Introduction
When suffering from asthma symptoms, shallow breathing develops, leading to insufficient oxygen to the brain, which in turn triggers eye fatigue and pain. Especially at night, asthma attacks prevent sound sleep, creating a vicious cycle where the eyes feel blurry and sore the next day. Is there a way to improve both symptoms at the same time? In traditional Eastern medicine, there are specific acupoints that support both respiratory health and eye health simultaneously.
Five Acupoints for Asthma and Eye Pain
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra at the back of the neck (the bone that protrudes most when you bend your head forward). Pressing with your finger will produce slight tenderness.
Effects: Dazhui is where all the yang meridians meet, making it excellent for strengthening immunity and improving respiratory function. It helps relieve asthma symptoms, restore overall vitality, and improve blood circulation around the eyes.
Technique: Apply slow, vertical pressure to Dazhui with a warm finger or acupressure tool, pressing for 3 seconds and releasing repeatedly. Perform about 20-30 repetitions per session, twice daily (morning and evening).
2. Tanzhong — CV17
Location: Located at the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (the 4th intercostal space). You can easily find this location by placing your finger on the breastbone and pressing gently.
Effects: This acupoint harmonizes the qi of the lungs and heart, making breathing deep and easy, which fundamentally improves asthma symptoms. It also has a calming effect that relieves stress-related eye pain.
Technique: Apply slow pressure with your thumb, massaging gently in circular motions without excessive force. Continue for 1 minute, particularly effective in the evening.
3. Chize — LU5
Location: Located on the inner crease of the elbow when the arm is bent, on the lateral side of the biceps tendon. When you extend your arm and press with your finger, you’ll feel a slight tenderness.
Effects: An important acupoint on the Lung meridian, it directly relieves coughing and shortness of breath from asthma. Simultaneously, it has a cooling and calming effect that reduces systemic heat causing eye fatigue and pain.
Technique: Press Chize with the opposite thumb, maintaining appropriate pressure that doesn’t cause arm pain. Perform for 1 minute on each arm, about 3 times daily for best results.
4. Quepen — ST12
Location: Located at the center of the hollow area above the clavicle, approximately 4 cun (about 4 finger widths) lateral to the midline of the body. It can be found in the depression between the neck and shoulder.
Effects: An acupoint on the Stomach meridian, it effectively relieves the sensation of stuffiness and chest tightness caused by asthma. It also improves blood circulation around the neck, increasing blood supply to the eyes and helping relieve eye pain.
Technique: Massage with index and middle fingers, applying gentle pressure and moving in circular motions. Perform 1 minute on each side, twice daily.
5. Zhiyang — GV9
Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra at the center of the back. It’s found near where your hands reach when you cross your arms at the chest.
Effects: An important acupoint on the Governing Vessel, it strengthens the yang qi of the entire body and improves respiratory function overall. While fundamentally improving the weakened constitution from asthma, it simultaneously promotes energy circulation necessary for eye health.
Technique: Use an acupressure tool, heating patch, or get help from someone else to press slowly with finger joints. Repeat holding for 30 seconds 5-10 times per session, performing 3-4 times weekly for best results.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Here’s an effective 5-minute acupressure routine when you have both asthma and eye pain. Step 1 (1 minute): First, press Dazhui (GV14) 20 times to activate the body’s qi. Step 2 (1 minute): Gently massage Tanzhong (CV17) to make breathing easier. Step 3 (1 minute): Stimulate Chize (LU5) on both sides for 30 seconds each to strengthen lung function. Step 4 (1 minute): Massage Quepen (ST12) on both sides in circular motions to improve blood circulation around the neck. Step 5 (1 minute): Finish by gently pressing Zhiyang (GV9) with an acupressure tool. Performing this routine twice daily—morning and evening—can help you feel improvement in asthma symptoms and eye pain relief within 3 weeks. However, during acute asthma attacks, prioritize professional medical treatment, and use this routine as a supplementary approach for managing chronic asthma.
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