Cough + Toothache: 5 Acupressure Points That Help Both

Introduction

Having a cough along with toothache at the same time must be really difficult. Each time you cough, the jaw pain intensifies, and the toothache disrupts your concentration in a vicious cycle. These complex symptoms can be a signal of meridian imbalance that traditional medicine addresses. Fortunately, there are acupoints you can easily stimulate at home without acupuncture or hospital visits.

5 Acupoints Good for Cough and Toothache

1. Hegu — LI4

Location: Located in the depression between the thumb and index finger at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. When you spread your thumb and index finger, it’s in the hollow area just below the highest raised point.

Effects: LI4 is an important acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian, most effective for relieving facial pain. It particularly releases toothache and facial tension, and simultaneously strengthens lung function to excellently relieve cough. It also helps boost immunity and overall energy.

Acupressure technique: Using the tip of your opposite thumb, press the LI4 area firmly until you feel soreness (酸勝感). Apply circular pressure for 30 seconds, then rest for 5 seconds, and repeat this 3 times. Apply to both hands.

2. Quchi — LI11

Location: Located at the lateral end of the crease on the inner side of the elbow when the arm is bent at a right angle. When the elbow is fully extended, you can find it at the outer end point of the forearm.

Effects: LI11 is a representative acupoint for clearing heat and reducing inflammation. Along with relieving cough symptoms, it soothes throat pain and sore throat. It also eliminates the heat sensation from dental issues and improves local blood circulation to relieve toothache. It also has immune-boosting effects.

Acupressure technique: Press the LI11 area vertically with your opposite thumb while gently pushing toward the elbow. Press for 20 seconds, release for 10 seconds, and repeat 5 times. It’s good to apply to both arms 2-3 times daily.

3. Taixi — KI3

Location: Located in the depression between the inner malleolus (medial ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon. You can easily find it by pressing the inner ankle with your finger to locate the hollow area.

Effects: KI3 is an important acupoint that replenishes the fundamental energy of the Kidneys. It fundamentally improves lung function decline that causes chronic cough and strengthens immunity by nourishing kidney qi. It simultaneously stimulates the meridian responsible for bone and tooth health, making it effective for relieving toothache.

Acupressure technique: Overlap your thumbs and press firmly on the KI3 area, then apply circular acupressure in a circular motion. Press for 30-40 seconds at a time, release for 5 seconds, and repeat 3 times. It’s particularly effective in the evening.

4. Dazhui — GV14

Location: Located in the depression directly below the most prominent bone when you bend your neck (the 7th cervical vertebra spinous process). You can find it by locating the hollow space between the bones with your finger.

Effects: GV14 is an important acupoint that gathers yang qi of the entire body and is key to strengthening immune function. It improves respiratory health to relieve chronic cough, reduces systemic inflammation to eliminate the whole-body heat sensation accompanying toothache, and balances the autonomic nervous system to enhance recovery.

Acupressure technique: Place your index and middle fingers from both hands together on the GV14 location and apply vertical pressure with a downward direction. Press slowly for 30-40 seconds at a time while repeating deep breathing 3 times. Applying it in the morning is effective for fatigue recovery throughout the day.

5. Shanzhong — CV17

Location: Located on the sternum in the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the horizontal line connecting both nipples (4th intercostal space). You can find it by pressing the hollow area on the sternum with your finger.

Effects: CV17 is the central acupoint for respiratory health, directly strengthening lung function to be very effective for relieving cough. It immediately resolves chest tightness and breathing difficulty, and harmonizes the function of the heart and lungs. It also helps mental stability and lowers pain awareness, assisting in relieving anxiety from toothache.

Acupressure technique: Gather your index and middle fingers together and place them lightly on CV17. While exhaling, slowly press vertically down about 1-2cm, then release while inhaling. Repeat 5 times for 20-30 seconds at a time. Applying it before bed also helps with sound sleep.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Routine for simultaneous cough and toothache relief:

Step 1 (1 minute): Apply pressure to LI4 on both hands for 30 seconds each. It’s more efficient to alternate hands.

Step 2 (1 minute): Apply pressure to LI11 on both arms for 30 seconds each. Find the lateral end precisely with your elbow slightly bent and apply pressure.

Step 3 (1 minute): Apply pressure to KI3 on both feet for 30 seconds each. Sitting down, you can easily apply pressure to one foot at a time with your opposite hand.

Step 4 (1 minute): Apply pressure to GV14 for 30-40 seconds, then apply pressure to CV17 for 20-30 seconds. Apply pressure to these two acupoints slowly with your breathing.

Step 5 (1 minute): Rest while repeating deep breathing 3-5 times. This maximizes the effect of the activated acupoints from acupressure.

Additional tips: It’s more effective to perform it at least once in the morning and once in the evening. When symptoms are severe, you can increase it to 3-4 times daily. Warming your hands and feet with warm water before acupressure further enhances blood circulation.