5 Acupoints for Asthma and Leg Cramps: TCM-Recognized Qi and Blood Circulation Recovery Method

Why Asthma and Leg Cramps Appear Together

Many people experience asthma and leg cramps simultaneously. The difficulty breathing caused by asthma hinders the body’s oxygen supply, which leads to muscle stiffness and leg cramps in a vicious cycle. In particular, when symptoms worsen at night, sleep quality deteriorates significantly.

Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine views the root cause of both symptoms as “insufficient qi and blood circulation.” Therefore, by stimulating acupoints that directly strengthen the respiratory system while simultaneously improving overall body circulation, you can effectively relieve both symptoms.

Comparison Table of Acupoints for Asthma and Leg Cramps

1. Tianzhong (CV17) – Acupoint That Instantly Relieves Chest Tightness

Location and How to Find It

Tianzhong is located on the breastbone at the center of the chest. It is at the point where a horizontal line connecting both nipples intersects with the body’s midline, specifically between the 4th ribs.

Easy way to find it: Starting from the hollow area below the neck, slowly move your index finger downward. Pass below the first rib you feel, then move down one more rib. When you feel a slight hollow in the chest, you’ve found it.

Effects: Why It’s Most Important for Asthma

Tianzhong is called the “center of respiration” in traditional Chinese medicine. It provides the fastest relief from chest tightness and difficulty breathing caused by asthma. Based on practical acupressure experience, pressing CV17 when an asthma attack begins deepens breathing within minutes.

It also helps relieve leg cramps. When breathing deepens, oxygen supply improves, which relieves muscle stiffness.

Acupressure Method

• Fingers: Press with index and middle fingers together
• Pressure: Do not press too hard. Apply deep, comfortable pressure
• Duration: Press for 3-5 seconds and release slowly. Repeat 15-20 times
• Breathing: Press while exhaling, release while inhaling
• Frequency: Once in the morning and once in the evening. On days with severe asthma symptoms, add one more session during the day

Tip: It is more effective when sitting than when lying down. Acupressure penetrates deeper when the chest is open.

2. Chize (LU5) – Acupoint That Directly Strengthens Lung Function

Location and How to Find It

Chize is located on the lower part of the arm, at the crease that forms when the elbow is bent. More precisely, it is located at the outer end of the tendon (biceps tendon) on the front of the arm.

Easy way to find it: When the arm is bent at 90 degrees, place your finger on the inner elbow crease. It is located about one thumb width from the inner edge of the arm toward the outside. You can find it more easily by bending and straightening the arm repeatedly.

Effects: Direct Strengthening of Lung Function

Chize is the last acupoint on the lung meridian and most directly regulates lung function. It not only relieves asthma symptoms but also improves cough and wheezing sounds.

With regular stimulation, lung elasticity is restored, and long-term asthma attack frequency decreases. From the perspective of leg cramps, improved lung function enhances overall oxygen circulation and prevents muscle stiffness.

Acupressure Method

• Fingers: Use the thumb of the opposite hand
• Pressure: Moderate pressure (slightly tender sensation)
• Duration: Press for 5 seconds and release slowly. Repeat 10-15 times
• Method: You can massage in circular motions or apply direct pressure
• Frequency: 2-3 times daily on both arms (morning, afternoon, evening)

Tip: It is normal for Chize to have some tenderness when pressed. This is a sign that the acupoint is being activated.

3. Dachu (GV14) – Acupoint That Simultaneously Strengthens Overall Body Energy and Breathing

Location and How to Find It

Dachu is located on the back of the neck. When you bend your head forward, the most prominent bone between the neck and back becomes visible. This is the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), and Dachu is located in the hollow area directly below this bone.

Easy way to find it: Follow your finger down the back of the neck while counting the spinal vertebrae. The hollow area directly below the most prominent bone is Dachu.

Effects: The Center of Whole-Body Physiological Function

Dachu is called the “first acupoint” in traditional Chinese medicine because it is where all yang energy gathers. It restores respiratory function weakened by asthma and simultaneously promotes overall blood circulation to help relieve leg cramps.

For those with chronic asthma or recurrent cramps, pressing Dachu should be a fundamental practice.

Acupressure Method

• Fingers: Use both thumbs overlapped
• Pressure: Moderate to firm pressure (pressing sensation)
• Duration: Press for 3 seconds and rest for 2 seconds. Repeat 10 times for 2 sets
• Position: Bent forward posture or standing upright
• Frequency: Once in the morning and once in the evening. This is the acupoint you should practice most consistently

Tip: If it’s difficult to do alone, you can place a golf ball against a wall and stimulate it by moving your body against it.

4. Jiefeng (ST12) – Instantly Relieves Difficulty Breathing

Location and How to Find It

Jiefeng is located in the hollow area on the inner side of the collarbone below the neck. Specifically, it is at the lower end of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (the large muscle on the side of the neck) and in the hollow area above the collarbone.

Easy way to find it: It is about 3-4 cm from the center of the neck toward the outside, in the hollow area above the collarbone. You can feel a clear hollow when you palpate below both sides of the neck.

Effects: Acute Relief of Difficulty Breathing

Jiefeng is the acupoint that responds most quickly when asthma symptoms are severe. By simultaneously regulating the respiratory system and nerves, pressing this acupoint when an asthma attack begins can normalize breathing.

It also relieves muscle tension caused by stress and anxiety, making it effective for leg cramps worsened by mental stress.

