5 Acupoints That Solve Asthma and Eye Fatigue Simultaneously

Why Asthma and Eye Fatigue Appear Together

In traditional Chinese medicine, these two symptoms share the same root cause. When the lungs weaken, respiratory resistance decreases, causing asthma. At the same time, the lungs are responsible for supplying qi throughout the body, so qi deficiency reduces nutrient supply to the eyes, resulting in accompanying eye fatigue.

Additionally, stress and anxiety weaken both liver and lung function, simultaneously worsening both symptoms. Therefore, stimulating acupoints that strengthen lung function and promote smooth qi and blood circulation in the liver accelerates improvement in both conditions.

Comparison of 5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Eye Fatigue

Location and Acupressure Techniques for Each Acupoint

1. Taichong (太衝) — LR3 | Essence of the Liver Meridian

Key Effect: Promotes smooth qi and blood circulation in the liver, preventing stress-induced asthma and quickly relieving eye redness and fatigue.

Exact Location: In the depression between the first and second toes on the foot. When looking at the top of the foot from above, it’s at the upper side of where two bones meet.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Place the thumb of the opposite hand on Taichong.
2. Slowly press and release for 3-5 seconds, repeating 10 times.
3. Maintain moderate pressure that produces some sensation.
4. Stimulating both feet in the evening (2 hours before sleep) is effective for stress relief and better sleep.

Additional Tip: You can stimulate Taichong immediately when emotions run high or anxiety arises. In this case, just pressing gently 5 times can calm breathing.

2. Hegu (合谷) — LI4 | Center of Whole-Body Immunity

Key Effect: Strengthens immunity and respiratory resistance through the large intestine meridian, and promotes facial blood circulation to accelerate eye fatigue recovery.

Exact Location: Between the thumb and index finger on the hand, at the highest point in the depression following the bone of the index finger when moving upward.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Use the opposite thumb to massage back and forth for 30 seconds.
2. Alternatively, press and release 15 times.
3. Stimulating twice daily—morning and evening—eases breathing.
4. When asthma attacks occur, immediate acupressure on this point helps stabilize breathing.

Combined Effect: Hegu is also effective for allergic rhinitis, facial swelling, and headaches, so other symptoms may improve alongside asthma.

3. Fengchi (風池) — GB20 | Connection Point Between Respiratory and Eye Health

Key Effect: A critical point on the gallbladder meridian that controls the respiratory system. It prevents asthma attacks, relieves neck and shoulder tension to enable deeper breathing, and directly improves blood circulation around the eyes.

Exact Location: Below the occipital bone at the back of the neck, in the depression between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Wrapping the back of the neck with both hands and slowly moving your thumbs up and down will help you find the deepest depression.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Place both thumbs on Fengchi simultaneously.
2. Slowly push toward the center (toward the neck) for 5 seconds.
3. Repeat 10 times, then rest for 5 minutes.
4. Stimulating for 30 seconds each morning and evening deepens breathing and clears the eyes.

Precaution: Excessive force may cause dizziness, so maintain gentle, consistent pressure.

4. Dazhui (大椎) — GV14 | Essence of Lung Function Enhancement

Key Effect: A meeting point of whole-body qi and blood, it strengthens lung function and overall respiratory immunity, promotes qi and blood circulation to enhance nutrient supply to the eyes, and fundamentally reduces asthma attacks.

Exact Location: The 7th cervical vertebra at the back of the neck (where the neck and upper back meet). When lowering your head, it’s in the depression directly below the most prominent bone.

Acupressure Technique:

1. It’s difficult to self-stimulate, so family assistance is most effective.
2. Alternatively, place a heating pad on the Dazhui area for 10 minutes for heat stimulation.
3. Stimulating for 10 minutes each evening, 5 or more times weekly, shows constitution improvement effects after 3-4 weeks.
4. During cold weather or when breathing feels difficult, you can stimulate 1-2 additional times.

Effect Timeline: Since Dazhui targets constitution improvement, it requires longer-term stimulation, but the effects are also more sustained.

5. Shanzhong (膻中) — CV17 | Direct Control Point of Lung Function

Key Effect: The central acupoint for lung function, with the most direct effect on breathing normalization and lung function improvement. It strengthens heart-lung function, rapidly relieves asthma symptoms, and relieves chest tightness.

