5 Acupoints Effective for Both Cough and Allergy

Introduction

Does cough and allergy show up together every time the season changes? When these two symptoms overlap, daily life becomes really uncomfortable. Experiencing throat discomfort from coughing and runny nose and sneezing from allergies at the same time increases fatigue. Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine offers acupoints that can improve these symptoms together. Today, I’ll introduce you to 5 acupoints that can simultaneously relieve cough and allergy symptoms.

5 Acupoints That Help with Cough and Allergies

1. Quchi (曲池) — LI11

Location: Located on the outer side of the arm, at the outer end of the elbow crease (toward the thumb) when the elbow is bent. You can find the area by pressing with your finger to locate the depression.

Benefits: Quchi is an important acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian, excelling at clearing heat and strengthening immunity. It relieves skin itching from allergies and improves respiratory symptoms by reducing heat that triggers coughing. It also promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the body, providing anti-inflammatory effects.

Application method: Using the opposite thumb, locate the Quchi acupoint precisely, then slowly massage it in circular motions about 50 times or repeat pressing for 5 seconds at a time. Acupressure for about 3 minutes at a time is effective. Apply to both arms.

2. Dazhui (大椎) — GV14

Location: Located at the back of the neck, at the depression immediately below the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra) at the base of the neck when you tilt your head forward. It’s in the hollow space between the vertebrae and the vertebra below.

Benefits: Dazhui is an important acupoint that governs all yang qi in the body and is most effective for strengthening immunity. It improves weak immunity, the root cause of allergic diseases, and relieves respiratory inflammation that triggers coughing. It also helps improve general cold symptoms including body aches and fever.

Application method: Since it’s difficult to reach by yourself, bend your opposite arm around your back and apply pressure with your thumb or index finger. Alternatively, use a coin or massage tool to strongly press the Dazhui acupoint for 5 seconds at a time, then release and repeat. Consistent stimulation for 5 minutes daily is more effective.

3. Shanzhong (膻中) — CV17

Location: Located at the center of the chest, at the midpoint of an imaginary line connecting both nipples. It’s the 4th intercostal space on the sternum. Measured downward from below the collarbone, it’s approximately 4 finger-widths down.

Benefits: Shanzhong is called the “sea of qi” and is a key acupoint for regulating qi circulation throughout the body. It strengthens respiratory function to directly relieve coughing and alleviates chest tightness and feeling of fullness. It lowers bronchial sensitivity from allergies and makes breathing deeper and easier.

Application method: Locate the Shanzhong acupoint precisely with your finger, then slowly massage it in circular motions using your index finger, repeating the pressing motion. Start gently at first and gradually increase pressure. Apply acupressure for about 3–5 minutes at a time. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can cause discomfort—maintain a comfortable level of pressure sensation.

4. Lieque (列缺) — LU7

Location: Located on the inner side of the wrist, approximately 1.5 cun (about the width of your thumb) above the wrist crease. It’s in the depression above the radial styloid process (the protruding bone on the wrist). It’s approximately where the index finger of one hand touches the wrist of the other when your arms are crossed.

Benefits: Lieque is the connecting point of the Lung meridian and excels at directly strengthening lung function. It’s effective for respiratory conditions overall, including chronic cough, asthma, and shortness of breath, and rapidly relieves allergic cough. It also improves throat discomfort and pharyngitis symptoms and strengthens immune response at the early stages of a cold.

Application method: Using the opposite thumb, locate the Lieque acupoint, then apply moderate pressure without excessive force at the precise location. Repeat pressing for 5 seconds about 10–15 times, or massage it in circular motions about 50 times, which is also effective. Apply acupressure to both wrists for 3 minutes each.

5. Fenglong (豐隆) — ST40

Location: Located on the outer front of the leg, approximately 8 cun (about 4 finger-widths) down from the outer bone below the knee (lateral epicondyle) toward the ankle. It can be found at a position 2 finger-widths lateral to the tibia (shin bone). It’s in the depression between the muscle and bone on the outer front of the calf.

Benefits: Fenglong is an important acupoint on the Gallbladder meridian and is very effective at eliminating phlegm and expelling secretions accumulated in the bronchi. It improves both nasal discharge from allergies and sputum, and eliminates the root cause of coughing—chronic phlegm buildup. It also helps normalize the immune system and weakens the allergic response itself.

Application method: Sit comfortably with your legs extended or in any comfortable position, then locate the Fenglong acupoint precisely with your thumb or index finger. Slowly massage it in circular motions 50–100 times, or repeat pressing strongly for 5 seconds at a time. Apply acupressure for about 3–5 minutes at a time, and treat both legs.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Step 1 (1 minute): First, gently massage both Quchi acupoints in circular motions. Stimulating the acupoints on the outer arm helps clear heat from the entire body.

Step 2 (1 minute): Press the Dazhui acupoint strongly with a coin or your finger. Intensively strengthen immunity around the spine.

Step 3 (1 minute): Press both Lieque acupoints in sequence, holding for 5 seconds each with firm pressure. Directly strengthen lung function to make breathing easier.

Step 4 (1 minute): Gently massage the Shanzhong acupoint in circular motions. Release chest tightness and fullness.

Step 5 (1 minute): Stimulate both Fenglong acupoints firmly. Expel phlegm and quickly relieve coughing.

Additional tip: This routine is most effective when repeated twice daily—morning and evening. Especially when coughing is severe, you can increase it to 3–4 times daily. The effect is further enhanced by drinking warm ginger tea or jujube tea after acupressure.