Acupressure Method

• Fingers: Use index fingers of both hands to stimulate both sides simultaneously
• Pressure: Gentle but firm pressure (Jiefeng has sensitive nerves)
• Duration: Press and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 5-10 times
• Breathing: Breathe in slowly while pressing
• Frequency: Once in the morning and once in the evening. Press immediately when experiencing asthma attacks

Tip: Do not press too hard. There are many nerves and blood vessels around Jiefeng, and excessive pressure can actually worsen symptoms.

5. Zhiyang (GV9) – Acupoint That Simultaneously Improves Breathing and Circulation

Location and How to Find It

Zhiyang is located on the spine at the center of the back. When you bend your body forward, it is directly below the second-to-last prominent bone. This corresponds to below the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

Easy way to find it: Follow your finger down from the back of the neck, counting the spinal vertebrae. Starting from Dachu (first bone) and counting down six more vertebrae, you’ll reach Zhiyang. Alternatively, cross your arms and touch the opposite side of your back to find it.

Effects: Strengthens Lung and Heart Function

Zhiyang directly affects the lungs and heart. It restores respiratory function weakened by asthma over the long term and simultaneously relieves tension in the lower body muscles to effectively alleviate leg cramps.

In particular, with regular stimulation, improved oxygen exchange capacity in the lungs leads to a gradual increase in baseline breathing ability in chronic asthma patients.

Acupressure Method

• Fingers: Use thumb or finger joint of the opposite hand
• Pressure: Moderate pressure (deep penetrating sensation)
• Duration: Press for 5 seconds and release slowly. Repeat 10-15 times
• Method: Direct pressure or tapping with the back of the hand are both effective
• Frequency: Twice daily (morning and evening). Continue for at least 2 weeks

Tip: If it’s difficult to do alone, place a tennis ball against a wall and stimulate it by lying on it.

Order of Acupressure for Simultaneously Relieving Asthma and Leg Cramps

You need to stimulate all 5 acupoints to see results. Following the sequence below ensures progressive improvement from respiratory stabilization to overall circulation.

Total time required: Approximately 6-7 minutes

When to expect results: You can expect both immediate relief (CV17, ST12) and gradual improvement after 2-3 weeks (GV14, GV9).

Daily Acupressure Routine (10 Minutes Morning/Evening)

For maximum effectiveness, regular stimulation is essential. Perform the following routine in the morning after waking and in the evening before bed.

Morning Routine (Within 5 Minutes of Waking)

1. Breathing stabilization (1 minute): Sit comfortably and repeat deep abdominal breathing 5 times. Inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, then exhale for 6 seconds.
2. Tianzhong acupressure (1 minute): Massage in circular motions with middle finger 20 times.
3. Chize acupressure (1 minute): Press with thumb on both arms 10-15 times each.
4. Dachu acupressure (1 minute): Stimulate with overlapped thumbs 10 times for 2 sets.
5. Finishing breathing (1 minute): Awaken your body with deep breathing.

Evening Routine (30 Minutes Before Bed)

1. Warm-up (1 minute): Slowly rotate your neck and shoulders to release tension.
2. Jiefeng acupressure (1 minute): Press with index fingers of both hands simultaneously 5-10 times.
3. Chize acupressure (1 minute): Massage both arms 10 times each.
4. Zhiyang acupressure (1.5 minutes): Tap lightly with the back of your hand or press with thumb.
5. Dachu acupressure (1 minute): Stimulate with overlapped thumbs 10 times.
6. Tianzhong massage (1 minute): Finish with gentle circular motions.

Real clinical feedback: Practicing this routine consistently for 2-3 weeks results in most patients reporting a decrease in asthma attack frequency and relief of leg cramps. In particular, patients report that symptoms don’t worsen even on days with high stress.

Precautions and Limitations When Performing Acupressure

Acupoint acupressure is a supplementary self-care method. To be transparent, professional medical consultation is necessary in the following cases.

Cases Requiring Immediate Medical Consultation

• When difficulty breathing worsens or there is chest pain
• When leg cramps occur repeatedly in only one leg with swelling
• When symptoms worsen after acupressure or new pain develops
• When considering stopping or reducing asthma medication (must consult with your physician)

Precautions for Specific Populations

Combined with Other Treatments

Acupressure cannot solve everything. It is more effective when combined with the following:

• Traditional Chinese medicine treatment: Combining internal treatment with herbal medicine or acupuncture doubles the effects of acupressure.
• Breathing exercises: Breathing programs such as abdominal breathing, yoga, and qigong help improve asthma.
• Strength training: Especially if leg strength is weak, cramps occur more frequently. Light stretching or walking are effective.
• Stress management: Stress is a major aggravating factor for both asthma and cramps.

Additional Advice to Enhance Effects

Visual Confirmation of Acupressure Location

If you have difficulty identifying the exact location, it is recommended to visit a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for the first 1-2 sessions to have a professional identify the location for you. Once you know the exact location, self-care becomes much easier.

Importance of Timing

In traditional Chinese medicine, the flow of qi and blood varies by time of day. When you practice acupressure in the morning (5-7 AM) and evening (5-7 PM), it harmonizes with the body’s natural rhythm and increases effectiveness.

Effects of Season

Asthma tends to worsen during seasonal transitions and winter. During these periods, increasing acupressure frequency by 1.5 times helps prevent attacks.