Relieve Asthma and Full-Body Pain Simultaneously with These 5 Acupressure Points

Why Asthma and Full-Body Pain Occur Together

During an asthma attack, respiratory difficulty causes excessive tension in the chest and shoulder muscles. If this tension persists, muscles throughout the neck, back, and lower back become stiff, developing into full-body pain. In traditional medicine, this is viewed as “qi and blood circulation disorder due to lung qi deficiency.”

Therefore, to fundamentally relieve both symptoms, you must stimulate acupressure points that restore respiratory function while simultaneously improving qi and blood circulation throughout the entire body.

5 Acupressure Points Effective for Asthma and Full-Body Pain

The following are 5 key acupressure points that simultaneously relieve respiratory conditions and full-body muscle pain. The key to effectiveness lies in accurately locating each point and stimulating it using the correct method.

1. Dachu (GV14) — The Universal Cure Point

Exact Location: When you bend your neck forward, the C7 vertebra protrudes most prominently. Dachu is located in the depression directly below this bone. If you gently sweep your fingers downward, you’ll feel it clearly.

How It Works on the Respiratory System: Dachu strengthens the protective yang qi of the lungs and enhances immunity. During an asthma attack, it normalizes breathing frequency, and continuous stimulation reduces the frequency of recurrent attacks.

Principle of Full-Body Pain Relief: Because it is the central point along the spine where qi and blood circulate, stimulating Dachu improves whole-body qi and blood flow at once. It has an immediate effect on relieving muscle tension in the shoulders and upper back in particular.

Pressure Technique:

1. Overlap the thumbs of both hands and position them vertically on the Dachu point.
2. Press slowly for 3 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds.
3. Repeat 10 times (approximately 1 minute).
4. Applying warm moxibustion is also effective (5-10 minutes).

Immediate Effect: After stimulating Dachu, you can feel an immediate response: chest tightness eases and the back becomes more comfortable.

2. Jeongjung (CV17) — Emergency Point for Asthma Attacks

Exact Location: Located at the center of the upper chest. It is the exact midpoint of the line connecting both nipples—the 4th intercostal space. You can find the depression by gently pressing with your finger on the upper center of the chest.

How It Works on the Respiratory System: Jeongjung is a critical acupoint that regulates the energy of the lungs and heart. Stimulating this point immediately after an asthma attack rapidly normalizes breathing. It is the first acupoint stimulated in traditional emergency treatment.

Principle of Full-Body Pain Relief: When chest tension is released, neck, shoulder, and back muscles relax in cascade. As breathing deepens, oxygen supply to the whole body improves, reducing muscle pain.

Pressure Technique:

1. Gently place three fingers of the opposite hand on the Jeongjung point.
2. Press slowly for 5 seconds, then rest for 5 seconds.
3. Repeat 10 times.
4. Avoid excessive pressure; gentle compression is more effective.

Caution: During an asthma attack, excessive pressure may increase chest discomfort, so stimulate gently.

3. Cheoktak (LU5) — Acute Respiratory Distress Relief

Exact Location: With your arm extended, look at the elbow crease. Cheoktak is located on the outer end of the inner arm crease (thumb side). When you bend your arm, the end of the inner elbow crease is the exact location.

How It Works on the Respiratory System: Cheoktak reduces heat in the lungs and eliminates cough and phlegm. It is the fastest-acting acupoint for relieving acute respiratory distress caused by asthma attacks. You can safely stimulate it whenever chest tightness occurs, without side effects.

Principle of Full-Body Pain Relief: Because it relieves tension in the arms and shoulders, upper body pain is directly alleviated. Furthermore, improved lung function increases oxygen supply to the whole body, reducing muscle stiffness.

Pressure Technique:

1. Use the thumb of the opposite hand to locate Cheoktak.
2. Press for 10 seconds on one arm and rest for 10 seconds, repeating 5 times.
3. Stimulate both arms alternately.
4. It is safe to stimulate this point whenever asthma symptoms appear.

Immediate Effect: Breathing becomes deeper immediately after stimulating Cheoktak, making it very effective for acute symptom relief.

4. Gyeolbun (ST12) — Key Point for Bronchial Asthma

Exact Location: At the hollow area above the clavicle, positioned exactly 4 cun (approximately 12 cm) outward from the center of the chest. Located bilaterally, so you can stimulate both sides simultaneously.

How It Works on the Respiratory System: Gyeolbun is a specialized acupoint for bronchial asthma. Regular stimulation significantly reduces asthma attack frequency. It enhances breathing function and relieves bronchial inflammation.

Principle of Full-Body Pain Relief: It relieves muscle tension around the clavicle, neck, and shoulders. As breathing deepens, shoulder and neck pain are simultaneously relieved.

Pressure Technique:

1. It is most effective to stimulate both Gyeolbun points simultaneously.
2. Gently press with your thumb or finger joint while massaging in circular motions.
3. Press for 3 seconds and rest for 3 seconds, repeating 8 times.
4. Applying moxibustion is also beneficial (3-5 minutes each side).

