Having both asthma and elbow pain together is a signal your body is sending. It means your lung function is weakened, and as a result, overall meridian circulation throughout your body is not working well.
The 5 acupoints introduced in this article are core points of the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. When you stimulate these points for just 5 minutes daily, it’s not just symptoms that are relieved—you can achieve fundamental improvement in your body’s circulation.
In the first 1-2 weeks, you’ll notice small improvements. That’s normal. With consistent practice, you’ll experience noticeable changes by the third week. Your body already possesses its own self-healing power. Correct acupoint stimulation is the key that awakens that healing power.
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