5 Acupressure Points and 5-Minute Self-Care Routine to Relieve Asthma and Jaundice Simultaneously
Why Is Acupressure Helpful When You Have Both Asthma and Jaundice?
When breathing is blocked by asthma and fatigue from jaundice is severe, your body’s energy depletes rapidly. Traditional Korean medicine views these two symptoms as stemming from weakened lung and liver function.
Stimulating specific acupressure points can strengthen lung and liver function simultaneously, achieving improved breathing and jaundice recovery together. Since it can be done with your hands without medication, there are almost no side effects.
5 Acupressure Points Effective for Both Asthma and Jaundice Simultaneously
| Acupoint | Location | Asthma Effect | Jaundice Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dachu (GV14) | Below the 7th cervical vertebra at the back of the neck | Strengthens lung function | Enhances immunity and detoxification |
| Zhongwan (CV17) | Center of chest between both nipples | Immediate relief of breathing difficulty | Improves digestive function |
| Chize (LU5) | Above the elbow crease on the inner arm | Directly related to lung meridian function | Strengthens immune system |
| Jiexi (ST12) | Outer depression above the collarbone on the neck | Regulates respiratory function | Promotes digestion |
| Zhiyang (GV9) | Below the 7th thoracic vertebra along the center of the back | Replenishes lung qi | Restores liver and gallbladder function |
As shown in the table above, these 5 acupressure points address both lung strengthening (asthma improvement) and liver and digestive improvement (jaundice recovery) simultaneously. This is why stimulating just these 5 acupoints can be effective when you have both asthma and jaundice.
1. Dachu (GV14) — Simultaneously Strengthen Immunity and Lung Function
How to find it: When you bow your head, the bone that protrudes most at the back of your neck is visible. The depression directly below that bone is Dachu.
Pressing technique: In a seated position, press vertically with your finger knuckle for 10 seconds firmly, then slowly release. Repeat this 5 times. Alternatively, gentle circular massage with a warm hand for 2 minutes is more comfortable.
Changes you’ll feel: Immediately after pressing, breathing deepens, and after 2 weeks, you’ll notice your daily breathing frequency decreases. The heavy feeling from jaundice also improves together.
2. Zhongwan (CV17) — Immediate Relief of Asthma Attacks
How to find it: The point where an imaginary line connecting both nipples meets the center of the chest. When you touch it, you’ll feel a depression between the ribs.
Pressing technique: Place your overlapped hands on Zhongwan while sitting and slowly press for 8 seconds while breathing deeply. Repeat this 5 times. During an asthma attack, you can stimulate it frequently until breathing normalizes.
Speed of effect: Zhongwan has the fastest breathing relief effect among the 5 acupoints. Pressing during an attack often calms breathing within 1-2 minutes.
3. Chize (LU5) — Key to Recovering Lung Function
How to find it: When you bend your arm, it’s located at the outer side of the biceps tendon in the fold of the elbow on the thumb side (lateral aspect).
Pressing technique: With your arm slightly bent, use the thumb of your other hand to find Chize and perform slow circular massage. Perform this for 3 minutes on each arm.
Characteristics: Chize is known as the “essential point of the lung meridian.” If you consistently stimulate this point when experiencing repeated asthma symptoms, you can reduce the frequency of attacks.
4. Jiexi (ST12) — Connection Point Between Respiratory and Digestive Systems
How to find it: On the outer side of the depression above the collarbone on the neck, approximately 3 finger widths (about 4 cun) outward from the center point.
Pressing technique: In a seated position, use both thumbs to perform slow circular massage. Ideally, do this twice daily—morning and evening, 2 minutes each time.
Role: By regulating respiratory function while improving digestive function, it addresses digestive discomfort from jaundice as well.
5. Zhiyang (GV9) — The Most Direct Acupoint for Jaundice Recovery
How to find it: Following the center line of the back, it’s located below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra in the depression below the scapula (shoulder blade).
Pressing technique: In a lying position, place a tennis ball or massage ball on the Zhiyang location and slowly stimulate it by moving your body. Alternatively, with assistance, perform 5 minutes of circular massage using finger knuckles.
Importance: Zhiyang is directly connected to liver and gallbladder function, making it the most effective for jaundice improvement. If you have both asthma and jaundice symptoms, you should spend more time stimulating Zhiyang.
Key summary: Dachu and Chize strengthen the lungs, Zhiyang strengthens the liver, and Zhongwan and Jiexi serve as coordinators connecting both organ functions. When you stimulate these 5 points together, you can improve both asthma and jaundice symptoms simultaneously.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine for Improving Both Asthma and Jaundice
Following each step in order takes 5 minutes. This is a logical sequence that stimulates the lungs and liver in turn.
