Introduction
A persistent cough every night, along with fatigue and lethargy. When a cough lasts a long time, it causes not only physical exhaustion but also emotional anxiety. When depression and cough appear together, it’s important not just to improve one symptom, but to address both lung function and mental health simultaneously. Try managing both symptoms effectively with acupressure therapy based on traditional medicine.
5 Best Acupoints for Cough and Depression
1. Taichong (Great Surge) — LR3
Location: Between the first and second metatarsal bones of the foot, in the depression in front of where the bones meet.
Effect: Promotes the flow of liver qi, quickly relieving stress and depression. Excellent for eliminating nervousness and anxiety, and stabilizes the nervous system that regulates respiratory function.
Acupressure method: Press the depression between the toes firmly with your thumb for 3 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat for 1-2 minutes on each foot, 2-3 times daily.
2. Baihui (Hundred Convergences) — GV20
Location: At the top of the head, at the intersection of the line connecting the tops of both ears and the midline of the face (the line running from the nose through the center of the face).
Effect: Stimulates the nerve center of the brain, quickly relieving depression, anxiety, and stress. Simultaneously strengthens lung function to make breathing deeper and easier, reducing coughing attacks.
Acupressure method: Apply pressure vertically to the top of the head with your fingertip (index finger), using an up-and-down oscillating motion. Maintain for 1 minute and apply 1-2 times daily for best results.
3. Dazhui (Great Vertebra) — GV14
Location: The depression below the most prominent bone when you bend your neck (the 7th cervical vertebra). Located below the neck on the upper back.
Effect: Increases resistance of the lungs and bronchi, directly relieving cough. Excellent for enhancing immunity and preventing colds, and boosts the body’s yang qi to improve lethargy caused by depression.
Acupressure method: Find the most prominent bone below the neck and tap the depression beneath it gently with your thumb. Continue for 1-2 minutes, repeating 2-3 times daily.
4. Tanzhong (Chest Center) — CV17
Location: The center of the chest, at the point where the line connecting both nipples intersects with the sternum (4th intercostal space).
Effect: Regulates the qi of both lungs and heart, simultaneously relieving cough and calming body and mind. Particularly effective for chest tightness, anxiety, and depression caused by sleep deprivation.
Acupressure method: Gently massage the point between the nipples with three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) in circular motions. Stimulate gently for 3-5 minutes, applying 2 times daily in morning and evening.
5. Shenmen (Spirit Gate) — HT7
Location: On the palm side of the wrist, in the depression on the ulnar side (pinky finger side) above the wrist crease.
Effect: Promotes the flow of heart qi, quickly relieving anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Calms the nervous system to prevent nervous aggravation of cough and encourages deeper breathing.
Acupressure method: Repeatedly press and release the depression on the inside of the wrist with your thumb slowly. Apply 1-2 minutes per wrist, 3-4 times daily for best results.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning routine (3 minutes): Upon waking, apply pressure to GV20 for 1 minute → gently massage CV17 for 2 minutes → stimulate LR3 for 30 seconds on each foot. Following this sequence helps you start the day energetically.
Evening routine (2 minutes): Apply pressure to HT7 for 1 minute on each wrist → tap GV14 for 30 seconds. Performing this before sleep promotes restful sleep and reduces nighttime coughing.
Additional tips: Whenever you have a cough or anxiety during the day, quickly stimulating LR3 and HT7 provides immediate relief. Breathe slowly and deeply during acupressure, and there should never be pain.
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