Introduction
Cough is not just a common cold symptom—it can be a signal of poor qi circulation throughout your entire body. When hip pain occurs alongside cough, it’s likely a complex symptom caused by meridian imbalance. To improve both symptoms, acupressure on points that normalize whole-body qi circulation is more effective than treating each symptom separately. Today, we’ll introduce 5 acupoints that simultaneously relieve cough and hip pain.
5 Acupoints That Help with Cough and Hip Pain
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) at the back of the neck—the most prominent bone you feel when you lower your head.
Benefits: Strengthens qi circulation in the lungs and throughout the body, directly relieving cough while simultaneously affecting pelvic energy through the spine to improve hip pain. It also excels at boosting immunity and regulating body temperature.
Method: Overlap the middle and ring fingers of both hands and press the acupoint, then slowly rub in circular motions or repeat 10-second presses 5 times. Perform for 1 minute each morning and evening for best results.
2. Tanzhong — CV17
Location: Located on the sternum at the center of the chest, at the 4th intercostal space (between the ribs) where the line connecting both nipples meets the breastbone.
Benefits: Regulates qi circulation in the lungs and heart to fundamentally relieve cough and make breathing deeper and more stable. It also calms the nervous system, relieving hip muscle stiffness caused by tension.
Method: Apply vertical pressure to the acupoint with the tip of your thumb—press gently when breathing in and firmly when breathing out. Perform 3 times daily, 1 minute each time.
3. Lieque — LU7
Location: Located above the wrist crease on the thumb side, about 1.5 cun (one thumb’s width) toward the arm, directly above the radial styloid process (the protruding bone of the wrist).
Benefits: An important acupoint on the lung meridian that rapidly relieves cough and cold symptoms. It also improves qi circulation in the upper limbs and spine, relieving tension that extends to hip pain.
Method: Firmly press with the thumb of the opposite hand and release. Repeat 10 times at 5-second intervals, performing alternately on both arms. Recommended twice daily, morning and evening.
4. Fenglong — ST40
Location: Located on the front of the calf, about 8 cun (8 finger-widths) from the lateral epicondyle (outer knee) toward the ankle, on the muscle on the lateral side of the tibia (shinbone).
Benefits: Regulates the stomach meridian and moisture (dampness) in the body, removing phlegm and improving cough. It also strengthens qi circulation in the lower body, directly relieving pain in the hip and leg areas.
Method: Place one leg over the other and press vertically with your thumb. Repeat 10-second presses 8 times, then perform on both legs in the same manner. Most effective once daily in the evening.
5. Chize — LU5
Location: Located on the lateral side (thumb side) of the inner elbow crease when the elbow is slightly bent, right next to the biceps tendon (the thick tendon of the arm).
Benefits: A key acupoint on the lung meridian that strongly improves respiratory conditions and cough. It acts as a conduit connecting qi circulation between the upper and lower body, resolving the neurological causes of hip pain.
Method: Extend one arm or bring it across the chest to expose the elbow crease, then firmly press with the thumb of the opposite hand. Repeat 20-second presses 3 times at each acupoint, performing alternately on both arms.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning (within 15 minutes of waking): Perform in this order: Dazhui (1 minute) → Tanzhong (1 minute) → Chize (30 seconds each arm). This routine normalizes breathing to start your day and activates body energy.
Evening (1 hour before sleep): Perform in this order: Fenglong (1 minute each leg) → Tanzhong (1 minute) → Lieque (30 seconds each arm). This routine relieves tension accumulated during the day and prepares your body for restful sleep. Practicing deep abdominal breathing while slowly pressing each acupoint doubles the effectiveness.
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