5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Leg Numbness | Traditional Medicine-Based Self-Acupressure Guide

Asthma and Leg Numbness May Stem from the Same Root Cause

If you experience shortness of breath from asthma along with leg numbness, it’s no coincidence. In traditional medicine, both symptoms are viewed as qi and blood circulation disorders. When breathing is not functioning properly, blood circulation throughout the body is affected, resulting in numbness symptoms appearing in distal areas like the legs.

Fortunately, by stimulating specific acupoints, you can improve both symptoms simultaneously. This article introduces 5 acupoints effective for both asthma and leg numbness, along with specific acupressure techniques.

5 Effective Acupoints for Asthma and Leg Numbness

The table below allows you to compare the location, effects, and stimulation intensity of each acupoint at a glance.

1. Dachu (GV14) — The First Acupoint for Asthma Relief

Location: When you bend your neck forward, the most prominent bone at the boundary between your neck and back becomes visible. The depression directly below this is Dachu. When you place your finger on it, you will feel a slight hollow sensation.

Effects: In the classical traditional medicine text Donguibogam, Dachu is described as “the place where all yang meridians converge,” highlighting its importance. It strengthens lung function and restores weakened respiratory function from asthma. Simultaneously, it promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the body, improving leg numbness as well.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. Sit in a comfortable position and bend your neck slightly forward.
2. Use the thumb of your opposite hand to locate Dachu.
3. Press gently for 3-5 seconds and release; repeat 5-7 times.
4. Finish with 30 seconds of massage in circular motions using warm fingers for enhanced effect.

Initial Effects: You may feel your chest open up from the first stimulation, and with consistent pressure, nighttime cough decreases and breathing becomes deeper.

2. Shanzhong (CV17) — The Hub of Lung and Heart Function

Location: The point where the line connecting both breasts intersects with the breastbone (sternum). More precisely, it is located in the space between the 4th ribs (4th intercostal space). Pressing with your finger produces a slight sensation of tenderness.

Effects: Shanzhong is the most important acupoint for directly regulating lung and heart function. It opens up the chest tightness caused by asthma and normalizes qi and blood circulation in the thoracic and abdominal areas, improving blood supply reaching the legs.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. Sit in a comfortable position.
2. Locate Shanzhong at the center of your chest.
3. Bring three fingers (index, middle, and ring) together and press vertically on the sternum for 3-5 seconds.
4. Repeat 5-7 times, being careful not to press too hard.

Precaution: Do not perform within 30 minutes after eating. It is more effective to stimulate while breathing slowly rather than using mechanical pressure alone.

3. Chize (LU5) — Direct Lung Function Enhancement

Location: On the inner side of the arm. When you slightly bend your elbow, a small groove appears just above the elbow crease along the line between the thumb and index finger.

Effects: Chize is a key acupoint (sea point) on the lung meridian. It directly strengthens lung function, quickly relieving breathlessness during asthma attacks, and connects qi and blood circulation of the arms and legs, simultaneously resolving leg numbness.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. Extend one arm at chest height.
2. Use the thumb of your opposite hand to locate Chize.
3. Press steadily for 3-5 seconds and release; repeat 5-7 times.
4. Stimulate both arms in the same manner.

Optimal Time: Practice after morning stretching for maximum effectiveness.

4. Quepen (ST12) — The Gateway to Respiratory and Upper Limb Circulation

Location: In the hollow directly below the clavicle. Approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) outward from the center of the chest, in the depression below where the clavicle begins. There is one on each side.

Effects: Quepen is an important gateway that regulates qi and blood to the respiratory system and upper limbs (arms). By releasing tension in the shoulders and neck stiffened by asthma, it simultaneously promotes whole-body qi and blood circulation, alleviating leg numbness symptoms.

Correct Acupressure Technique:

1. Sitting down, use both middle fingers to locate the hollow below the clavicle.
2. Gently lift as if gathering flesh, and press steadily for 3-5 seconds.
3. Repeat 5-7 times, pressing and releasing slowly to avoid irritating the nerves.

Precaution: Since many nerves pass through Quepen, avoid overly strong stimulation.

5. Zhiyang (GV9) — The Regulator of Heart and Lung Function

Location: At the center of the back. Located in the depression below the 7th thoracic vertebra (the seventh bone of the thoracic spine). At shoulder level when your arms are spread wide with your chest open, you will feel a slight groove to either side of the spine when you touch it with your fingers.

