Asthma + Wrist Pain, Why Do They Appear Together?
In Eastern medicine, the respiratory system and arm blood circulation are connected through the Lung meridian. When asthma symptoms are severe, the qi and blood circulation throughout the entire body weakens, affecting even the arms. Therefore, by first improving respiratory function and promoting peripheral blood circulation, you can alleviate both symptoms simultaneously.
5 Key Acupoints to Relieve Asthma + Wrist Pain
| Acupoint | Location | Main Benefits | Pressure Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dazhui (GV14) | Directly below the 7th cervical vertebra at the base of the neck | Strengthens lung function, regulates respiratory system | Press with finger joints up and down 10 times |
| Shanzhong (CV17) | Center of chest, at the level of the nipples | Relieves asthma attacks, normalizes chest energy | Press with thumb for 3-5 seconds, 5 times |
| Chize (LU5) | Above the elbow crease, on the outer side of the biceps | Stimulates Lung meridian, relieves cough and chest tightness | Press with thumb for 5-10 seconds |
| Waiguan (TE5) | On the back of the wrist, 2 cun above the wrist crease | Directly relieves wrist pain, arm nerve pain | Circular massage with opposite thumb, 20-30 times |
| Quepen (ST12) | In the hollow above the collarbone, lateral to the midline | Relieves arm pain, improves shortness of breath | Circular pressure with thumb, 15-20 times |
1. Dazhui (GV14) — The Central Axis of Lung Function
Why This Should Be Stimulated First
Dazhui is an acupoint that directly regulates lung function. When you have asthma symptoms, stimulating Dazhui first activates qi and blood circulation throughout the respiratory system, which then connects to blood circulation throughout the entire arm.
Finding the Exact Location
Tilt your head forward slightly, and you’ll see the most prominent bone at the base of the neck (the 7th cervical vertebra). Directly below this prominent point is a hollow depression—this is Dazhui. By slowly moving your finger down from the base of the neck toward the upper back, you can feel a clear depression.
Effective Pressure Technique
Using the joint of a warm finger (the second knuckle when making a fist), slowly press up and down 10 times. Alternatively, applying a warm towel for 5 minutes provides immediate effects. It’s important to maintain deep breathing while applying pressure.
2. Shanzhong (CV17) — Immediate Relief for Asthma Attacks
An Acupoint Effective Even in Emergency Situations
Shanzhong is the acupoint that provides the fastest relief when experiencing shortness of breath from an asthma attack. By normalizing energy flow in the center of the chest, it simultaneously promotes blood circulation in both arms.
Finding the Exact Location
The point where the line connecting both nipples meets the center of the breastbone. Usually located at the 4th intercostal space, it’s an indented area when pressed with a finger. Men and women can find this using the same method.
Effective Pressure Technique
Slowly press with your thumb for 3-5 seconds, rest for 2 seconds, and repeat 5 times. Don’t press too hard—apply pressure naturally while exhaling. This technique also provides immediate psychological calm, effectively alleviating anxiety from asthma attacks.
3. Chize (LU5) — The Key Point of the Lung Meridian
Directly Improves Respiratory Symptoms
Chize is the most important acupoint on the Lung meridian. It directly alleviates respiratory symptoms like cough, asthma, and shortness of breath while improving qi and blood circulation throughout the entire arm.
Finding the Exact Location
With your arm extended comfortably, find the fold of the elbow. Chize is located in a hollow area on the outer side of the biceps above the elbow crease. Bend and straighten your arm repeatedly to identify the exact location of the elbow crease.
Effective Pressure Technique
Using the thumb of the opposite hand, press for 5-10 seconds and rest for 2 seconds, repeating 5 times. Maintain deep breathing while applying pressure for greater effectiveness. Stimulating Chize provides an immediate experiential effect of improved breathing.
4. Waiguan (TE5) — Directly Addresses Wrist Pain
Addressing the Root of Wrist Pain
Waiguan is an acupoint that directly addresses wrist and arm pain while simultaneously stimulating meridians connected to the respiratory system. It can quickly alleviate the daily discomfort caused by wrist pain.
Finding the Exact Location
With your palm open, find the wrist crease on the back of the wrist (the side where the back of your hand is visible). Measuring upward from this crease by the width of your thumb (approximately 2 cun), the hollow area between the radius and ulna bones is Waiguan. It exists on both wrists.
