Introduction
If you’ve been experiencing persistent cough and your skin has also deteriorated, this is because your respiratory system and skin are closely interconnected. In traditional medicine, it’s understood that weakened lung function leads to reduced skin cell turnover, which causes acne, dryness, and inflammation. In this article, we introduce 5 powerful acupoints that simultaneously relieve cough symptoms and restore skin health.
5 Acupoints for Cough and Skin Problems
1. Sanyinjiao — SP6
Location: Located 3 cun (approximately 4 cm) above the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus) along the inner edge of the tibia, in the depression on the inner side of the shinbone.
Effects: Activates spleen and liver function to improve the body’s water metabolism. This allows the skin to absorb moisture more effectively, while simultaneously promoting lung fluid secretion to alleviate dryness from cough. This is a key acupoint for strengthening immunity.
Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb joint, slowly press for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating this pattern. Apply this technique to both legs for 2 minutes each. Performing this in the evening also helps promote better sleep.
2. Quchi — LI11
Location: Located at the outer end of the elbow crease on the inner arm when the arm is bent. When the elbow is fully flexed, it’s at the end of the vertical crease, on the side toward the thumb.
Effects: Clears heat from the large intestine and regulates immune function. It cools throat heat caused by cough and simultaneously alleviates skin inflammation (acne, pimples) caused by intestinal heat. This is an important acupoint for balancing respiratory and digestive health.
Acupressure Technique: Using the thumb of your opposite hand, apply firm pressure for 10 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating this pattern. Apply this technique to both arms for 1.5 minutes each. Splitting the practice between morning and evening yields better results.
3. Dazhui — GV14
Location: Located in the depression directly below the most prominent bone when you lower your head (the 7th cervical vertebra), at the center of the line between the neck and upper back.
Effects: Supplements the body’s yang qi and strengthens lung function. Improves weakened lung function, the root cause of chronic cough, and boosts overall immunity to strengthen the skin’s resistance. It’s particularly effective for respiratory systems sensitive to cold air and recurring skin issues.
Acupressure Technique: Since it’s on the back of the neck, direct pressure may be difficult. Use the joint of your thumb or massage in circular motions with warm fingers. Apply this technique twice daily, 1 minute each time. Combining it with warm compress therapy doubles the effectiveness.
4. Shanzhong — CV17
Location: Located at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples, on the breastbone (sternum) at the 4th intercostal space, in the center between both breasts.
Effects: This is the most important acupoint for regulating lung and heart qi. It immediately relieves chest pain and tightness from cough, deepens breathing, and restores lung function. It also improves skin problems caused by hormonal imbalances from stress.
Acupressure Technique: Massage gently in circular motions with your fingers, or press with warm hands for 5 seconds and rest, repeating this pattern. Placing four fingers from both hands together on the center of the chest and applying acupressure while taking deep breaths calms both body and mind. Apply this technique 3 times daily.
5. Lieque — LU7
Location: Located 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) above the wrist crease, above the radial styloid process (wrist bone) on the thumb side, in the depression between the radius and the radial styloid process.
Effects: The most important acupoint of the lung meridian, it improves weakened lungs, the direct cause of cough. It keeps the nasal and throat mucous membranes moist to address cough symptoms at their root, and restores skin’s shine and elasticity. It shows immediate effects for acute cough.
Acupressure Technique: Using the tip of your opposite hand’s thumb, slowly press for 10 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating this pattern. Apply this technique to both arms for 2 minutes each. When cough is severe, it’s fine to apply this technique 4-5 times daily. It’s more effective if you soak your wrist in warm water before the treatment.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Morning (Right After Waking): First, stimulate Lieque (LU7) on both arms for 1 minute each to awaken your lungs. Then massage Shanzhong (CV17) for 1 minute while taking deep breaths.
Midday (2-3 PM): Press Quchi (LI11) on both arms for 1 minute each to clear heat.
Evening (Before Bed): Stimulate Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both legs for 2 minutes each, and finally massage Dazhui (GV14) for 1 minute. Following this sequence allows the meridians stimulated during the day to slowly recover throughout the night, so you’ll notice significant improvement in symptoms the next day.
Leave a Reply