5 Acupoints That Help with Both Cough and Jaw Pain

Introduction

Are you experiencing persistent cough along with jaw pain? This happens because coughing from respiratory disease tenses the facial and jaw muscles, and prolonged coughing from poor posture puts strain on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles. In Traditional Korean Medicine, there are acupoints that can improve both symptoms simultaneously. Today, we’ll introduce 5 effective acupoints for relieving cough and jaw pain.

5 Best Acupoints for Cough and Jaw Pain

1. Dachu — GV14

Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you bend your head forward, find the hollow area just below the most prominent vertebra. This point is located in a space about one finger-width below the base of the neck.

Effects: Dachu is very effective at strengthening overall immune function and alleviating cough. It also relieves muscle tension around the neck and shoulders, improving cervical stiffness connected to jaw pain. It’s particularly helpful for recovering from fatigue caused by chronic cough.

Acupressure technique: Using the thumbs of both hands, slowly apply pressure vertically to the area. Press for 3-5 seconds, rest for 2 seconds, and repeat 10 times. Circular massage using your finger joints is also effective.

2. Quanzhong — CV17

Location: Located on the breastbone, at the midpoint where a horizontal line connecting both nipples intersects. Precisely, it’s in the 4th intercostal space (between the 4th ribs). Place both hands on your chest and find it by moving slightly downward.

Effects: Quanzhong is the representative acupoint for respiratory disease, excellent for relieving cough, asthma, and difficulty breathing. It also relieves mental and physical stress, helping relax stiffened muscles around the jaw and strengthen lung function to address the root cause of cough.

Acupressure technique: Using your thumb tip, press vertically and firmly for 3-5 seconds. Maintain moderate pressure within a pain-free range. Stimulating about 15 times per session, 2-3 times daily is effective.

3. Lieque — LU7

Location: Located approximately 1.5 cun (about 2cm) above the wrist crease on the back of the wrist. Find it by moving upward from the radial styloid process (the prominent bone on the thumb side of the wrist) toward the forearm. It’s easier to find when you slightly twist the wrist using your opposite thumb and index finger.

Effects: Lieque is an important acupoint on the lung meridian that directly suppresses cough. It improves nasal congestion, sneezing, and respiratory discomfort all together, normalizing sensation in the hands and arms to restore nerve function connected to the jaw. It also relieves tension in the arms and hands from prolonged coughing.

Acupressure technique: Press the area with your opposite thumb tip for 3-5 seconds. Rubbing massage in circles is also effective. Stimulate about 20 times per session, 3 times daily. It’s safe to increase the frequency when coughing is severe.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: Located on the outside below the knee, approximately 8 cun (about 20cm) below the lateral condyle (the prominent part of the outer knee bone) toward the ankle. It’s positioned about 2 finger-widths outside the lateral surface of the tibia (shin bone).

Effects: Fenglong is an acupoint for removing phlegm and secretions, effective at expelling sputum and respiratory secretions caused by cough. It also relieves neuralgia and muscle knots, loosening stiffened muscles around the jaw and neck. It strengthens digestive function as well, raising overall immune function.

Acupressure technique: Apply pressure vertically using your thumb or an acupuncture tool. Press for 3-5 seconds and rest, repeating 15 times. If calf muscles are tense, massage until fully relaxed for even greater effectiveness.

5. Chize — LU5

Location: Located above the elbow crease. When you bend your arm, it’s positioned on the outside of the biceps tendon on the inside of the elbow. When your arm is extended, find the outer end of the elbow crease.

Effects: Chize is an acupoint that strengthens lung function and directly treats respiratory disease. It alleviates cough and also improves pain in the arms and shoulders. It normalizes trigeminal nerve function connected to the jaw joint, directly relieving jaw pain and preventing secondary muscle stiffness from arm discomfort.

Acupressure technique: Slowly press the area above the elbow with your opposite thumb. Maintain pressure for 3-5 seconds, then release slowly. Repeating 10-15 times per session, 2-3 times daily is effective.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

A self-treatment routine for relieving cough and jaw pain:

Step 1 (1 minute): First, massage Dachu (GV14) in circles to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders. Rub slowly about 15 times.

Step 2 (1 minute): Place your thumb on Quanzhong (CV17) and press for 3-5 seconds, 10 times. It’s more effective when done with deep breathing.

Step 3 (1 minute): Find Lieque (LU7) above the wrist and stimulate 15 times. Perform on both arms.

Step 4 (1 minute): Find Fenglong (ST40) on the calf and press slowly 15 times. Perform on both legs.

Step 5 (1 minute): Find Chize (LU5) above the elbow and stimulate 10 times each. Finish by extending your arms and relaxing.

Precautions: Performing twice or more daily in the morning and evening is better, and up to 3 times per day is possible when cough is severe. If there is pain, reduce intensity, and if you have acute illness, consult with a medical professional.