5 Acupoints Beneficial for Both Cough and Difficult Childbirth

Introduction

Are you suffering from persistent cough while also experiencing difficult labor during pregnancy? In Traditional Korean Medicine, both of these symptoms are believed to be deeply connected to decreased lung function. Because the lungs control not only breathing but also qi circulation throughout the entire body, strengthening lung function through proper acupressure can simultaneously improve both cough and difficult labor symptoms.

Five Acupoints That Help with Cough and Difficult Labor

1. Dachu — GV14

Location: Below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. When you bend your neck forward, it’s the indented area directly below the most prominent bone (vertebra).

Benefits: Dachu is where all yang meridians meet, making it excellent for strengthening immunity and respiratory health. It’s the most effective acupoint for directly strengthening lung function, relieving cough, and simultaneously improving difficult labor symptoms.

Acupressure method: Place the pad of your thumb on the Dachu acupoint at the back of your neck and repeat the motion of pressing slowly for 10 seconds. Perform this 2-3 times daily, with each session lasting 5 minutes, for best results.

2. Zhongwan — CV17

Location: At the center of the sternum, at the exact midpoint of a line connecting both nipples. It’s located at the fourth intercostal space (between the fourth ribs), and you’ll feel a slight indentation when pressed with your finger.

Benefits: Zhongwan is a key acupoint that regulates the energy of the lungs and heart. It relieves chest tightness caused by cough, improves breathing difficulty, and promotes smooth qi circulation during difficult labor.

Acupressure method: Lying flat on your back, overlap the fingers of both hands and place them on the Zhongwan acupoint. Slowly press toward the breastbone for 5 seconds, then rest for 2 seconds. Repeat this motion 10 times.

3. Lieque — LU7

Location: About 1.5 cun (approximately 2-3 centimeters) above the wrist crease on the inner side of the wrist. It’s located above the styloid process of the radius (the prominent wrist bone on the thumb side).

Benefits: Lieque directly affects the lung meridian and specializes in relieving cough. It particularly calms dry cough, moistens the lungs, and stabilizes breathing during difficult labor.

Acupressure method: Using the thumb of the opposite hand, locate the Lieque acupoint and press in circular motions clockwise for 30 seconds, then counterclockwise for 30 seconds. Perform this 3 times daily.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: About 8 cun (approximately 24 centimeters) below the outer hollow area of the knee (lateral knee depression). It’s located on the outer side of the tibia (shinbone), about two finger widths from the bone.

Benefits: Fenglong removes dampness (unnecessary moisture in the body) and expels damp phlegm from the lungs to quickly improve cough symptoms. It simultaneously relieves whole-body swelling and heaviness caused by difficult labor.

Acupressure method: Sitting with your legs comfortably extended, place your thumbs on both Fenglong acupoints and press with your body weight for 5 seconds each. Perform this 2 times daily, morning and evening, for best results.

5. Jianjing — GB21

Location: The highest point of the shoulder muscle, at the exact midpoint between Dachu (GV14) and the acromion (tip of the shoulder bone). You can locate it clearly by touching the boundary between your neck and shoulder.

Benefits: Jianjing relieves tension in the neck and shoulders and relaxes the upper chest muscles involved in breathing. It alleviates shoulder stiffness caused by cough and eases whole-body tension during labor to facilitate delivery.

Acupressure method: Using the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand, pinch the Jianjing acupoint and press firmly for 5 seconds, then rest. Repeat this motion 10 times. Perform this 2-3 times daily.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Step-by-Step Acupressure Sequence:

Step 1 (1 minute): Slightly bend your neck forward and repeat pressing and releasing the Dachu (GV14) acupoint slowly 10 times.

Step 2 (1 minute): Lying flat on your back, gently press and release the Zhongwan (CV17) acupoint with both hands, repeating 10 times.

Step 3 (1 minute): Sit comfortably with both arms raised and stimulate the Lieque (LU7) acupoint on both wrists with circular motions for 30 seconds each.

Step 4 (1 minute): With your legs extended, systematically press both Fenglong (ST40) acupoints 10 times each.

Step 5 (1 minute): Standing, repeat pinching and pressing both Jianjing (GB21) acupoints 10 times.

Perform this routine twice daily (morning and evening), and cough and difficult labor symptoms will notably improve within 3-7 days. If you’re pregnant, adjust the pressure intensity and consult with a Traditional Korean Medicine practitioner if needed.