Introduction
Are you experiencing persistent cough along with leg numbness and pain from sciatica? While these two symptoms may seem to be problems in completely different areas, they often occur together due to weakened immunity and disrupted qi circulation throughout the body. In traditional Korean medicine, there are acupoints that can simultaneously relieve these complex symptoms. Today, we’ll introduce 5 acupoints that are effective for both cough and sciatica.
5 Acupoints for Cough and Sciatica
1. Dachu — GV14
Location: It is located in the depression directly below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra at the back of the neck. When you bend your head forward, it’s the indented area directly below the most prominent bone at the back of the neck.
Benefits: It boosts overall body immunity and promotes qi circulation. It is particularly effective for cough, common cold, and recovery from fatigue. By activating spinal nerves, it also helps relieve sciatica.
Pressure Technique: Press vertically with the tip of your thumb for 3-5 seconds at a time, starting gently and gradually increasing pressure. Repeat about 30 times until you feel warmth.
2. Tanzhong — CV17
Location: It is located at the upper part of the sternum, exactly in the center of the line connecting both nipples. When you press with your finger, you will feel a slight depression.
Benefits: It strengthens the respiratory system and relieves chest tightness. It is very effective for relieving chronic cough and also releases nerve tension caused by stress, reducing neuralgia symptoms.
Pressure Technique: Gently massage in circular motions using your middle and index fingers together. Repeat 5-10 times while slowly exhaling. Avoid applying too much pressure.
3. Lieque — LU7
Location: It is located about 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) above the radial styloid process (the prominent bone on the thumb side of the wrist), positioned between the thumb and index finger above the wrist crease.
Benefits: As a key point on the lung meridian, it provides immediate relief for cough, asthma, and sore throat. It also promotes qi circulation in the upper body, reducing pain caused by spinal nerve compression.
Pressure Technique: Press firmly with the thumb of the opposite hand for 3-5 seconds at a time. You may experience some soreness. Repeat 20-30 times on both sides.
4. Fenglong — ST40
Location: It is located on the outer side of the calf, about 8 cun (approximately 10 cm) away from the outer side of the tibia (shinbone) when moving downward from below the knee toward the ankle. It is present on both legs.
Benefits: It activates the body’s immune system and promotes qi circulation throughout the body. It restores physical strength weakened by cough and directly relieves the pain and numbness of sciatica caused by nerve compression in the legs.
Pressure Technique: Sit on the floor with your legs extended and press deeply with your thumb or fingers. Repeat 30 times for 3-5 seconds each until you feel mild soreness.
5. Chize — LU5
Location: It is located on the inner side of the arm, above the elbow crease when the elbow is slightly bent. You can find it by following the lateral (thumb) side of the biceps tendon.
Benefits: It directly enhances lung function and improves respiratory conditions. By improving circulation in the arms and hands, it promotes qi circulation in the upper body, thereby promoting both spinal and nerve health.
Pressure Technique: Press vertically with the thumb of the opposite hand for 3-5 seconds at a time. Repeat 20-30 times on both arms. Mild numbness similar to needle sensation is normal.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
This routine is effective when practiced in the following order after waking up in the morning or before going to bed at night. Sit in a comfortable position and proceed slowly:
Step 1 (1 minute): First, press GV14 at the back of the neck 30 times to awaken qi circulation throughout the body.
Step 2 (1 minute): Massage CV17 on the chest in circular motions 20 times to activate the respiratory system.
Step 3 (1 minute): Press LU7 on both wrists 20-30 times each to strengthen lung function.
Step 4 (1 minute): Press ST40 on both calves 20-30 times each to directly relieve neuralgia.
Step 5 (1 minute): Press LU5 on both elbows 20-30 times each to complete your respiratory health routine.
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