Effects: Zhiyang is an important acupoint that regulates heart and lung function. It opens up the chest tightness from asthma and activates qi and blood around the spine to restore whole-body circulation. It is particularly effective in improving blood circulation in distal areas including leg numbness.

Correct Acupressure Technique (2 Methods):

Method 1 — Heat Stimulation:

1. Lying on your back, place a tennis ball under Zhiyang at the center of your back.
2. Apply stimulation while breathing deeply for 3-5 minutes.
3. Practice in the evening to help stabilize nighttime breathing.

Method 2 — Direct Acupressure:

1. Sitting up, use your opposite thumb to locate Zhiyang.
2. Press for 3-5 seconds and release; repeat 5-7 times.

Expected Effects: After stimulating Zhiyang, you may feel your breathing deepen and your chest open up.

Correct Acupressure Technique and Precautions

5 Principles of Effective Acupressure:

1. Timing: Practice twice daily (morning and evening), each session 5-10 minutes.
2. Schedule: Perform at least 30 minutes after meals, when not excessively fatigued.
3. Intensity: The ideal intensity is “sore but pleasant.” Pressing too hard risks tissue damage.
4. Consistency: Results appear after at least 2 weeks of regular practice. Acute symptoms may improve faster.
5. Breathing: Breathe during acupressure. Holding your breath increases body tension and reduces effectiveness.

Situations to Avoid:

• During acute asthma attacks → Seek immediate medical attention
• When there is skin damage or inflammation
• During pregnancy (especially Dachu and Shanzhong require caution)
• When you have heart disease → Consult your doctor before performing
• During states of excessive fatigue

5-Minute Self-Care Routine — Practice Every Morning and Evening

This routine is designed to simultaneously relieve asthma and leg numbness. Repeat it every morning and evening.

Step 1 (1 minute) — Dachu Heat Application:

1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
2. Place both hands on the Dachu (GV14) area.
3. Gently rub while transferring warmth.

Step 2 (1 minute) — Shanzhong Acupressure:

1. Bring three fingers (index, middle, and ring) together.
2. Press vertically on Shanzhong (CV17) for 3-5 seconds; repeat 5-7 times.

Step 3 (1 minute) — Chize Bilateral Arm Stimulation:

1. Locate Chize (LU5) above the elbow crease on both arms.
2. Alternately use both thumbs to press steadily for 3-5 seconds.

Step 4 (1 minute) — Quepen Light Pressing:

1. Use both middle fingers to locate the hollow below the clavicle.
2. Repeat gentle pressing 5-7 times.

Step 5 (1 minute) — Zhiyang Breathing Relief:

1. Assume an upright position with your back straight.
2. Apply a heat pack to the Zhiyang (GV9) area or place warm hands on it.
3. Maintain for 1 minute while breathing deeply.

Expected Results: You may notice your chest opening and breathing becoming easier after the first session. With consistent practice for 2 or more weeks, nighttime cough decreases significantly and leg numbness improves noticeably.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Acupressure is not a complete cure but a supplementary method for prevention and relief. In the following situations, you must consult a medical professional.

Cases Requiring Immediate Medical Attention:

• Sudden severe shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
• Chest pain or palpitations (rapid heartbeat)
• Lips or fingernails turning blue
• Faintness or dizziness

Cases Requiring Continued Medical Care:

• Asthma symptoms not improving for 2 weeks or longer
• Severe sleep disturbance due to nighttime cough
• Unilateral leg numbness (one side only)
• When neurological examination appears necessary
• Leg numbness accompanied by muscle weakness or sensory abnormalities

Tip: Combining basic breathing exercises (diaphragmatic breathing, 4-4-8 breathing) with acupressure increases treatment effectiveness.

Summary

• Asthma and leg numbness are expressions of qi and blood circulation disorders and may stem from the same root cause.
• Acupressure on the 5 acupoints—Dachu, Shanzhong, Chize, Quepen, and Zhiyang—can simultaneously improve breathing and circulation.
• Consistent practice twice daily for 5-10 minutes each is most effective.
• For acute attacks, always visit a hospital; use acupressure as a supplementary method for prevention and relief.
• With at least 2 weeks of consistent practice, you will notice significant improvement.