Introduction
If you’re experiencing both the difficulty breathing caused by asthma and the psychological stress from infertility, it’s quite likely that both symptoms stem from the same root. In traditional Chinese medicine, these two symptoms are viewed as a deficiency in kidney qi. The good news is that by stimulating specific acupoints, you can improve both conditions simultaneously. The 5 acupoints introduced in this article are verified points derived from thousands of years of clinical experience.
5 Acupoints That Help Asthma and Infertility
1. Sanyinjiao — SP6
Location: 3 cun above the medial malleolus, on the medial aspect of the tibia. Starting from the inner ankle bone, move upward by the width of three fingers to find the depression behind the inner tibia (shinbone).
Effects: Sanyinjiao is the meeting point of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians, enhancing reproductive function and balancing hormones. It improves not only infertility but also immune deficiency caused by asthma, while promoting blood circulation.
Acupressure method: Using your thumb, press and release the point slowly in 3-second intervals, repeating 10 times. Continue pressing until you feel warmth at the area. Acupressure in the evening is particularly effective.
2. Taichi — KI3
Location: In the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. The precise location is where your finger easily sinks into the hollow between these two structures.
Effects: Taichi is the source point of the Kidney meridian, directly strengthening kidney qi. It improves the underlying kidney dysfunction that causes infertility and simultaneously restores kidney essence that governs the respiratory system, alleviating asthma symptoms.
Acupressure method: Place your thumbs on the inner sides of both ankles and apply circular, slow pressure. Perform this 2 times daily—once in the morning and once in the evening, each for about 1 minute.
3. Dazhui — GV14
Location: In the depression directly below the most prominent bone at the base of your neck when it’s bent forward (the 7th cervical vertebra). Follow the spine downward with your finger to find the first depression.
Effects: Dazhui is where all Yang meridians converge, strengthening immunity throughout the body. It directly improves lung function deficiency, a major cause of asthma, and raises bodily energy to help improve infertility symptoms as well.
Acupressure method: Using the knuckle of your finger, rub the Dazhui point at the back of your neck in up-and-down motions. Continue for 2-3 minutes until you feel warmth spreading across your entire back.
4. Zhongwan — CV17
Location: At the center of the chest, on a horizontal line connecting both nipples. It is located in the 4th intercostal space (between the 4th and 5th ribs).
Effects: Zhongwan is called the “Sea of Qi” and is central to respiratory health. It immediately relieves the oppressive feeling caused by asthma and promotes qi circulation in the chest to calm both body and mind, thereby reducing stress from infertility.
Acupressure method: Place your hand on your chest and repeatedly press and release the point using your thumb knuckle. Take deep breaths while applying pressure to deepen your breathing and enhance effectiveness. Perform once daily for 1 minute before sleep.
5. Shenshu — BL23
Location: Located directly below the 2nd lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) laterally on either side of the spine. Place your hand on your lower back and locate it on the line below the most prominent bone, moving laterally.
Effects: Shenshu is the acupoint that most powerfully supplements kidney qi. It fundamentally improves the kidney dysfunction that is the root cause of infertility, and simultaneously improves asthma symptoms according to the TCM principle that the kidneys govern respiration.
Acupressure method: Place both fists on the Shenshu points at your lower back and tap upward and downward. Continue for 3-5 minutes until you feel warmth. Performing this acupressure every morning after waking will energize you for the day.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Optimal acupressure sequence and timing:
Step 1 (1 minute): Awaken kidney qi by slowly pressing Taichi (KI3) on both inner ankles for 30 seconds each.
Step 2 (1 minute): Activate reproductive function by pressing Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both legs for 30 seconds each.
Step 3 (1 minute): Supplement kidney qi by tapping Shenshu (BL23) at the lower back for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4 (1 minute): Strengthen immunity by rubbing Dazhui (GV14) on the upper back for 1 minute.
Step 5 (1 minute): Deepen breathing and conclude by pressing Zhongwan (CV17) on the chest for 1 minute.
Recommended timing: Perform once daily either immediately after waking in the morning or before bed in the evening. You may notice changes after 2-3 weeks. Avoid pressing Sanyinjiao during menstruation.
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