5 Acupoints Beneficial for Both Cough and Constipation

Introduction

Have you ever experienced cough and constipation appearing together? When the seasons change or stress accumulates, the respiratory and digestive systems tend to weaken at the same time. In traditional Korean medicine, these symptoms are viewed as arising from weakened lung and large intestine function. Fortunately, there are acupoints that can relieve both symptoms simultaneously. From your fingertips to below your abdomen, stimulating the 5 acupoints we’ll introduce today naturally improves breathing and bowel movement.

5 Acupoints Good for Cough and Constipation

1. Zusanli (足三里) — ST36

Location: 3 cun below the knee (width of 4 fingers), one body width lateral to the front of the tibia. When the knee is bent, it is approximately 10cm below the kneecap.

Effects: Zusanli is an acupoint that enhances immunity and strengthens digestive function. It increases the lung’s resistance to reduce cough and simultaneously promotes intestinal peristalsis, making it excellent for improving constipation.

Pressure technique: Press with your thumb or index finger for 3 seconds and rest for 3 seconds in a rhythmic pattern for 5 minutes. Warm heat stimulation is more effective, so you can also rub it in circular motions with warm hands.

2. Hegu (合谷) — LI4

Location: In the depression between the thumb and index finger, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. When you spread the thumb and index finger of one hand, it is at the center of the highest muscle area.

Effects: It directly relieves constipation by stimulating the large intestine meridian and reduces upper respiratory inflammation to calm cough. It is also effective in relieving symptoms caused by stress.

Pressure technique: Using your opposite thumb, press firmly to the point of feeling some sensation and hold for 10 seconds, rest for 2 seconds, doing each hand for 3 minutes. The more frequently you stimulate it, the better the effect.

3. Dazhui (大椎) — GV14

Location: Below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, the most prominent bone when you bend your neck forward. It is in the depression slightly below where the neck and upper back meet.

Effects: It activates the whole-body immune system and directly suppresses inflammation that causes cough. It also improves whole-body circulation and promotes active bowel movement, helping to improve constipation.

Pressure technique: Since it is difficult to stimulate this point alone, seek help from family members or use a rounded handle to press from behind your back. Doing gentle circular massage for 5 minutes or using warm compress together makes it more effective.

4. Tanzhong (膻中) — CV17

Location: The 4th intercostal space, at the center of the line connecting both nipples, above the breastbone. It is located slightly above the center of the chest.

Effects: It directly strengthens lung function and deepens breathing, making it excellent for cough relief. It also stabilizes the nervous system and improves digestive discomfort caused by stress.

Pressure technique: Find the slightly depressed area with your index finger and stimulate it in a gentle rhythm of pressing for 1 second and resting for 1 second for 3 minutes. Be careful not to press too hard as it may make breathing difficult.

5. Qihai (氣海) — CV6

Location: 1.5 cun below the navel (width of 2 fingers), on the center line of the abdomen. It is located approximately 3cm below the navel.

Effects: As an acupoint that replenishes original qi (the source of vital energy), it raises whole-body energy to simultaneously enhance immunity and promote intestinal movement. It improves not only constipation but also worsening cough due to fatigue.

Pressure technique: Find the location below the navel with warm fingers and press for 5 minutes using your index and middle fingers in a gentle pressing and releasing motion. Massaging in circles with warm hands before sleep improves morning bowel movement along with better sleep.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Optimal time: Morning 7-9am (when lung activity is most active) or before bedtime

Order: (1) Hegu → (2) Zusanli → (3) Qihai → (4) Tanzhong → (5) Dazhui, stimulating each for 1 minute in order. It takes 5 minutes total, and if done 1-2 times daily, you can feel noticeable improvement after 3 weeks. Drinking a glass of warm water after stimulating each acupoint enhances the effect.