Effective Pressure Technique
Using the thumb of the opposite hand, massage in circles clockwise for 20-30 times. Proceed with the wrist comfortably extended to allow accurate stimulation. The pain relief effect is even faster when you slowly rotate the wrist left and right while applying pressure.
5. Quepen (ST12) — Completing Pain Relief for Shoulders and Arms
Integrated Improvement of All Symptoms
Quepen is located above the collarbone and alleviates pain throughout the shoulders and arms while simultaneously stimulating meridians connected to the respiratory system. In the final stage of the 5-acupoint pressure routine, it completes the overall therapeutic effect.
Finding the Exact Location
Find the hollow area above the center of the collarbone. This is located approximately 4 cun (the width of 4 fingers) from the body’s midline outward. You’ll feel a clear depression between the neck and shoulder.
Effective Pressure Technique
Slowly press with your thumb or middle finger while drawing small circles. Repeat 15-20 times, being careful not to press too deeply to avoid touching nerves. Proceeding identically on both sides ensures balanced effects.
5-Minute Self-Massage Routine for Immediate Results
The Core Principle of the Routine
First stimulate the respiratory-focused acupoints (Dazhui→Shanzhong→Chize) to improve lung function, then progressively stimulate acupoints around the arms (Waiguan→Quepen). Following this order ensures that improved respiratory function effectively transmits to blood circulation throughout the entire arm.
- [Step 1 – 1 minute] Stimulate Dazhui (GV14)
Slowly press Dazhui at the back of the neck 10 times up and down with a warm finger joint. Maintain deep breathing throughout. This step becomes the foundation of all treatment. - [Step 2 – 1 minute] Stimulate Shanzhong (CV17)
Press the center of the chest at Shanzhong with your thumb for 3-5 seconds, rest for 2 seconds, and repeat 5 times. Apply pressure while exhaling. You’ll notice immediate improvement in breathing. - [Step 3 – 1 minute] Stimulate Chize (LU5)
Press Chize on the inside of both elbows 5 times each with your thumb. Maintain deep breathing throughout. Allocate 30 seconds per arm. - [Step 4 – 1 minute] Stimulate Waiguan (TE5)
Massage Waiguan on the back of both wrists with your opposite thumb in circular motions, 15 times each. You’ll gradually notice wrist pain subsiding. Allocate 30 seconds per wrist. - [Step 5 – 1 minute] Stimulate Quepen (ST12)
Apply circular pressure to Quepen above the collarbone on both sides with your thumb, 15 times each. Complete your treatment with this final step. Allocate 30 seconds per side.
Practical Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Optimal Timing for Pressure
Perform this 5-minute routine 1-2 times daily (morning and evening). It’s best to do this at least 30 minutes after eating, with evening before bed being most effective. When symptoms are severe, up to 3 times daily is possible, but excessive stimulation of the same area can damage the skin.
The Importance of Breathing
Maintain deep breathing throughout all pressure techniques. Practicing abdominal breathing—slowly inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth—doubles the respiratory improvement effect. Never hold your breath while applying pressure; maintaining a natural breathing rhythm is crucial.
Utilizing Warmth
Applying a warm towel for 5 minutes before finger pressure activates blood circulation, accelerating the pressure effects. This is especially recommended during winter or when symptoms are severe.
Additional Tips for Severe Wrist Pain
If wrist pain persists despite Waiguan pressure alone, consider learning more detailed wrist pressure techniques. Additional acupoint stimulation can provide even faster improvement.
Overall Respiratory Health Management
While the 5-minute routine is the foundation, if you want to fundamentally improve asthma, it’s recommended to learn additional respiratory acupoints. Long-term respiratory health management is important.
Precautions and Limitations
⚠️ Situations to Absolutely Avoid
When asthma attacks severely, acupoint pressure alone is insufficient. You must seek medical professional care. If you’re taking prescribed asthma medication, use pressure as a supplementary therapy only.
Precautions for Pregnant Women
Certain acupoints like Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. While the 5 acupoints in this article (Dazhui, Shanzhong, Chize, Waiguan, Quepen) are relatively safe, pregnant women must consult with their acupuncture practitioner before applying pressure.
Side Effects After Pressure
Rarely, temporary fatigue or muscle soreness may occur after pressure. This is a normal response to qi and blood activation. However, if pain is severe or skin becomes damaged, stop pressure and seek professional care.
Limitations of Acupoint Pressure
While acupoint pressure is effective for symptom relief, it is not a fundamental treatment for asthma. Medical diagnosis and pharmaceutical treatment should take priority, with pressure used as a supplementary therapy.
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