Cough + Palpitations: 5 Acupressure Points That Help Both

Introduction

Have you ever experienced a sudden cough along with a sinking, fluttering sensation in your heart? When these two symptoms appear together, it’s an important signal your body is sending. In traditional medicine, we understand that energy imbalance between the lungs and heart causes both symptoms simultaneously. The good news is that pressing specific acupoints can relieve both symptoms at the same time.

5 Best Acupoints for Cough and Heart Palpitations

1. Inner Gate — PC6

Location: On the inner side of the wrist crease, about 2 cun (approximately 3-4cm) toward the arm, in the depression between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. With your palm open, find the depressed area in the center of your forearm.

Benefits: Inner Gate is a master point for calming heart stress and anxiety, providing immediate relief from palpitations. At the same time, it supports lung function and effectively reduces cough symptoms. It also stabilizes the nervous system and helps improve sleep.

Pressure technique: Using your thumb, press slowly for 3-5 seconds at a time, repeating 3-5 times in one session. Apply pressure to both arms morning and evening. Drinking warm water after pressing enhances the effect.

2. Big Vertebra — GV14

Location: In the depression below the most prominent bone when you bend your neck forward (the 7th cervical vertebra). It’s at the junction between the lower back of the neck and the upper back, and you can feel slight tenderness when you press with your finger.

Benefits: Big Vertebra strengthens the immune system and treats the underlying causes of cough such as colds and inflammation. It also connects with the nervous system to normalize heart rhythm and fundamentally eliminate palpitations. It also regulates body temperature and relieves symptoms caused by fever.

Pressure technique: It’s difficult to apply direct finger pressure here, so moxibustion or warm compresses with a warm towel are recommended. Alternatively, use a massage stick for thermal massage twice daily, 5 minutes each time. Gentle stimulation is optimal.

3. Chest Center — CV17

Location: At the center of the chest where the horizontal line connecting the nipples meets the breastbone, corresponding to the 4th intercostal space. Slowly moving your finger down the center, you can find the depressed area between the bones.

Benefits: Chest Center is known as the “sea of respiration” and directly regulates lung energy. It’s the most fundamental treatment point for cough symptoms. At the same time, it normalizes heart rhythm and stabilizes irregular palpitations, making it a point for calming both body and mind. It also relieves chest tension.

Pressure technique: Using your middle or thumb finger, press slowly and vertically, but not too hard. Repeat 5-10 times, 3 seconds per press, while taking deep breaths. Performing this 2-3 times daily is most effective.

4. Spirit Gate — HT7

Location: On the inner wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon, at the pinky side end of the inner wrist crease. With your palm open, you’ll feel slight tenderness when you press.

Benefits: Spirit Gate means “the gate of the heart” and directly governs heart and emotional stability. It relieves palpitations, anxiety, and stress-related cough simultaneously. It promotes sound sleep and calms symptoms caused by nervous tension. It also improves chest discomfort.

Pressure technique: Press slowly with your thumb within a range without pain. Repeat 5-10 times, 5 seconds per press, on both hands. Applying pressure before bed enhances symptom relief through improved sleep.

5. Broken Sequence — LU7

Location: On the outer side of the wrist crease, about 1.5 cun (approximately 2-3cm) toward the arm, in the depression above the radial styloid process. Following the line on your wrist near the thumb, you’ll find the depressed point.

Benefits: Broken Sequence is known as the “meridian point of the lungs” and is highly effective for respiratory conditions. It rapidly relieves all lung-related symptoms including cough, sputum, and asthma. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps relieve stress-related palpitations. It’s very effective for relieving early cold symptoms.

Pressure technique: Gently massage with your thumb in circular motions, repeating 5-10 times at 3-5 seconds per circle. Apply to both hands, and during severe cough, you can press 3-4 times daily. Applying with warm hands enhances the effect.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

This routine should be performed immediately when symptoms appear:

Step 1 (1 minute): First, slowly press Spirit Gate (HT7) on both hands 5 times. This calms the heart and alleviates the urgency of palpitations.

Step 2 (1 minute): Apply pressure to Inner Gate (PC6) on both hands 5 times. Simultaneously perform deep abdominal breathing 3 times.

Step 3 (1 minute): Apply pressure to Broken Sequence (LU7) on both hands 5 times. This activates lung function and suppresses the urge to cough.

Step 4 (1 minute): Slowly press Chest Center (CV17) 5 times. This relieves chest tightness and normalizes breathing.

Step 5 (1 minute): Finish by slowly sipping a cup of warm water. Warm water maximizes the effects of acupressure better than room temperature water.

Perform this routine twice daily (morning and evening) or whenever symptoms appear.