Introduction
If you’re struggling to breathe due to asthma and simultaneously experiencing shooting pain from your buttocks down your leg? This isn’t simply two conditions overlapping—it’s a signal that both your body’s qi circulation and meridian flow are blocked. In Eastern medicine, there are acupoints that can address both asthma and sciatica together. This post introduces 5 proven acupoints that relieve both symptoms simultaneously.
5 Best Acupoints for Asthma and Sciatica
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: When you bend your neck forward, it’s located in the depression below the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra spinous process). You’ll feel a slight indentation when you press with your finger.
Benefits: Dazhui is known as the “meeting place of all yang qi” and excels at strengthening immunity and restoring respiratory function. During asthma attacks, it stabilizes breathing, and by releasing tension in spinal nerves, it alleviates sciatica pain.
Technique: Press slowly with your thumb for 5 seconds, then release for 2 seconds. Repeat 10 times at an intensity that produces a dull, aching sensation rather than sharp pain.
2. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: At the center of the chest, located at the midpoint of a horizontal line connecting both nipples. It’s between the 4th intercostal space on the sternum.
Benefits: This acupoint directly regulates lung qi and immediately alleviates chest tightness and difficulty breathing caused by asthma. By stabilizing the nervous system, it also improves stress-related sciatica.
Technique: Place your middle fingers together on the center of your chest. Press for 3 seconds, then release for 2 seconds. Repeat 8 times. You can also massage gently in circular motions instead of pressing deeply.
3. Chize — LU5
Location: When you bend your arm, it’s located above the crease on the inside of the elbow, on the outer side of the biceps tendon. Pressing with your finger will produce mild discomfort.
Benefits: An important acupoint on the lung meridian with direct effects on asthma symptoms. It regulates breathing rhythm and releases the tightness in the bronchial passages. By releasing tension in the arm and upper body nerves, it alleviates overall stiffness caused by sciatica.
Technique: Find Chize with the thumb of your opposite hand and press for 5 seconds while simultaneously slowly extending and bending your arm. Repeat 10 times.
4. Jiexi — ST12
Location: Located in the center of the hollow area above the collarbone. The exact location is approximately 4 cun (about 12cm) outward from the midline of the sternum.
Benefits: An acupoint that regulates both respiratory and digestive systems. During asthma, it widens the breathing pathway and smooths qi circulation throughout the body to relieve nerve pain. It simultaneously improves chest tightness and epigastric discomfort.
Technique: Place your middle finger on the hollow area above the collarbone and tilt slightly inward while pressing for 3 seconds. Release for 2 seconds, then repeat 8 times. Perform on both sides.
5. Zhiyang — GV9
Location: When you bend your neck forward, count down 3 vertebrae from the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra) to locate the depression below the 7th thoracic vertebra spinous process.
Benefits: The center of spinal nerve health, directly alleviating tension and inflammation in muscles surrounding the spine from sciatica. Simultaneously, it regulates respiratory function to prevent asthma attacks. Enhanced immunity effectively improves chronic conditions.
Technique: To find the exact location, first locate Dazhui (GV14), then count down 3 vertebrae along the spine. Press with your thumb for 5 seconds, then rest for 2 seconds. Repeat 12 times, reducing intensity if you experience pain.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Perform this right after waking in the morning or when symptoms arise:
① Dazhui (GV14) – 1 minute: Press slowly with your thumb while breathing deeply. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
② Shanzhong (CV17) – 1 minute: Place your middle fingers together and massage gently in circular motions. Calm your mind and normalize your breathing.
③ Chize (LU5) – 1 minute: Work both arms. Apply pressure while simultaneously extending and bending your arms. Release tension in the arm nerves.
④ Jiexi (ST12) – 1 minute: Apply pressure to both sides alternately. Proceed as if opening your chest wide.
⑤ Zhiyang (GV9) – 1 minute: Proceed with deep breathing while sensing spinal health.
Performing this 5-minute routine twice daily (morning and evening) should result in easier breathing and reduced nerve pain within 1-2 weeks.
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