Introduction
As the cold weather continues, many people are struggling with asthma symptoms. What’s more frustrating is that it’s not just asthma—sore throat appears at the same time. When shortness of breath and a sore throat come together, it’s really uncomfortable. Fortunately, traditional medicine offers effective acupoints that can relieve both symptoms at the same time.
5 Acupoints Good for Asthma and Sore Throat
1. Hegu (LI4) — Large Intestine 4
Location: The indented area between the thumb and index finger. More precisely, it’s located at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. You can find it by repeatedly spreading and closing your thumb and index finger while your hand is open, locating the deepest indented point.
Benefits: It directly improves lung function and relieves shortness of breath. At the same time, it strengthens immunity to prevent respiratory infections and effectively reduces inflammation from sore throat. It’s also the easiest acupoint to stimulate since it’s located at the end of the finger.
Acupressure technique: Find the LI4 point with the thumb of the opposite hand, then slowly press deeply and release. You may feel some pain at first, so adjust the intensity to your comfort level. Continue for about 1 minute while consciously maintaining deep, slow breathing. It’s even better to treat both hands.
2. Quchi (LI11) — Large Intestine 11
Location: The outer end (lateral end) of the crease that appears on the elbow when the arm is bent. When the elbow is bent at 90 degrees and you touch the end of the crease, you can feel the gap between the bones. This is the precise location.
Benefits: It removes heat from the lungs and relieves heat-related inflammation in the respiratory system. It cools the ‘heat’ caused by asthma and quickly reduces inflammation and pain from sore throat. It’s especially effective for asthma worsening due to the common cold.
Acupressure technique: With the arm bent, locate LI11 with the thumb of the opposite hand. Apply pressure with a feeling of pressing deeply toward the inside (medial side) of the arm. A slight soreness is appropriate. Apply for about 1 minute on each side, treating both arms, and your breathing will feel much lighter.
3. Taixi (KI3) — Kidney 3
Location: The depression (indented area) between the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus) of the foot and the Achilles tendon. When you feel the inside of your foot, there are two protruding structures, and the hollow space between them is KI3. You can easily find it by comfortably extending your foot and using your thumb.
Benefits: It strengthens kidney function and boosts the body’s fundamental immunity. It improves respiratory muscle strength and makes breathing easier. It’s excellent for long-term asthma improvement and short-term acceleration of sore throat recovery.
Acupressure technique: With your foot comfortably positioned, locate KI3 with your thumb. Press deeply toward the inside of the foot, aiming for a refreshing sensation rather than pain. It’s good to press continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Treating both feet before bed also helps improve sleep quality.
4. Dazhui (GV14) — Governing Vessel 14
Location: At the base of the neck, in the depression directly below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. When you bend your head forward, you can see the most protruding bone at the back of your neck; the hollow area directly below this bone is GV14. You can locate it with your thumb or middle finger.
Benefits: It activates the entire immune system and helps fundamentally improve respiratory diseases. It quickly relieves inflammation and pain from sore throat and is effective as emergency treatment during asthma attacks. It helps regulate whole-body temperature and prevents complications from the common cold.
Acupressure technique: Since it’s inconvenient to do this alone, if possible, have someone else apply acupressure or use a curved tool (such as an acupressure stick) that’s easy to reach. Press deeply, but gently massage in circular motions while checking that the neck muscles aren’t tense. After about 1 minute, your entire neck will feel much more relaxed.
5. Shanzhong (CV17) — Conception Vessel 17
Location: In the center of the chest, above the breastbone. It’s the point where a horizontal line connecting both nipples intersects with the center line of the breastbone. It typically corresponds to the fourth intercostal space (between the ribs). You can feel a slight hollow when you touch it with your finger.
Benefits: It directly relieves chest tightness and makes breathing much lighter. It quickly alleviates the ‘chest tightness’ of asthma symptoms and improves swallowing difficulty from sore throat. It strengthens overall cardiopulmonary function and increases breathing efficiency.
Acupressure technique: Lie down in a comfortable position, then place your finger on your chest. Locate the CV17 point and slowly press deeply. It’s more effective to press gently but deeply rather than with force. It’s good to apply pressure while inhaling and release while exhaling, coordinating the acupressure with your breathing. Apply for about 1 minute.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
This is a 5-minute routine that relieves asthma and sore throat simultaneously:
Step 1 (1 minute): Alternate pressing LI4 on both hands. Apply deep pressure while making small circular motions. Take 3 deep breaths before starting.
Step 2 (1 minute): Apply pressure to LI11 on both arms. Keep your arms bent and press deeply on the inside of the arm with your thumbs.
Step 3 (1 minute): Alternate pressing KI3 on both feet. Comfortably position your feet and press slowly with your thumbs. Consciously take deep breaths during this step.
Step 4 (1 minute): Gently tap GV14 or massage it in circular motions with your finger or acupressure stick. Notice the feeling of your neck muscles relaxing.
Step 5 (1 minute): Finish by slowly pressing CV17. Take 5 deep, slow breaths with the sensation of your chest expanding.
Recommendation: Practice twice daily, in the morning and evening, and you can feel symptom improvement within 3 days.
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