Exact Location: Center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (4th intercostal space). When rubbing the center of the chest up and down with your fingers, you’ll feel a slight indentation.

Acupressure Technique:

1. Place overlapping index and middle fingers vertically on the point.
2. Gently press and release for 5 seconds each, repeating 10 times without compressing the lungs.
3. Stimulate twice daily—during meditation or rest time.
4. When breathing feels difficult, immediate stimulation quickly eases breathing.

Safety Note: Do not press too hard; stimulate only the center of the breastbone, not the heart area.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine for Simultaneous Asthma and Eye Fatigue Improvement

Recommended Timing: Morning (within 30 minutes of waking) or evening (2 hours before bedtime). Consistency determines effectiveness.

Routine Order (Total 5 minutes):

1. Hegu (LI4) Stimulation (1 minute)
   • 30 seconds each hand
   • Enhance immunity first to maximize effects of other acupoints
2. Taichong (LR3) Stimulation (1 minute)
   • 20 seconds each foot
   • Liver qi and blood circulation for stress relief
3. Fengchi (GB20) Stimulation (1 minute)
   • 15 seconds each side of neck
   • Direct respiratory system stimulation
4. Shanzhong (CV17) Stimulation (1 minute)
   • 10 slow presses
   • Lung function normalization
5. Dazhui (GV14) Heat Pad or Gentle Tapping (1 minute, optional)
   • 10-minute heat pad stimulation or family-assisted acupoint tapping
   • 5 or more times weekly recommended

Effect Timeline: Performing this routine daily:

• Week 1: Breathing feels slightly deeper, stress decreases
• Week 2: Noticeably deeper breathing, reduced asthma frequency
• Week 3: Eye fatigue recovery significantly faster, increased respiratory resistance
• Week 4+: Continuous improvement, constitutional changes begin

Acupressure Guide by Symptom Severity

Important: For severe asthma attacks, acupressure alone is insufficient; seek immediate medical professional help. Acupressure is for prevention and management, not emergency treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Which acupoint is most effective for asthma symptoms?

Shanzhong (CV17) and Dazhui (GV14) show the most direct effects. Both acupoints specialize in enhancing lung function. Combined with Hegu (LI4), immunity enhancement reduces asthma recurrence. For acute asthma symptoms or stress-induced attacks, immediately stimulate Taichong (LR3) to prevent stress-triggered attacks.

Q2. How do I apply acupressure when eye fatigue accompanies asthma?

Focus on Taichong (LR3) and Fengchi (GB20). Taichong directly helps eye fatigue recovery by promoting liver qi and blood circulation, while Fengchi relieves neck tension to improve facial blood circulation. Simultaneously stimulating Hegu (LI4) increases whole-body immunity, enriching nutrient supply to the eyes. Stimulating these 3 acupoints 2-3 times daily shows noticeable eye fatigue improvement.

Q3. How many times daily should I apply acupressure?

The basic routine is twice daily (morning and evening) for 5 minutes. For severe symptoms, you can add Hegu and Taichong stimulation for 3 minutes during lunch. Consistent, moderate-intensity daily practice is more important than overexertion in one session. Continue for at least 3 weeks as effects maximize after this period.

Q4. What should I do if pain appears during acupressure?

Mild soreness is normal. Acupoints concentrate nerve endings, so pressing produces a “sore but pleasant” sensation. However, avoid extreme pain or bruising. Reduce pressure and proceed slowly.

Q5. How long must I continue before seeing results?

While individual variation exists, most people notice deeper breathing within 2 weeks. Eye fatigue recovery significantly accelerates after 3 weeks. For constitution improvement goals, continuing for at least 4 weeks is recommended. For maintaining results, a maintenance routine 3 or more times weekly afterward is suggested.

Q6. Is it safe to use acupressure alongside medication?

Asthma medication and acupressure are complementary. The most effective approach combines symptom control through medication with constitution improvement through acupressure. If you have prescription medications, consult your doctor or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner before combining treatments.

Learn More

To better understand the connection between asthma and eye fatigue, see Lung Function and Eye Health in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

To learn additional acupoints suited to your constitution, check Symptom-Specific Acupoint Guide.

For self-care methods beyond acupressure, refer to Lifestyle Habits Guide for Improving Asthma and Eye Fatigue.