Introduction
Cough and extreme fatigue that arrive with each seasonal change disrupt many people’s daily lives. When cough continues, sleep becomes insufficient, and this creates a vicious cycle that worsens fatigue. What if there were a way to relieve these two symptoms simultaneously? Traditional Chinese medicine believes that by applying pressure to specific acupoints, you can improve cough symptoms while simultaneously recovering your physical strength.
5 Acupoints for Cough and Fatigue
1. Zusanli — ST36
Location: Located 3 cun below the knee (width of four fingers), at a point one finger width lateral to the anterior tibial surface, on the outer front part of the shinbone.
Benefits: Zusanli is a famous acupoint known for strengthening immunity and improving digestive function. It stops cough, strengthens lung function, and simultaneously replenishes qi throughout the body, excelling at fatigue recovery.
Pressure technique: Using your thumb, gently apply circular pressure for about 1-2 minutes. Continue stimulating until you feel a dull sensation rather than pain. It is good to perform this 2-3 times daily.
2. Sanyinjiao — SP6
Location: Located 3 cun above the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone), on the posterior medial aspect of the tibia, which you can find by traveling up along the inner side of the leg.
Benefits: Sanyinjiao is an acupoint that harmonizes the functions of the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. It enhances respiratory health to calm cough, and activates the body’s metabolic function to promote fatigue recovery.
Pressure technique: Using your thumb, press downward from top to bottom for about 3-5 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this 5-10 times on both legs.
3. Taixi — KI3
Location: Located in the depression between the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon.
Benefits: Taixi is an acupoint that strengthens kidney function and replenishes deep energy. It is effective for chronic cough and fatigue, especially symptoms that increase in the afternoon or evening.
Pressure technique: Using your index and middle fingers, gently press the Taixi point while making small circles. Stimulate slowly for about 1 minute, and perform acupressure twice daily, morning and evening.
4. Baihui — GV20
Location: At the center of the crown of the head, where the line connecting the highest points of both ears meets the midline running upward from the nose to the crown.
Benefits: Baihui is an acupoint that elevates yang qi in the body and clarifies the spirit. It is effective in improving overall fatigue, strengthening immunity, and recovering physical depletion caused by cough.
Pressure technique: Bring together the tips of your index and middle fingers and gently tap the center of the crown. Stimulate softly for about 1-2 minutes without pain, and perform once daily.
5. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, the most prominent bone when you bend your neck downward.
Benefits: Dazhui is one of the most powerful acupoints for replenishing yang qi throughout the body and promoting respiratory health. It specializes in eliminating cough and phlegm while simultaneously relieving deep fatigue.
Pressure technique: With help from family or someone present, apply warm compresses, or if alone, gently make circles with your warm hands while stimulating for about 2-3 minutes. It is good to apply acupressure every evening before bed.
5-Minute Self-Routine
Apply acupressure in the following order after waking in the morning and before bed in the evening:
Step 1) Stimulate Zusanli (ST36) on both legs for 2 minutes each to awaken your energy.
Step 2) Apply acupressure to Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both legs for 1 minute each to normalize respiratory function.
Step 3) Press Taixi (KI3) on both feet for 1 minute each to replenish deep qi.
Step 4) Gently tap Baihui (GV20) for 1 minute to elevate the body’s energy.
Step 5) Complete by making circles on Dazhui (GV14) with warm hands for 1 minute.
The total time required is about 5-7 minutes, and with consistent practice, you can feel the effects of cough relief and fatigue improvement within 3-5 days.
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