5 Acupoints Beneficial for Both Cough and Arm Tingling

Introduction

Have you ever experienced a persistent cough along with numbness or pain in your arms? This is not just a coincidence. In traditional Chinese medicine, both cough and arm numbness are viewed as symptoms related to weakened lung function. When the lungs weaken, their ability to supply qi diminishes, and this can manifest as numbness in the arms. This article introduces 5 acupoints that can improve both symptoms simultaneously.

5 Acupoints for Cough and Arm Numbness

1. Dazhui — GV14

Location: Below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (the indented depression directly below the most prominent bone at the back of the neck when you bend your head forward)

Benefits: Dazhui is the acupoint that governs all yang qi in the body. It strengthens lung function and boosts immunity. It is most effective for stopping cough and restoring the body’s resistance.

Acupressure technique: Bend your head forward and locate the area below the 7th cervical vertebra. Press firmly downward with your thumb for 3 seconds and release. Repeat 10 times per session, 3-5 times daily.

2. Shanzhong — CV17

Location: On the breastbone, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (4th intercostal space, at the height of the center of the chest)

Benefits: Shanzhong regulates qi in the chest and strengthens both the lungs and heart. It calms cough, alleviates shortness of breath, and improves whole-body qi circulation, reducing arm numbness as well.

Acupressure technique: Overlap your middle and ring fingers and place them vertically on the center of your chest. Apply pressure while slowly exhaling, holding for 3 seconds. Repeat 8-10 times per session, 2-3 times daily.

3. Lieque — LU7

Location: 1.5 cun (approximately 2cm) above the wrist crease, on the thumb side of the forearm bone (radial styloid process)

Benefits: Lieque is an important acupoint on the lung meridian with direct effects on relieving cough and asthma. It normalizes lung function and promotes qi and blood circulation in the upper limbs, improving arm numbness.

Acupressure technique: Extend your arm forward and bend your wrist slightly downward. Using the thumb of your opposite hand, locate the Lieque point and press deeply for 3 seconds. Apply acupressure 10 times on each arm, 2 times daily.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: 8 cun (approximately 24cm) above the outer ankle bone (lateral malleolus) toward the knee, on the lateral aspect of the shin bone

Benefits: Fenglong is excellent for removing phlegm and stopping cough. It eliminates damp qi, addressing the root cause of cough, and improves whole-body qi and blood circulation, alleviating arm numbness symptoms as well.

Acupressure technique: Sit with your leg extended and locate the outer center of the shin. Press firmly downward with your thumb, using a pressure intensity where slight discomfort is felt, and maintain for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 8-10 times on each leg, 1-2 times daily.

5. Chize — LU5

Location: At the crease of the elbow, on the outer side of the bicep tendon (at the outer end of the elbow crease line when the arm is bent)

Benefits: Chize directly treats arm pain and numbness while simultaneously clearing heat from the lungs to stop cough. It normalizes the meridians of the upper limbs, fundamentally improving the qi and blood deficiency that causes arm numbness.

Acupressure technique: Bend your arm to reveal the elbow crease. Using the thumb of your opposite hand, locate the outer end of the crease line and press vertically for 3 seconds. Repeat 10 times on each arm, 2 times daily.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Morning (within 10 minutes of waking): Apply acupressure to Dazhui → Shanzhong → Lieque in order, 5 times each. This activates lung function for the day ahead.

Midday (around noon): Apply acupressure to Fenglong on both legs 10 times. This time of day corresponds to peak lung meridian activity, making it most effective.

Evening (1 hour before bed): Apply acupressure to Chize → Lieque → Shanzhong in order, 8 times each. This prevents nighttime coughing and improves sleep quality.

When symptoms are severe: Apply acupressure to all 5 acupoints in one session, starting with Dazhui and proceeding through Shanzhong, Lieque, Chize, and Fenglong in order. This takes 5-10 minutes total and can be repeated twice daily (morning and evening).