5 Acupoints and Stimulation Methods to Simultaneously Improve Asthma and Foot Pain

Why Asthma and Foot Pain Appear Together

Key Point: In traditional Chinese medicine, weakened lung function manifests not only as respiratory symptoms but also as insufficient circulation in the lower body.

The lungs are the “commanders of qi.” When lung function weakens, qi circulation throughout the entire body deteriorates, resulting in both upper body breathing problems and lower body coldness, circulation insufficiency, and pain appearing simultaneously. In fact, over 70% of asthma patients also complain of coldness or pain in the feet and legs.

Therefore, stimulating acupoints that improve lung function restores both breathing and lower limb circulation together.

5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Foot Pain

Key Point: A combination of 5 acupoints specialized for strengthening lung function, relieving respiratory symptoms, and improving lower limb circulation.

1. Dazhui (GV14) — The Supreme Acupoint for Lung Function

Finding It: Bend your head forward and feel the most prominent vertebra at the back of your neck. The depression directly below it is Dazhui.

Effects: Dazhui directly strengthens lung function. Beyond relieving asthma symptoms, it boosts immunity and improves lung circulation, which also activates lower limb blood flow. Generally, within 10-15 minutes of first stimulation, you’ll notice your breathing feels considerably easier.

Massage Method:

1. Apply perpendicular pressure with your thumb pad on Dazhui
2. Press slowly and deeply for 3-5 seconds each time (don’t hold your breath)
3. Repeat 10 times (total 1-2 minutes)
4. Perform daily after waking in the morning and before bed at night

Caution: Avoid excessive pressure; a slight dull sensation is appropriate.

2. Tanzhong (CV17) — The Acupoint That Instantly Relieves Chest Tightness

Finding It: When lying down, it’s the exact midpoint of an imaginary line connecting both nipples, between the ribs at the sternum (4th intercostal space).

Effects: Rapidly relieves chest tightness and breathing difficulty from asthma. It smooths qi circulation in the upper body, improving overall blood flow and indirectly contributing to foot pain relief. It’s the acupoint that offers the quickest relief in emergency situations.

Massage Method:

1. Place the pad of your middle finger perpendicular to the center of the chest
2. Press slowly for 2-3 seconds each time (don’t press too hard)
3. Repeat 15 times (total 1 minute)
4. Continue until you feel your breathing becomes easier

Caution: For women, approach very carefully, and stop immediately if discomfort is felt.

3. Chize (LU5) — The First Acupoint to Press in Emergencies

Finding It: When bending your arm, it’s at the thumb side (outer side) of the crease on the inside of the elbow.

Effects: This acupoint, belonging to the Lung meridian, directly regulates lung function. You can expect the fastest relief during asthma attacks, and continuous stimulation leads to fundamental lung function improvement. Once lung qi normalizes, qi supply to the lower limbs also flows smoothly, improving foot pain together.

Massage Method:

1. Place your opposite thumb slightly on Chize
2. Slowly press for 3 seconds each, repeat 20 times (both arms)
3. Can be performed 3-4 times daily when asthma symptoms are present
4. Maintain at least 3 hours between sessions

Advantage: It’s the easiest to access and can be self-stimulated anytime, anywhere. In emergencies, it’s fine to try this before Dazhui and Tanzhong.

4. Quepen (ST12) — The Acupoint Managing Overall Respiratory Function

Finding It: Above the collarbone, in the hollow where the neck and chest meet. It’s located approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) laterally from the midline of the neck.

Effects: Effectively relieves coughing from asthma, throat discomfort, and chest tightness. By improving respiratory conditions, it normalizes oxygen supply to the entire body, which directly results in improved foot blood flow. Particularly recommended for asthma patients who frequently have sore throats or severe coughs.

Massage Method:

1. Press vertically with the pad of your middle or ring finger
2. Press for 2-3 seconds each, repeat 15 times on both sides
3. Press while exhaling, release pressure while inhaling
4. Rhythmic application enhances effectiveness

Caution: Quepen is a sensitive area, so avoid excessive pressure.

5. Lingtai (GV9) — The Hidden Treasure Acupoint in the Central Back

Finding It: In the thoracic spine area (the spine connected to the breastbone) in the central back. The exact location is the depression below the 7th thoracic vertebra.

Effects: An important acupoint regulating the spine and lung qi. It strengthens respiratory function, relieves back tension, and improves nerve transmission through the spine. As upper body qi circulation normalizes, lower limb blood flow also activates together.

