5 Acupoints Beneficial for Both Cough and Bitter Taste in the Mouth

Introduction

When you’re constantly coughing and experiencing a bitter taste in your mouth at the same time, daily life becomes really inconvenient. These symptoms mainly stem from decreased lung and spleen function, and metabolic imbalance caused by stress. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are acupoints that can address both symptoms simultaneously. Before taking medication, we introduce 5 acupoints that can help ease symptoms through simple stimulation.

5 Acupoints Good for Cough and Bitter Taste

1. Dachu — GV14

Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you tilt your head slightly forward, it’s the hollow depression directly below the most prominent bone at the back of your neck (7th cervical vertebra).

Benefits: It strengthens lung function and has the effect of soothing cough. It also boosts the body’s immunity and reduces inflammation, improving the bitter taste in the mouth at the same time.

Acupressure Method: Press the first knuckle of your thumb against the lower back of your neck, and sweep upward from bottom to top, repeating 5 times for 3 seconds each. Apply stimulation slowly until a warm sensation is felt.

2. Zhongfu — CV17

Location: Located at the 4th intercostal space on the sternum, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. It’s the depression in the center of your chest.

Benefits: It regulates lung qi and smooths breathing, reducing cough. It supports spleen function and promotes digestion, helping to expel phlegm (the cause of bitter taste).

Acupressure Method: Place your middle finger in the center of your chest and tap 10 times for 5 seconds each, like tapping a coin. Apply pressure gently enough that warmth is felt without being too forceful.

3. Lieque — LU7

Location: Located 1.5 cun (the distance between the thumb and index finger) above the wrist crease on the inner side, above the radial styloid process (wrist bone). It’s the hollow area when you bend your wrist upward.

Benefits: As a key point on the Lung meridian, it rapidly relieves respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. It disperses exterior heat, helping to reduce the heat sensation that appears with bitter taste.

Acupressure Method: Locate this point with your opposite thumb, then press firmly for 1 minute while making circular motions. It’s most effective to stimulate both arms with equal pressure and timing.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: Located on the outer side below the knee. It’s on the outer side of the tibia (shin bone), approximately 8 cun (about 3 finger-widths) below the fibular head (the round bone on the outer knee).

Benefits: It’s a powerful point for removing phlegm. It helps expel phlegm-dampness, the main cause of bitter taste and cough, improving digestive function and activating metabolism.

Acupressure Method: While sitting, press both legs’ Fenglong point with your thumb, pressing for 3 seconds and releasing 15 times until you feel slight tenderness.

5. Chize — LU5

Location: Located on the inner elbow crease, on the outer side (thumb side) of the biceps tendon. It’s the prominence you feel on the inner side of the elbow when you extend your arm.

Benefits: It’s particularly effective at strengthening lung function and stopping cough. It reduces heat, relieves throat pain, and supports spleen function to improve bitter taste.

Acupressure Method: Press the opposite thumb vertically on Chize, pressing for 2 seconds and releasing for 1 second, repeating 10 times. Continue slowly until a warm sensation spreads throughout the entire arm.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

To effectively relieve cough and bitter taste, follow the sequence below. (1) Start with Dachu at the back of the neck and apply upward stroking stimulation for 1 minute. (2) Tap the Zhongfu point in the center of the chest for 30 seconds. (3) Press both Lieque points on your wrists simultaneously with circular motions for 1 minute. (4) Massage both Fenglong points on your shins for 1 minute. (5) Finally, finish by pressing and releasing both Chize points on the inner elbows for 30 seconds. By repeating this routine twice daily (morning and evening) consistently, you can expect to feel symptom relief within 3 days.