Dealing with Cough and Headache? These 5 Points Can Help

Introduction

When cough and headache occur together, daily life becomes really difficult. These symptoms, which arise from various causes such as colds, stress, and fatigue, are more effectively managed by addressing them simultaneously rather than individually. In traditional medicine, there are acupoints that can help relieve both cough and headache together. You can experience symptom relief simply by stimulating specific acupoints on the hands and feet without additional medication.

Five Acupoints for Cough and Headache

1. Taichong (太衝) — LR3

Location: Between the first and second metatarsals on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression just anterior to the junction of the metatarsals. It can be felt as a hollow when you follow along the space between the toes and move upward on the top of the foot.

Effects: Taichong is an important acupoint that regulates liver function. It relieves stress and tension that trigger cough, and simultaneously alleviates migraine and vertex headaches through normalization of liver function. It is particularly effective for cough caused by emotional stress.

Acupressure method: Sit in a comfortable position and place one foot on the opposite knee. Using your thumb, slowly press for about 1-2 minutes to apply acupressure. Perform the same technique on both feet, and it is effective to do this 2-3 times daily.

2. Hegu (合谷) — LI4

Location: In the depression between the thumb and index finger, located at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone of the index finger. It is the slightly raised area just inside the crease between the thumb and index finger.

Effects: Hegu is an acupoint that governs the large intestine meridian and is closely related to lung and bronchial function. It rapidly alleviates the cough reflex and particularly well addresses pain in the face and head region, effectively calming headaches. It is most effective for coughs from colds and tension-type headaches.

Acupressure method: Place the thumb of one hand on the Hegu point of the other hand. Direct the thumb inward and press firmly for 3-5 seconds, then release. Repeat this 10 times, and the appropriate pressure intensity is when you feel slight discomfort. Perform on both hands.

3. Fengchi (風池) — GB20

Location: Located at the border between the neck and shoulder. It is in the depression below the occipital bone, between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. It can be easily found when you slightly bow the neck.

Effects: As its name, “Pool of Wind,” suggests, Fengchi is closely related to respiratory conditions. It improves bronchial function and rapidly alleviates symptoms of sore throat. As it relates to headaches, it is a key acupoint for treating migraines and headaches caused by neck stiffness, and is particularly effective for occipital pain.

Acupressure method: Use a mirror to locate Fengchi at the back of the neck. Using the thumbs of both hands, press inward while gently massaging for 1-2 minutes. Small circular rubbing motions are also effective, and it is good to perform this about 3 times daily.

4. Baihui (百會) — GV20

Location: Located at the vertex (the topmost point of the head). It is at the intersection where the line connecting the tops of both ears meets the midline (the central line extending from the nose to the occipital region). You can find it at the highest point when you trace along with your fingers.

Effects: Baihui is an important acupoint on the Governing Vessel that regulates the flow of qi throughout the body. It normalizes overall respiratory energy to relieve deep coughs and is the most important acupoint for calming general headaches including vertex headaches. It also simultaneously relieves headaches and dizziness caused by fatigue.

Acupressure method: Sit or lie in a comfortable position and place your thumb or middle finger on the vertex of the head. Apply gentle, circular acupressure without pressing too firmly and maintain for 1-2 minutes. Performing this 1-2 times daily, especially before sleep, can provide symptom relief along with deeper sleep.

5. Dazhui (大椎) — GV14

Location: Below the most prominent bone at the junction between the neck and back. When you bow the head, it is in the depression below the most prominent spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7). You can feel it by running your finger down the back of the neck.

Effects: Dazhui is an important acupoint that strengthens lung function and enhances immunity. It improves chronic cough and respiratory endurance, and effectively alleviates neck stiffness and occipital headaches. It simultaneously promotes the circulation of qi throughout the body and improves overall fatigue.

Acupressure method: Locate Dazhui by slightly bowing the neck forward. Using your thumb or knuckle, press downward and hold for 3-5 seconds. Continue acupressing for about 1 minute, and applying a warm heating pad is also effective. Perform once each in the morning and evening.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Here is a self-care routine that can be completed in 5 minutes in the following order. It is effective when performed after waking in the morning or before sleep in the evening. First, sit in a comfortable position and apply acupressure to Taichong on both feet for 1 minute. Second, strongly stimulate Hegu on both hands for 30 seconds each. Third, massage Fengchi at the back of the neck with both hands for 1 minute. Fourth, gently apply circular acupressure to Baihui at the vertex for 1 minute. Fifth, press Dazhui below the neck or apply warm heat with a heating pad for 1 minute. By consistently practicing this routine, you can experience simultaneous relief from cough and headache.