Dealing with Cough and Elbow Pain? These 5 Points Can Help

Introduction

Cough is both a signal from the respiratory system and is closely related to the flow of Qi throughout the entire body. At the same time, the appearance of pain in the elbow can be a signal that certain meridians in our body are in an imbalanced state. While many people view these two symptoms as separate problems, traditional Chinese medicine believes that by correcting the flow of meridians, both symptoms can be improved together. In this article, I will provide detailed information about 5 acupoints effective for both cough and elbow pain, along with practical acupressure techniques.

5 Acupoints Beneficial for Cough and Elbow Pain

1. Quchi (曲池) — LI11

Location: When the elbow is bent at a right angle, it is located at the outer (thumb side) end of the elbow crease. When pressed with your finger, you will feel a slight indentation and a tender point.

Benefits: Quchi is an important acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian that not only directly relieves elbow pain but also enhances lung function and immunity to effectively reduce cough. It has strong properties for clearing heat and reducing inflammation.

Acupressure Technique: Using the thumb of the opposite hand, press firmly on the Quchi point for 7-8 seconds. Repeat about 10-15 times per session and perform 2-3 times daily for best results. You may feel slight discomfort at first, so adjust the pressure gradually.

2. Dazhui (大椎) — GV14

Location: When you bend your neck forward, it is located in the depression below the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra) at the back of the neck. You can find it by following the center line of the spine and locating the space directly below the 7th cervical vertebra.

Benefits: Dazhui, called the “nerve center,” is a key acupoint for enhancing vital energy throughout the body and strengthening the respiratory system. It is excellent for cough relief and cold prevention, and simultaneously promotes Qi and blood circulation in the upper limbs to relieve elbow pain.

Acupressure Technique: Bend your neck slightly forward, locate the point with the thumb of the opposite hand, and gently press for 3-5 seconds. Stimulating it with warm hands or a heating pad is also effective. Perform 1-2 times daily, preferably in the evening or before bed.

3. Tanzhong (膻中) — CV17

Location: It is located at the center of the chest, at the point where an imaginary line connecting both nipples meets the center of the breastbone. Anatomically, it corresponds to the 4th intercostal space (below the fourth rib). You can locate it by placing both hands on the chest and following the center line downward.

Benefits: Tanzhong is the central acupoint for the respiratory system and is very effective at improving cough, asthma, and difficulty breathing. It also relieves chest tightness and regulates the flow of Qi throughout the body, providing simultaneous relief for arm pain.

Acupressure Technique: Lie flat in a comfortable position and massage the Tanzhong point with three fingers in a gentle circular motion. Avoid pressing too hard as this can be uncomfortable; use gentle pressure and proceed slowly. Perform for about 1 minute per session, twice daily in the morning and evening.

4. Lieque (列缺) — LU7

Location: It is located 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) above the wrist crease on the thumb side (radial side) of the wrist in the direction of the elbow. Extend your hand naturally and find the groove above the bone (radial styloid process) about 2 cm above the wrist crease on the back of the wrist.

Benefits: Lieque is an important acupoint on the Lung meridian and is especially effective for upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, asthma, common cold, and sore throat. At the same time, it improves meridian flow in the arm and helps relieve elbow pain. It is simultaneously effective for strengthening the respiratory system and relieving upper limb pain.

Acupressure Technique: Extend one arm comfortably, locate the point precisely with the thumb of the opposite hand, and press slowly for 5 seconds at a time, then release. Proceed with the same method for both arms and stimulate frequently 3-4 times daily for best results. The wrist responds well to subtle movements, so accurate point location is important.

5. Fenglong (豐隆) — ST40

Location: It is located on the outer side of the calf, 8 cun (approximately 24 cm) above the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone) toward the knee, and about 2 finger widths (approximately 3 cm) to the outer side of the tibia (shinbone). You can locate it by finding a point slightly to the outer side at about the middle of the calf.

Benefits: Fenglong regulates respiratory mucus secretion and relieves cough and phlegm symptoms. It also enhances Qi and blood circulation from the lower limbs to improve overall energy flow, thereby relieving upper limb pain such as elbow pain.

Acupressure Technique: Sit with one leg raised or lie down in a comfortable position. Slowly apply acupressure to the Fenglong point using your thumb or finger joints. Press for 5-7 seconds and rest for 1-2 seconds, repeating 10-15 times, with equal pressure on both sides. Perform 1-2 times daily, especially in the evening.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

This is a 5-minute routine to simultaneously relieve cough and elbow pain:

Step 1 (1 minute): First, apply acupressure to both Quchi points for 30 seconds each. Locate the crease at the end of the elbow and press slowly with your thumb. This helps provide immediate relief for elbow pain.

Step 2 (1 minute): Stimulate Dazhui with warmth. Massage the Dazhui area for 1 minute with a heating pad or warm hands to enhance respiratory function and promote upper limb circulation.

Step 3 (1 minute): Gently massage Tanzhong. Stimulate the center of the chest with three fingers in a circular motion to calm cough.

Step 4 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to both Lieque points for 30 seconds each. Finding the precise location above the wrist and pressing slowly is effective for improving respiratory function and arm pain.

Step 5 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to both Fenglong points for 30 seconds each. Gently pressing the outer calf to enhance overall circulation completes the routine.

Tips: This routine is best performed twice daily (morning and evening) and is even more effective after a warm bath. If symptoms are severe, please consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for additional treatment.