Introduction
It’s really uncomfortable when cough and nausea occur at the same time. These symptoms can arise from various causes including respiratory infections, stress, and digestive imbalances. Before relying on medication, you can relieve both symptoms simultaneously by stimulating specific acupoints on your hands, feet, chest, and abdomen.
5 Acupoints Good for Cough and Nausea
1. Zusanli — ST36
Location: 3 cun below the knee, 1 cun lateral to the anterior tibialis (about four finger-widths below the kneecap, on the outer side of the shin)
Benefits: Enhances digestive function to relieve nausea and boosts immunity to promote cough recovery. Also effective for improving overall physical endurance.
Pressure technique: Sit comfortably with your leg extended or slightly bent, and apply firm pressure with your thumb for 3-5 seconds per repetition, repeating 10 times. A pressure intensity that produces slight discomfort is appropriate.
2. Neiguan — PC6
Location: 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons (inner forearm, three finger-widths from the wrist crease toward the elbow)
Benefits: Quickly relieves nausea and retching while reducing stress and anxiety. Also provides immediate relief for motion sickness and digestive discomfort.
Pressure technique: Apply gentle circular massage pressure with the opposite thumb for 30 seconds. Alternate between both arms, and it’s best to use warm hands.
3. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, in the depression (the hollow below the most prominent bone at the base of your neck when you bend your head forward)
Benefits: Improves respiratory function to directly relieve cough and strengthens the immune system. Particularly effective for early cold symptoms.
Pressure technique: With your head bent forward, gather three fingers and gently massage in circular motions. Continue for 40 seconds at a moderate pressure that is not too strong.
4. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: On the sternum, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples (center of the chest, at the 4th intercostal space)
Benefits: Improves respiratory function to relieve cough and relieves chest tightness. Also helps with emotional stability and anxiety relief.
Pressure technique: Gather three fingers (middle finger, ring finger, and pinky) and gently place them on the sternum, then slowly massage in circular motions for 30-40 seconds. Avoid strong pressure and focus on gentle stimulation.
5. Zhongwan — CV12
Location: 4 cun above the navel, on the anterior midline (exactly midway between the solar plexus and navel, on the center line of the abdomen)
Benefits: Normalizes digestive function to fundamentally relieve nausea and promotes stomach health. Simultaneously resolves abdominal discomfort and chest tightness.
Pressure technique: Lying comfortably, gather three fingers and gently apply pressure from the solar plexus toward the navel for 40 seconds. Slow circular massage-like stimulation is more effective.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Step 1 (0-30 seconds): Neiguan (PC6) Pressure
To quickly relieve nausea, simultaneously massage Neiguan on both wrists in circular motions.
Step 2 (30-60 seconds): Shanzhong (CV17) Massage
Using three fingers, gently massage the center of your chest in circular motions to improve respiratory function.
Step 3 (60-100 seconds): Dazhui (GV14) Massage
Gently massage the depression at the base of your neck with circular finger motions to relieve cough.
Step 4 (100-140 seconds): Zhongwan (CV12) Pressure
Gently apply pressure to the center of your abdomen with three fingers for 40 seconds to normalize digestive function.
Step 5 (140-180 seconds): Zusanli (ST36) Pressure
Alternately apply firm thumb pressure below both knees to strengthen overall immunity.
For best results, repeat this routine three times daily—morning, afternoon, and evening. Avoid performing it immediately after meals; wait at least 30 minutes.
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