5 Acupoints to Relieve Asthma and Neck Pain Simultaneously | Self-Acupressure Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine

Why Asthma and Neck Pain Occur Together

Breathing difficulty from asthma causes the neck and shoulder muscles to become rigid. As you lift your shoulders to breathe, the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles contract continuously. This results in worsening blood circulation around the cervical spine, causing neck pain, which in turn makes breathing even more difficult—creating a vicious cycle.

Traditional Chinese medicine views this as “reduced lung function and imbalanced qi circulation in the cervical region.” Therefore, to resolve both symptoms simultaneously, you need to stimulate both respiratory acupoints and cervical muscle relaxation points.

Acupoint Comparison Table for Asthma and Neck Pain Relief

1. Dachu (GV14) — Immediate Relief of Asthma-Related Breathing Difficulty

Effect Summary: As a source point for lung function, it directly relieves asthma-related breathing difficulty while simultaneously releasing neck and shoulder muscle tension.

How to Locate the Point

It is located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. You can find it by gently stroking downward from the most prominent bone at the back of your neck when your head is bent forward.

Acupressure Method

1. Sit in a comfortable position and bend your neck slightly forward.
2. Press Dachu using your thumb or middle finger.
3. Apply gentle pressure, maintaining an intensity that produces a warming sensation.
4. Apply pressure for 1-2 minutes per session, three times daily.

Tip: Gently tapping the point with the edge of a coin is also effective. Excessive pressure may cause adverse effects.

2. Shanzhong (CV17) — Chest Tightness and Stress-Related Breathing Difficulty

Effect Summary: Regulates lung and heart function, immediately relieving chest tightness. It also improves psychological anxiety from stress, stabilizing your breathing.

How to Locate the Point

It is located at the midpoint of the 4th intercostal space on the sternum (the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples). You can feel a depression when you touch it with your finger.

Acupressure Method

1. Lying in a comfortable position is more effective.
2. Gentle circular massage is recommended rather than strong finger pressure.
3. Place your overlapped hands on Shanzhong and slowly massage in circular motions.
4. Apply for 1-2 minutes per session, two to three times daily.

Caution: The sternum area is sensitive, so avoid applying excessive pressure.

3. Fengchi (GB20) — Direct Resolution of Neck Pain and Shoulder Stiffness

Effect Summary: Rapidly relieves muscle tension around the neck and improves blood circulation in the cervical region. It also promotes respiratory health and helps prevent colds.

How to Locate the Point

It is located in the hollow depression below the occipital bone, at the junction of the neck and shoulder. It lies between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles and is easily found by bending your head forward.

Acupressure Method

1. Sit or lie with your neck in a relaxed position.
2. Press both Fengchi points simultaneously using both thumbs.
3. Apply pressure slowly in small circular motions.
4. Press for 3 seconds while inhaling, then slowly release while exhaling.
5. Repeat 10 times per session, three to four times daily.

Noticeable Effect: You will immediately feel the muscles around your neck soften.

4. Lieque (LU7) — Relief of Overall Respiratory Symptoms

Effect Summary: As a source point for lung function, it is effective for all respiratory symptoms including asthma, cough, and nasal congestion. It also relieves neck and shoulder pain.

How to Locate the Point

It is located in the hollow depression approximately 1.5 cun (about 4.5cm) above the wrist crease. It is positioned above the radial styloid process (the bony prominence on the thumb side of the wrist). It is easy to find by slightly bending your wrist.

Acupressure Method

1. Press Lieque using the thumb or middle finger of the opposite hand.
2. Apply pressure at an intensity that produces slight soreness for 3 seconds.
3. Slowly release.
4. Alternate between left and right, repeating 10-15 times on each side.

Tip: Wrist acupoints are sensitive to repeated stimulation, so accurate point location is more important than pressure intensity.

5. Jianjing (GB21) — Complete Cervical Muscle Relaxation

Effect Summary: The most effective acupoint for relieving neck and shoulder muscle tension. It promotes blood circulation around the cervical spine and alleviates stress-related headaches.

How to Locate the Point

It is located at the midpoint between the acromion (the outer end of the shoulder blade) and Dachu (GV14). It is positioned slightly inward from the highest point of the shoulder.

Acupressure Method

1. Sit in a comfortable position with your shoulders relaxed.
2. Place three fingers or your thumb of the opposite hand on Jianjing.
3. Slowly press downward while making circular motions.
4. Apply for 1-2 minutes per session, three to four times daily.

Caution: The Jianjing area has abundant blood vessels, so avoid excessive pressure to prevent vascular compression.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine for Asthma and Neck Pain

Following this sequence, you can relieve both asthma-related breathing difficulty and neck pain in just 5 minutes. It is recommended to repeat this routine three times daily: morning, midday, and evening.

Step 1 (1 minute): Fengchi (GB20) Relaxation

Press both Fengchi points simultaneously using your thumbs to relax the neck muscles first. This serves as the foundation for improved breathing.

Step 2 (1 minute): Dachu (GV14) Activation

Gently press Dachu to activate lung function. You will notice a sensation of easier breathing.

Step 3 (1 minute): Shanzhong (CV17) Normalization

Massage Shanzhong in circular motions to normalize breathing. You can feel your chest tightness ease.

Step 4 (1 minute): Lieque (LU7) Enhancement

Press both Lieque points alternately to further alleviate respiratory symptoms.

Step 5 (1 minute): Jianjing (GB21) Complete Relaxation

Massage both Jianjing points simultaneously to completely release neck and shoulder tension.

Expected Results: After following this routine for one week, you can experience noticeable improvement in both asthma symptoms and neck pain.

Precautions When Using Acupressure for Asthma and Neck Pain

• During Acute Asthma Attacks: Acupressure is a supplementary measure. If breathing is severely difficult, seek medical attention immediately.
• Injured or Diseased Areas: Avoid acupressure if you have fractures or serious injuries to the neck.
• Excessive Stimulation: Avoid pressing more than 5 times daily, as it can cause skin damage.
• Taking Medications: If you are taking anticoagulants or chemotherapy drugs, consult your doctor before beginning acupressure.
• Individual Variation: Effectiveness varies by constitution. Assess results after at least 2 weeks of consistent practice.

Acknowledging Limitations: While acupressure may help relieve symptoms, it does not fundamentally cure underlying conditions such as asthma or cervical spine disorders. If symptoms persist, visiting a traditional medicine clinic or hospital is recommended.