Introduction
When cough and diarrhea occur simultaneously due to a cold or digestive disorder, the body becomes extremely weakened. This leads to reduced immunity and exhaustion, but before taking medication, you can naturally relieve symptoms through traditional acupressure point massage. This guide introduces 5 acupoints effective for simultaneous symptoms and is structured so anyone can practice them at home.
Five Acupoints Good for Cough and Diarrhea
1. Zusanli — ST36
Location: Located 3 cun (approximately 10cm) below the knee, at a point about 1 cun (approximately 1cm) to the outer side of the front of the tibia, on the tender point on the outer side of the shin.
Benefits: Zusanli is a representative acupoint that boosts immunity and strengthens digestive function. It effectively normalizes the digestive system weakened by diarrhea and simultaneously reinforces lung function to relieve cough.
Acupressure technique: Apply strong pressure with your thumb for 10 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds; repeat this pattern 10 times. For a warming effect, also combine with circular rubbing using warm fingers.
2. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression below the 7th cervical vertebra (the most prominent bone in the neck), which protrudes when you bend your head forward.
Benefits: Dazhui is an acupoint that connects all yang pathways and circulates qi throughout the body. It corrects the underlying lung function weakness causing cough and simultaneously normalizes intestinal activity to stop diarrhea.
Acupressure technique: Stack your index and middle fingers and apply gentle vertical pressure for 1 minute of slow stimulation. Alternatively, warm compress or moxibustion is particularly effective (10 minutes).
3. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: Located at the midpoint of a line connecting the two nipples on the sternum in the center of the chest, corresponding to the 4th intercostal space (between the 4th ribs).
Benefits: Shanzhong is an important acupoint that regulates the respiratory system and the heart. It strengthens lung qi to fundamentally relieve cough and stabilizes the nervous system to prevent worsening of diarrhea caused by intestinal spasms.
Acupressure technique: Gently press vertically with your middle finger, avoiding strong pressure, holding for 8 seconds; repeat 10 times. It’s more effective when coordinated with breathing (press during inhalation, release during exhalation).
4. Guanyuan — CV4
Location: Located on the anterior midline of the body, 3 cun (approximately 10cm) below the navel.
Benefits: Guanyuan is called the lower dantian and serves as a reservoir of vital energy. It restores the physical strength and digestive function lost to diarrhea and boosts immunity to prevent cough recurrence.
Acupressure technique: Stack three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) and press gently for 15 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds; repeat this pattern 8 times. It’s even better when combined with warm compress (20 minutes).
5. Qihai — CV6
Location: Located on the anterior midline, 1.5 cun (approximately 5cm) below the navel, on the lower abdomen.
Benefits: Qihai means “sea of qi” and replenishes qi throughout the body. It quickly recovers energy lost to diarrhea and strengthens respiratory function to promote cough and sputum discharge.
Acupressure technique: Stimulate steadily with a single middle finger in the vertical direction for 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat this 6 times. Practicing in the evening also improves sleep quality.
5-Minute Self-Routine
Recommended time: 7 AM and 7 PM (twice daily)
Execution order: (1) Zusanli 1 minute → (2) Dazhui 1 minute → (3) Shanzhong 1 minute → (4) Guanyuan 1 minute → (5) Qihai 1 minute for a total of 5 minutes. This order follows oriental medicine theory of gathering qi from bottom to top and inward. Drinking warm ginger tea or rice flour drink after acupressure doubles the effect. For severe symptoms, you can increase to 3 times daily (morning, lunch, evening), but be cautious as more than 3 times daily may cause fatigue.
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