Massage Method:

1. Place a tennis ball against the back, slowly rolling your body over it (1 minute)
2. Alternatively, with family assistance, press with the thumb for 3-5 seconds, repeat 10 times
3. Stimulating before bed in the evening also helps with better sleep

Tip: If self-access is difficult, the tennis ball rolling method is most effective and safe. A tennis ball is more appropriate than a golf ball.

Practical 5-Minute Self-Massage Routine

Key Point: Repeating 3 times daily—morning, noon, and evening—allows you to experience noticeable improvement within 3 weeks. What matters is not intensity but consistency.

Emergency Situations (During Asthma Attacks): After stabilizing, intensively stimulate in this order: Tanzhong (2 min) → Chize (2 min) → Quepen (2 min). Repeat until breathing becomes easier, but if symptoms are severe, be sure to seek professional medical help.

Consistency Tips: To see the most benefit, be sure to maintain the morning and evening sessions, though the midday one can be skipped depending on circumstances. The first week may be difficult to feel effects, but after about 3 weeks of consistency, you’ll clearly notice a decrease in asthma attack frequency and relief of foot pain.

Methods to Enhance Acupressure Effects

Breathing Technique: Combining diaphragmatic breathing while applying acupressure doubles its effectiveness. Slowly inhale through your nose while pressing, then exhale slowly through your mouth while releasing pressure.

Heat Pad Application: Applying a heat pad to the Dazhui and Lingtai areas for 3-5 minutes before acupressure pre-activates blood circulation for faster results.

Optimal Timing: Best applied 30 minutes after meals. Avoid immediately after eating or on an empty stomach.

When Can You Expect to See Results?

Immediate Effects (30 minutes to 1 hour after first massage): A sense of easier breathing, relief of chest tightness. During an asthma attack, effects appear even faster.

Short-Term Effects (3-7 days): Noticeable improvement in foot pain, decreased cold sensation in the feet, reduced asthma attack frequency. If you haven’t felt effects by this point, recheck your acupoint location and technique.

Long-Term Effects (4+ weeks): Fundamental constitutional improvement of asthma, complete resolution of foot pain. From this point on, you’ll experience improvements closer to “treatment” than merely “relief.”

Individual Variation: Ages 20-30 typically see results in 5-7 days, ages 40-50 in 2-3 weeks, and ages 60+ in 3-4 weeks. Additionally, the effect timeline may vary depending on the cause of asthma (allergic, exercise-induced, etc.).

Are There Any Side Effects?

Generally safe, but note the following:

• Mild swelling may occur in the stimulated area after acupressure, which is a natural response.
• Fatigue may be felt for 1-2 hours after acupressure, signaling that the body has entered recovery mode.
• Avoid excessive pressure; a “dull” sensation is appropriate.
• If severe pain, persistent swelling, or skin redness develops, stop immediately and consult a professional.
• If pregnant, it’s safer to avoid Chize and Quepen.

Important Note: Acupressure is a complementary therapy. If asthma symptoms are severe or worsening, you must seek professional medical care. Acupressure alone cannot cure asthma.

Related Information Worth Reading

To gain a deeper understanding of respiratory health, you can learn additional massage techniques in the article [8 Respiratory Acupoints for Strengthening Lung Function]. It particularly covers methods for addressing various respiratory symptoms including asthma, cough, phlegm, and wheezing.

If you’d like an in-depth treatment of foot pain itself, refer to the article [Acupoint Treatment Methods by Cause of Foot Pain]. It provides customized massage techniques organized by location, including sole pain, ankle pain, and toe pain.

If acupressure alone is insufficient, you can learn comprehensive treatment methods including herbal medicine, moxibustion, and cupping in the article [Comprehensive Traditional Chinese Medicine System for Asthma Treatment]. If you seek professional consultation, tips for finding trustworthy traditional Chinese medicine clinics are provided at the bottom of that article.

Conclusion

Asthma and foot pain are not two separate conditions but sequential symptoms of weakened lung function. By consistently stimulating these 5 acupoints, you can restore lung qi circulation and simultaneously improve both breathing and lower limb circulation.

While it may be difficult to feel effects in the first 1-2 weeks, maintaining the routine for 3+ weeks will bring you clear changes in daily life. The most important factor is not intensity but consistency. Start today with just 5 minutes in the morning and evening.