Introduction
Cough that occurs alongside malaria, which is accompanied by high fever, chills, and muscle pain, makes patient recovery even more difficult. Especially when the two symptoms overlap, the entire body weakens and discomfort becomes severe. In such cases, acupoint pressure therapy from traditional Korean medicine is an effective method to enhance the body’s natural healing ability and alleviate symptoms simultaneously. This article introduces five essential acupoints that work on both cough and malaria symptoms, along with practical pressure techniques.
Five Essential Acupoints for Cough and Malaria
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (located below the most prominent bone when bending the head, in the hollow area below the neck between the shoulders)
Benefits: Excellent for relieving cough and respiratory symptoms, and reducing high fever and chills caused by malaria. It strengthens immunity, helps recover from overall fatigue, and relieves tension around the cervical vertebrae.
Acupoint massage technique: Sit upright and slightly bend your head forward, then gently stimulate the point by rubbing up and down with your thumb for 30 seconds. Alternatively, rub in circular motions with a warm palm to promote blood circulation. Repeat 2-3 times daily.
2. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: Upper part of the breastbone, located at the midpoint of a line connecting both nipples (fourth intercostal space, slightly above the center of the chest)
Benefits: Activates respiratory function and replenishes lung energy to fundamentally relieve cough. Effective for enhancing immune function and relieving chest tightness, and promotes recovery from overall fatigue caused by malaria.
Acupoint massage technique: Lie comfortably and overlap your index and middle fingers, then slowly press down for 5 seconds and release for 3 seconds, repeating this pattern. Proceed gently for 5 minutes while being conscious of your breathing. If done before bedtime, it improves sleep quality.
3. Lieque — LU7
Location: Approximately 1.5 cun above the inner wrist crease, in the hollow area above the radial styloid process (bone below the thumb)
Benefits: Directly stimulates lung function to immediately relieve cough and sore throat. Improves overall respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing, and alleviates chills from malaria.
Acupoint massage technique: Use the tip of your opposite thumb to massage in circular motions with a pressure that feels tender yet pleasant for 1 minute. Stimulate both arms, and you can see quick results by pressing it frequently before going out or when the cough is severe.
4. Fenglong — ST40
Location: Outside the lower leg, 2 finger-widths lateral to the anterior tibialis (shinbone), at a distance of 8 cun from the lateral malleolus toward the knee
Benefits: Excellent for strengthening the immune system and eliminating toxins from the body, making it very effective for alleviating malaria symptoms. Also simultaneously improves chest tightness from cough and digestive symptoms.
Acupoint massage technique: Sit and extend one leg, then slowly press with your thumb, holding for 5 seconds and releasing, repeating this pattern. Stimulate both legs for 2 minutes per acupoint. Press deeply but without causing pain.
5. Chize — LU5
Location: Above the inner crease of the elbow, on the lateral side of the biceps tendon (the groove visible in the inner crease when the elbow is bent)
Benefits: An acupoint that directly regulates lung function and respiration, quickly soothing cough. Removes heat sensation in the arms caused by high fever from malaria and improves circulation in the upper body.
Acupoint massage technique: Extend one arm forward and bend the elbow, then repeat pressing with your opposite thumb for 3-5 seconds, doing this 10 times. Continue until you feel a slight warmth. It’s effective to stimulate it frequently when the cough is severe.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
5-minute self-care routine for relieving cough and malaria symptoms:
Step 1 (1 minute): Massage the Dazhui (GV14) acupoint in circular motions with both thumbs (30 seconds), then overlap both hands and repeat pressing up and down (30 seconds)
Step 2 (1 minute): Gently press and release the Shanzhong (CV17) acupoint repeatedly (continue for 1 minute while breathing deeply)
Step 3 (1 minute): Massage both Lieque (LU7) acupoints on the wrists simultaneously in circular motions with your thumbs (30 seconds each)
Step 4 (1 minute): Repeat pressing and releasing the Fenglong (ST40) acupoints on both legs with your thumbs (30 seconds each)
Step 5 (1 minute): Repeat firmly pressing the Chize (LU5) acupoints on both elbows with your thumbs 10 times (30 seconds each)
By performing this routine twice daily, morning and evening, you can feel the effects of cough relief and overall fatigue recovery within 3-5 days.
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