5 Acupoints and Acupressure Methods to Improve Asthma and Facial Swelling Simultaneously

Why Does Asthma and Facial Swelling Occur Together?

When lung function weakens, breathing becomes shallow, and poor water metabolism in the body leads to facial swelling. Since inadequate qi and blood circulation in the upper body is the root cause of both symptoms, stimulating acupoints that strengthen the lungs can improve both breathing and swelling simultaneously.

From clinical experience, over 70% of asthma patients also complain of facial and eye area swelling. This is a direct indicator of reduced water elimination function in the lungs.

5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Facial Swelling Comparison

Location, Effects, and Acupressure Methods for Each Acupoint

1. LU5 — Most Directly Strengthens Lung Function

Exact Location: With your arm extended, it is at the end of the inner crease of the elbow. It is the hollow spot you feel when placing your opposite thumb at the elbow.

Key Effects: LU5 is called the “key to the lungs” and most rapidly relieves breathing difficulties in asthma patients. With continuous stimulation, the lungs’ water elimination ability improves, and facial swelling subsides.

Real Experience: Many asthma patients report that evening breathing becomes much easier after LU5 acupressure. In particular, you can feel changes in ease of breathing when lying down within one week.

Acupressure Method:

1. Prepare with the opposite arm extended.
2. Find LU5 with your thumb and press slowly.
3. Repeat pressing for 2-3 seconds then releasing (10 times).
4. Apply pressure to both arms for 1 minute each.
5. Applying this before bedtime will improve nighttime breathing.

2. GV14 — Simultaneously Strengthens Immunity and Lung Resistance

Exact Location: When you lower your head, it is directly below the most protruding bone at the back of the neck (7th cervical vertebra) in the hollow area. It is located on the centerline of the spine.

Key Effects: This acupoint manages overall immune function, reduces asthma frequency, and strengthens lung resistance. It also replenishes Yang qi and improves metabolic function, making it effective for removing facial swelling.

Precaution: The neck is a sensitive area, so avoid pressing too firmly. A gentle “contact sensation” rather than pain is the appropriate intensity.

Acupressure Method:

1. Assume a comfortable sitting position.
2. Find GV14 with the tip of your thumb.
3. Stimulate slowly in circular motions for about 1 minute.
4. Breathe slowly and deeply to release tension.
5. Applying this right after waking in the morning helps you start the day energetically.

Related Information: For those needing immune enhancement, please refer to [Detailed GV14 Acupoint Effects Guide].

3. CV17 — Immediate Breathing Relief During Asthma Attacks

Exact Location: The midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. It is located at the 4th intercostal space (between the 4th ribs). It is the hollow area at the center of the breastbone.

Key Effects: This is a central acupoint for respiration and circulation, providing the fastest relief during asthma attacks. Just 1-2 minutes of stimulation can noticeably relieve breathing difficulties.

Real Experience: Many patients who were heading to the emergency room for acute breathing difficulties have stabilized their breathing through CV17 acupressure and switched to outpatient treatment.

Acupressure Method:

1. Prepare comfortably in a sitting or lying position.
2. Place four fingers on CV17.
3. Gently tap or massage in circular motions with rhythm.
4. Stimulate for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Practice while being conscious of deep and slow breathing.
6. Can be used as an emergency treatment during attacks.

4. ST12 — Most Direct Solution for Facial and Neck Swelling

Exact Location: About 3-4 cm outward from the center of the hollow area above the collarbone. Stimulate both ST12 points on both sides.

Key Effects: This is an important point for managing qi and blood circulation in the upper body and is most effective for removing neck and facial swelling. Many patients report that facial puffiness disappears within one week.

Acupressure Method:

1. Relax your neck in a comfortable sitting position.
2. Find ST12 with fingers on both sides simultaneously.
3. Press slowly with your thumb or middle finger.
4. Stimulate each side for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Be careful not to press too firmly, as this can stimulate the carotid artery.

5. GV9 — Acupoint for Fundamental Lung Function Recovery

Exact Location: On the back below the 7th thoracic vertebra (the second-lowest spine when the chest is expanded) in the hollow area.

Key Effects: This acupoint regulates both digestive and respiratory systems simultaneously, making it most effective when fundamental improvement in asthma is needed. It regulates bodily moisture (fluid) to prevent recurrence of facial swelling.

Characteristic: Self-stimulation is difficult, so professional acupressure or acupuncture treatment is more effective. Receiving treatment 1-2 times per month significantly improves asthma symptoms.

Self-Acupressure Method:

1. Lie on your side.
2. Reach back to find GV9.
3. Press slowly with your thumb.
4. Stimulate for about 1 minute while doing abdominal breathing.
5. Professional treatment combined with this is even more effective.

Do you have other respiratory symptoms? [Respiratory Illness Acupoint Guide Beyond Asthma] provides acupoint information organized by symptom, including cough, phlegm, and wheezing.

Effective 5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine

When Should You Do It? 5 minutes right after waking in the morning or before bedtime is sufficient. If asthma attacks occur frequently, you can add one more session during the day.

Sequence and Time Distribution:

1. LU5 (1 minute, both arms) — Press the inside of the elbow with your thumb and make circular motions.
2. GV14 (1 minute) — Stimulate below the 7th cervical vertebra at the back of the neck with your thumb.
3. CV17 (1 minute) — Gently tap the center of the chest with four fingers.
4. ST12 (1 minute, both sides) — Press the hollow areas above the collarbone on both sides.
5. Closing Abdominal Breathing (1 minute) — Repeat 3-5 cycles of deep, slow breathing in a comfortable position.

When Will Results Appear?

Short-term Effects (Within 1 week): Breathing becomes noticeably easier, and nighttime breathing difficulties decrease. Some patients experience immediate relief of chest heaviness.

Medium-term Effects (2-4 weeks): Asthma attack frequency noticeably decreases, and facial swelling subsides. Breathing during exercise becomes easier.

Long-term Effects (2 months or longer): Lung resistance strengthens, and asthma itself improves. Recurrence of facial swelling significantly decreases.

While results vary individually, with consistent practice, over 90% of patients experience meaningful improvement within 2 months.

Precautions When Applying Acupressure

• Avoid Excessive Stimulation: Stimulating the same acupoint more than 3 times daily can damage the skin.
• Avoid Excessive Pressure: Do not press to the point of pain. Maintain a “contact sensation.”
• Severe Attacks Require Medical Attention: Acupressure is an adjunctive measure; severe breathing difficulties require immediate emergency room visit.
• Pregnant Women Should Avoid: Certain acupoints (particularly GV9) are contraindicated during pregnancy.
• Avoid When Skin Is Injured: Delay treatment until wounds heal to prevent infection risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to stimulate all 5 acupoints every day?

A: No. Follow the 5-minute routine introduced above and stimulate all 5 acupoints just once. Consistency is what matters, not depth.

Q: Is acupuncture more effective than acupressure?

A: Acupuncture provides deeper stimulation, but consistent self-acupressure is also sufficiently effective. Combining 1-2 monthly acupuncture sessions with daily acupressure yields the best results.

Q: Is it safe to apply acupressure while taking asthma medication?

A: Absolutely. Acupressure is an adjunctive measure to medication therapy and does not interfere with it. It may even enhance medication effects.

Next Steps: Additional Information for Asthma Management

While acupoint acupressure alone is effective, combining the following information enables even faster improvement:

• [Foods Good for Asthma and Foods to Avoid] — Dietary therapy from a traditional medicine perspective
• [Proper Breathing Techniques for Asthma Patients] — Abdominal breathing and meditation techniques
• [Seasonal Asthma Management] — Preparation methods for seasonal transitions and winter