- 1 minute – Dachu stimulation: Slowly bend your neck forward and backward to locate the acupoint. Repeat 5 cycles of 10-second pressure using your finger knuckle.
- 1 minute – Zhongwan stimulation: Sit and place your overlapped hands on Zhongwan. Take 5 deep breaths, pressing for 8 seconds with each breath.
- 1 minute – Chize stimulation: Slightly bend your arm and use your thumb to perform circular massage. Proceed for 30 seconds on each arm.
- 1 minute – Jiexi stimulation: Simultaneously perform circular massage with both thumbs. Proceed for 30 seconds on each side.
- 1 minute – Zhiyang stimulation: Lie on your back with your spine straight and use a tennis ball or perform circular massage with your fingers.
Recommended timing: Repeat the 5-minute routine once each morning and evening daily. During asthma attacks, intensive stimulation of Zhongwan and Chize can help with emergency relief.
How Long Until You See Results?
| Period | Expected Changes | Individual Variation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | Breathing becomes slightly easier, no change in attack frequency | Very high |
| 2 weeks | Noticeable breathing improvement, slight reduction in jaundice-related fatigue | High |
| 1 month | Reduced breathing difficulty episodes, improved fatigue | Moderate |
| 3 months or longer | Stabilized breathing, significant improvement in jaundice symptoms | Low |
Results vary depending on symptom severity, consistency with acupressure, and lifestyle habits. Consistency is the most important factor.
Can I Do This Along with Medical Treatment?
Yes, acupressure is a complementary therapy to medical treatment. You can continue taking prescribed asthma medications while simultaneously stimulating acupoints with almost no interaction.
However, for severe asthma attacks or acute jaundice, please seek medical care first. Acupressure is a supportive tool for recovery, not emergency treatment for acute conditions.
Cases requiring consultation: If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, have been diagnosed with severe lung disease, or have advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis, consult with a Korean medicine practitioner or medical professional first.
Precautions When Applying Pressure
- Pressure intensity: You should feel sensation but not discomfort that interferes with daily activities. Avoid excessive pressure.
- Duration: There’s no need to stimulate one acupoint for more than 3-5 minutes. Short, frequent stimulation is more effective.
- After meals: It’s better to avoid stimulating abdominal acupoints within 1 hour after eating.
- Skin condition: Avoid areas with wounds, rashes, or swelling, and refrain from stimulation if your skin is damaged.
- Consistency: If you do it for a day or two and then stop, you won’t see results. Continue daily for at least 2 weeks.
Pregnant Women’s Precautions
Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, the 5 acupoints in this article are relatively safe, but you must consult with a Korean medicine practitioner or medical professional before performing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which acupoint should I press first when my breathing feels congested?
A: Stimulate Zhongwan (CV17) first. It has the fastest breathing relief effect, and combining it with Chize (LU5) afterward provides more stable results.
Q: I only have jaundice symptoms without asthma. Can I just stimulate Zhiyang?
A: It’s possible, but stimulating all 5 points is more effective. However, if jaundice is your main symptom, spend more time on Zhiyang. You can get more detailed information by viewing the jaundice symptom-specific acupoint guide.
Q: My hands hurt, so it’s difficult to stimulate Chize. Are there other methods?
A: Using a massage stick or acupressure tool can reduce hand strain. Alternatively, asking a caregiver for help is also a good option.
Q: Is it okay to apply pressure before bedtime?
A: Yes, it’s fine. In fact, acupressure before bed can stabilize breathing and promote restful sleep.
Q: What happens if I locate the acupoint incorrectly?
A: Even if you don’t locate it perfectly, stimulating the nearby area will have some effect. Initially, focus on consistency rather than accuracy.
Going Further: Improving Lifestyle Habits
Acupressure alone is not enough. Improving the following lifestyle habits will significantly accelerate recovery from asthma and jaundice.
- Water intake: Drinking 2 liters or more of water daily supports the liver’s detoxification function.
- Slow breathing: Deep, slow breathing naturally strengthens lung function.
- Light exercise: Unhurried walking or stretching increases breathing stability.
- Avoiding irritating foods: Fatty foods and spicy seasonings increase the liver’s burden.
- Adequate sleep: Going to bed before 11 PM ensures the liver’s natural detoxification time.
You can get more practical help through the asthma symptom-specific lifestyle management guide. Following acupressure and lifestyle improvements together increases the probability of experiencing meaningful improvement within 3 months.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If asthma or jaundice symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical care from a healthcare professional. Acupressure is a complementary therapy and can be used alongside medications and medical treatment.
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