Long-Term Effect: Consistent stimulation of Gyeolbun results in longer intervals between asthma attacks after 2-3 weeks, and symptom severity decreases.

5. Jiyang (GV9) — Lung Function Recovery and Back Pain Relief

Exact Location: The hollow area below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra at the center of the back. When you bend forward at the waist, it’s the depression below the most prominent bone on the back surface at chest height.

How It Works on the Respiratory System: Jiyang restores lung function and reduces heat in the chest. When you have chronic respiratory discomfort along with asthma, stimulating Jiyang provides fundamental improvement.

Principle of Full-Body Pain Relief: Located at the center of the back, it directly relieves back pain caused by asthma. It also promotes whole-body qi and blood circulation, reducing fatigue.

Pressure Technique:

1. Self-stimulation is difficult, so seek help from family or a professional.
2. Gently press with the rounded end of a beauty roller or finger joint.
3. Press for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating 10 times.
4. Alternatively, apply a heat patch or use moxibustion (5-10 minutes).

Moxibustion Effect: Jiyang is even more effective when stimulated with moxibustion. The penetrating warmth allows you to experience lung function recovery.

Situation-Based Pressure Routines

To maximize effectiveness, you must selectively stimulate acupoints based on your symptoms and situation. The following are recommended routines for each situation.

Daily Maintenance: 5-Minute Morning and Evening Routine

Goal: Reduce asthma attack frequency, prevent full-body pain

How to Perform (Daily, morning and evening, 5 minutes):

1. Dachu (GV14) — Press with both thumbs for 3 seconds and rest for 3 seconds × 10 times (1 minute)
2. Jeongjung (CV17) — Press with fingers for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds × 10 times (1 minute 30 seconds)
3. Cheoktak (LU5) — Press both sides for 10 seconds and rest for 10 seconds × 5 times (1 minute)
4. Gyeolbun (ST12) — Press both sides simultaneously for 3 seconds and rest for 3 seconds × 8 times (1 minute 30 seconds)

Following this sequence activates the respiratory system and allows you to start the day comfortably. With consistent practice for 3 weeks, asthma attack frequency decreases significantly and full-body pain is relieved.

During Asthma Attack: Emergency 3-Minute Routine

Goal: Immediately relieve acute respiratory distress

How to Perform (Repeat whenever you feel an attack):

1. Jeongjung (CV17) — Press for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds × 5 times
2. Cheoktak (LU5) — Press both sides for 10 seconds and rest for 10 seconds × 3 times
3. Dachu (GV14) — Press for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds × 5 times

When an asthma attack begins, focus on these 3 acupoints. Stimulating these points normalizes breathing within 1-3 minutes.

Important: This provides emergency relief. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

When Full-Body Pain Is Severe: Evening Deep Routine

Goal: Relieve muscle tension, improve qi and blood circulation

How to Perform (Once daily, 10 minutes in the evening):

1. Gyeolbun (ST12) — Press both sides simultaneously for 3 seconds and rest for 3 seconds × 8 times (2 minutes)
2. Jiyang (GV9) — Stimulate with heat patch or moxibustion (5-10 minutes)
3. Dachu (GV14) — Final stimulation, press for 3 seconds and rest for 3 seconds × 5 times (1 minute)

If moxibustion is not available, slowly stimulating Jiyang with a beauty roller for 5-10 minutes is also effective.

Tips to Enhance Pressure Therapy Effects

Following these conditions increases pressure therapy effectiveness by 30-50%.

• Stimulation Time: Stimulating between 6-9 AM and 7-9 PM is more effective, as the body’s energy flow is most active during these times.
• Skin Condition: Stimulate when skin is healthy. If skin is red or has wounds, proceed after recovery.
• Temperature: Stimulating in a warm environment is beneficial. If possible, proceed after bathing.
• Breathing: Breathe deeply and slowly during stimulation. Holding your breath decreases effectiveness.
• Consistency: You need 2-3 weeks of consistent practice to feel improvement. Continue for at least 30 days or more.

When Will You Feel Improvement

Individual Variation: Symptom severity, constitution, and consistency affect the timeline. If no change occurs after 1+ month of consistent practice, a diagnosis from a traditional medicine practitioner is needed.

Precautions and Limitations

Situations to Avoid:

• When there are severe wounds or skin inflammation
• During acute infection or high fever
• While recovering from recent surgery
• In case of cancer diagnosis—medical clearance is required

Beneficial Lifestyle Habits to Accompany Acupoint Pressure Therapy

To amplify the effects of pressure therapy, lifestyle improvements should be made simultaneously.

• Hydration: Slowly drink 2-3 liters of water daily. The more moist the mucous membranes, the healthier the respiratory system.
• Avoid Cold Air: Avoid direct exposure to cold wind. Cold air conditioning also worsens asthma.
• Light Exercise: Promote blood circulation through brisk walking or stretching. Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Warm Foods: Frequently consume warm soups, tea, and porridge to improve lung function.
• Stress Management: Since stress worsens asthma, practice meditation or deep breathing exercises for at least 5 minutes daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

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