5 Acupoints for Simultaneously Relieving Cough and Night Sweats

Introduction

Do you wake up coughing every night and suffer from night sweats so severe that your pillow is soaked? When these two symptoms appear together, it indicates a lack of lung fluids and heat imbalance. In traditional Korean medicine, there are acupressure points that can fundamentally improve these symptoms. Find restful sleep again using 5 simple acupressure points you can stimulate at home.

5 Acupressure Points for Cough and Night Sweats

1. Dachu — GV14

Location: Below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra at the back of the neck. When you bow your head, find the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra) at the base of your neck, and locate the depression directly below it.

Effect: This is a key acupressure point for lung function and immunity, most effective for relieving cough and reducing night sweats. It strengthens the body’s yang energy throughout, increasing resistance.

Acupressure technique: Gently press with circular motions using warm fingertips, or apply moxibustion for greater effect. Stimulate 2-3 times daily, for 3 minutes each session.

2. Tanzhong — CV17

Location: Located on the breastbone in the center of the chest, at the midpoint of an imaginary line connecting both nipples. It’s at the center of the 4th intercostal space (between the ribs).

Effect: This acupressure point directly strengthens lung function. It specializes in relieving cough, deepens breathing, and eliminates chest tightness. It also improves night sweats caused by stress.

Acupressure technique: Press slowly with your thumb or middle finger, being careful not to press too hard. Gently stimulate for 30 seconds to 1 minute while exhaling, and repeat 3-4 times daily.

3. Liequist — LU7

Location: About 2cm (1.5 cun) above the wrist crease on the thumb side of the forearm. It’s directly above the radial styloid process (wrist prominence) and is easy to find when the arm is slightly bent.

Effect: A key acupressure point in the lung meridian, excellent for relieving respiratory conditions. It quickly calms cough symptoms and prevents physical exhaustion from night sweats. It also relieves throat soreness.

Acupressure technique: Press with circular motions using the opposite thumb. Stimulate for 1 minute at a pressure level that’s slightly uncomfortable, and perform on both arms 2-3 times daily.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: Located on the outer side of the calf below the knee. From the lateral condyle of the tibia (outer side of the shinbone) below the knee, measure 8 cun (about 10cm) downward toward the ankle, to a point 2 finger widths away from the outer side of the tibia.

Effect: By regulating digestion and water metabolism, it fundamentally relieves night sweats. It removes dampness from the body, eliminating cough accompanied by phlegm. It also relieves anxiety and stress.

Acupressure technique: Press firmly with your thumb toward the foot. Stimulate at an uncomfortable pressure level for 1 minute, and perform on both legs 2 times daily.

5. Chize — LU5

Location: On the inner side of the arm, above the elbow crease. When the arm is bent, it’s slightly above the inner elbow crease, on the outer side of the biceps tendon.

Effect: This acupressure point cools the lungs and normalizes water metabolism. It relieves dry cough and effectively reduces night sweats from heat. It also improves elbow pain.

Acupressure technique: With the arm bent, press with the opposite thumb. Stimulate at a gentle pressure level for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and perform on both arms 2-3 times daily.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Morning upon waking (3 minutes): Gently stimulate the Dachu point for 1 minute, then press the Tanzhong point for 1 minute. Finally, stimulate both Liequist points for 30 seconds each. This routine starts your day energetically and prevents cough.

Evening before bed (2 minutes): Press both Fenglong points firmly for 1 minute each. Then stimulate both Chize points for 30 seconds each. Performing this routine 30 minutes before bed significantly relieves night sweats and promotes restful sleep. When you regularly stimulate these 5 acupressure points, you should notice a noticeable improvement in cough and night sweats within 2-3 weeks.