Introduction
When asthma and back pain occur together, difficult breathing combined with a stiff back makes daily life uncomfortable. In fact, many asthma patients experience back pain because they overuse their back and shoulder muscles to breathe. Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes specific acupoints that can improve respiratory function while simultaneously relieving tension in the back muscles.
5 Best Acupoints for Asthma and Back Pain
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression below the 7th cervical vertebra spinous process at the back of the neck. When you bow your head, find the most protruding bone at the base of your neck (7th cervical vertebra) and locate the hollow depression directly below it.
Effects: Strengthens respiratory immune function and alleviates asthma attacks. Promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the entire back, effectively relieves back pain, and releases tension in the neck and shoulders.
Acupressure technique: Apply gentle, perpendicular pressure to the Dazhui acupoint using your thumb pad. Press for 3–5 seconds and rest for 1 second, repeating 10 times. Use moderate pressure that produces a slight sensation of tenderness.
2. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: Located on the sternum in the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the imaginary line connecting the two nipples. Also called the 4th intercostal space, it is the hollow depression in the center of the chest.
Effects: Directly stimulates lung function to improve breathing depth and alleviates respiratory difficulty caused by asthma. Relieves chest tightness and anxiety, and is also effective as an emergency acupoint during asthma attacks.
Acupressure technique: Use your middle or index finger pad to apply gentle, perpendicular pressure. Be careful not to press too hard. Repeat 10 times with 3–5 second presses. The technique is more effective when coordinated with breathing: inhale deeply, then exhale slowly.
3. Chize — LU5
Location: Located on the inner side of the arm, at the upper end of the elbow crease. When your arm is extended, find the point slightly above the elbow crease, at the edge on the thumb side (lateral to the biceps tendon).
Effects: A major acupoint of the lung meridian, exceptionally effective for improving respiratory conditions. Alleviates asthma, cough, and chest tightness. Located near the upper arm and shoulder, it is also effective for relieving upper back pain.
Acupressure technique: Overlap both thumbs and apply perpendicular pressure to the Chize acupoint on the inner elbow. Press for 10 seconds, repeat 3 times, and support the area above the elbow with your remaining 4 fingers for stability.
4. Quepen — ST12
Location: Located in the hollow above the clavicle (collarbone), approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) outward from the center. Find the outer edge of the deepest depression on the clavicle.
Effects: Improves respiratory function and alleviates asthma symptoms. Located near the shoulders and neck, it relieves tension in the upper back and shoulders, while simultaneously improving chest tightness.
Acupressure technique: Locate the Quepen acupoint with your index finger and apply slow pressure at a slightly upward angle. Repeat 8–10 times with 5-second presses. The technique is more effective when you stimulate both sides symmetrically.
5. Zhiyang — GV9
Location: Located in the mid-back, in the depression below the 7th thoracic vertebra spinous process. Follow the spine’s spinous processes down the center of the back, and locate it in the thoracic region, below Dazhui.
Effects: An acupoint that directly strengthens respiratory and lung function, exceptionally effective for alleviating asthma and cough. Located directly in the mid-back, it is the most direct and effective acupoint for relieving back pain and promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the entire back.
Acupressure technique: Since self-stimulation is difficult, pull your back inward with your thumb and slowly press Zhiyang using your thumb pad. Alternatively, placing a tennis ball against your back and pressing it against a wall is also effective. Repeat 10 times with 3–5 second presses.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Step 1 (1 minute): Stimulate Shanzhong (CV17) 10 times with 3–5 second presses while taking deep breaths. Inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale slowly to release chest tension.
Step 2 (1 minute): Alternately stimulate both Chize points (LU5) 3 times with 10-second presses. Gently massage the inner elbow while promoting blood circulation.
Step 3 (1 minute): Stimulate both Quepen points (ST12) 8 times with 5-second presses each side. Lift and lower your shoulders slightly to simultaneously release muscle tension.
Step 4 (1 minute): Stimulate Dazhui (GV14) as precisely as possible, repeating 10 times with 3–5 second presses. Starting with your head slightly bowed forward makes it easier to locate the acupoint.
Step 5 (1 minute): Stimulate Zhiyang (GV9) using a tennis ball or tool, repeating 10 times with 3–5 second presses. Feel your breathing become easier as you release tension in your mid-back.
Tip: This routine is more effective when performed twice daily, morning and evening. During an asthma attack, first stimulate Shanzhong (CV17) and Chize (LU5) for emergency response.
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