5 Acupoints That Help with Cough and Abdominal Bloating Simultaneously

Introduction

Are you troubled by persistent coughing and a bloated feeling in your abdomen at the same time? These symptoms may not be a simple cold. In traditional medicine, this is understood as a phenomenon where weakened lung function and decreased digestive function occur together. Today, we’ll introduce five acupoints that can improve both cough and abdominal bloating simultaneously. Understanding your own body and practicing self-care is the first step toward good health.

Five Acupoints for Cough and Abdominal Bloating

1. Zusanli — ST36

Location: 3 cun (approximately 4 cm) below the knee, 1 cun (approximately 1.5 cm) to the outer side of the anterior tibia. When your leg is extended, it’s located about four finger widths below the depression beneath the kneecap.

Effects: Zusanli is a representative acupoint for enhancing overall immune function. It strengthens lung function to relieve cough and promotes digestive movement to alleviate abdominal bloating. With long-term acupressure, overall physical strength and resistance improve.

Acupressure Method: Slowly press with your thumb for 3 seconds, then release for 3 seconds, and repeat. Maintain a pressure level of about 7/10, where you feel a slight tenderness. Apply acupressure for 2-3 minutes per leg for optimal effect.

2. Dazhui — GV14

Location: At the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you bend your neck forward, find the depression directly below the most prominent bone (the last vertebra of the neck). It is located along the midline of the back.

Effects: Dazhui is an important acupoint that regulates the Yang energy of the entire body, strengthens lung function, and directly alleviates cough. It also aids digestive function and promotes metabolism, effectively alleviating abdominal bloating. It also enhances immunity and helps prevent the common cold.

Acupressure Method: Since this area is difficult to reach on your own, using a massage tool or applying a warm patch is recommended. If possible, get someone to help you press it simultaneously with both thumbs. Repeat 5-10 times for 10-15 seconds each, continuing until you feel a warm sensation.

3. Shanzhong — CV17

Location: At the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples on the sternum (4th intercostal space). Find the midway height between the right and left nipples in the center of the chest. It’s the area where your fingers naturally touch when you place both hands on your chest.

Effects: Shanzhong is a key chest acupoint that directly regulates lung function and respiration. It is particularly effective at alleviating cough symptoms and improves chest tightness and difficulty breathing. It also helps relieve stress-related indigestion and abdominal bloating.

Acupressure Method: Overlap your index and middle fingers and press slowly. Maintain light pressure (5/10) and avoid pressing too deeply. Press for 3-5 seconds and release 10-15 times, continuing until you feel warmth and comfort.

4. Zhongwan — CV12

Location: 4 cun (approximately 12 cm) above the navel, on the midline. Find the exact midpoint between the epigastrium (below the xiphoid process) and the navel. It’s an easy location to press vertically with your fingers while sitting.

Effects: Zhongwan is the “stomach acupoint” that regulates the entire digestive system. It strengthens digestive function and promotes intestinal mobility, directly improving abdominal bloating, gas, and indigestion. It also resolves decreased digestive function caused by coughing.

Acupressure Method: Apply pressure slowly and vertically with your thumb. Maintain medium pressure (6/10), pressing for 3-5 seconds and releasing 15-20 times. Clockwise circular massage with warm hands is also very effective.

5. Lieque — LU7

Location: 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) above the wrist crease, above the radial styloid process (the prominent bone on the side of the thumb). With your arm extended, close your hand by bringing your thumb and index finger together, then find the area above the visible crease on the outer side of the thumb bone.

Effects: Lieque is an important acupoint on the lung meridian with excellent effects on cough, asthma, and respiratory symptoms. It is particularly effective at relieving cough from the common cold and helps enhance overall immune function. It also has stress-relieving effects and is effective at improving tension-related indigestion.

Acupressure Method: Press slowly with the thumb of the opposite hand. Maintain a pressure level of about 7/10, where you feel a slight tenderness. Press for 3 seconds and release for 3 seconds, repeating 10-15 times per side. Apply acupressure to both hands to maximize the effect.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Daily 5-minute routine, morning and evening:

Step 1 (1 minute) — Lieque Acupressure: Apply acupressure to the Lieque acupoint on both hands simultaneously. Repeat pressing for 3 seconds and releasing for 3 seconds for 1 minute to activate respiratory function.

Step 2 (1 minute) — Shanzhong Acupressure: Apply light pressure with both hands to the Shanzhong acupoint in the center of the chest. Proceed with surface stimulation without pressing deeply.

Step 3 (1 minute) — Zhongwan Acupressure: Press the Zhongwan acupoint on the abdomen with your thumb and perform clockwise circular massage. Focus on activating digestive function.

Step 4 (1.5 minutes) — Zusanli Acupressure: Apply acupressure to the Zusanli acupoint on both legs alternately. Spend 45 seconds on each leg to simultaneously enhance immune function and digestive function.

Step 5 (0.5 minute) — Dazhui Massage: If possible, massage the Dazhui area with warm hands or apply a warm patch. As the final step, regulate the Yang energy throughout your body.

Tips: After acupressure, drink plenty of water and avoid overeating for at least 30 minutes. Avoid applying acupressure when very tired or immediately after eating; it’s best to wait at least 2 hours.