Introduction
Experiencing cough while simultaneously having chest pain is a discomfort many people suffer from. These symptoms often arise from various causes such as colds, bronchitis, and stress-induced chest pain. While hospital treatment is good, symptoms can also be relieved through acupoint pressure therapy passed down from traditional Korean medicine. This guide introduces 5 effective acupoints that can relieve both cough and chest pain at the same time.
5 Acupoints Good for Cough and Chest Pain
1. Neiguan (Inner Gate) — PC6
Location: Located 2 cun from the inner wrist crease in the direction of the elbow, between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. Find the depression between the tendons when the wrist is slightly flexed.
Benefits: Neiguan is an acupoint that calms both the heart and lungs, relieving anxiety and deepening breathing to reduce cough. It is particularly effective for chest pain and cough caused by stress.
Pressure technique: Use your thumb to apply pressure slowly, with a pressure strength that causes slight tenderness. Apply pressure for 1 minute at a time, alternating stimulation between the left and right wrists. Repeat 2-3 times a day.
2. Dazhui (Large Vertebra) — GV14
Location: Located in the depression below the most prominent bone at the back of the neck when the head is bent forward (the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra). It can be easily found by tracing down with your finger.
Benefits: Dazhui is called the “meeting place of all yang qi” and boosts overall immunity while improving respiratory conditions. It stops cough and relieves chest tightness.
Pressure technique: Since self-stimulation is difficult, it’s recommended to tap with an acupoint tool (stone ball) or finger joints. It’s good to stimulate about 30 times for 10 seconds each, once a day.
3. Shanzhong (Middle Chest) — CV17
Location: Located on the breastbone in the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples horizontally (4th intercostal space). When locating with your finger, find the depression between the bones.
Benefits: Shanzhong is a central acupoint for the respiratory system and heart, acting directly to relieve chest pain. It also suppresses the cough reflex and makes breathing comfortable.
Pressure technique: Overlap your index and middle fingers and press slowly, using gentle pressure of about 2-3mm depth. Stimulate for about 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time and repeat 2-3 times daily.
4. Lieque (Broken Sequence) — LU7
Location: Located 1.5 cun from the thumb side of the wrist toward the elbow, above the radial styloid process (the protrusion on the thumb side of the wrist). It’s an easy location to access when the wrist is slightly flexed.
Benefits: Lieque is an acupoint on the Lung meridian that directly relieves cough. It is effective in improving overall respiratory symptoms such as throat discomfort, nasal discharge, and sneezing.
Pressure technique: Apply slight pressure with your thumb and stimulate in circular motions for about 5 seconds, 5 times. Press until you feel a slightly warm sensation. Repeating 3-4 times daily provides quick cough relief effects.
5. Fenglong (Abundant Bulge) — ST40
Location: Located 8 cun from the lateral knee (the outer end of the tibia) toward the ankle, at a depth of 2 finger breadths on the lateral aspect of the tibia (shinbone). It can be found around the center of the outer aspect of the calf.
Benefits: Fenglong is particularly effective at clearing phlegm, especially when there is abundant sputum with cough. It also regulates stomach function to normalize the body’s qi overall.
Pressure technique: Repeatedly press and release slowly with your thumb. Stimulate for about 1-2 minutes at a time, stimulating both legs. Applying pressure in the evening is effective for reducing nighttime cough.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Step 1 (1 minute): Press Neiguan (PC6) on the left wrist with your thumb.
Step 2 (1 minute): Press Neiguan (PC6) on the right wrist with your thumb.
Step 3 (1 minute): Gently press Shanzhong (CV17) on the chest with your hands overlapped.
Step 4 (1 minute): Stimulate Lieque (LU7) on both sides in circular motions with your fingers.
Step 5 (1 minute): Repeatedly press and release Fenglong (ST40) on the calf deeply with your thumb. (Dazhui is difficult to self-stimulate, so seek assistance if needed.)
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