5 Beneficial Acupoints for Both Cough and Back Pain

Introduction

Are you struggling with a persistent nighttime cough that’s preventing you from getting proper sleep, and now dealing with back pain on top of that? Cough and back pain are not simply separate symptoms. The repetitive movements of coughing put strain on your spine and back muscles, and conversely, tension in your back and spine can impair lung function and worsen the cough. There is a way to break this vicious cycle: acupressure on acupoints according to traditional medicine.

Five Acupoints for Cough and Back Pain

1. Dachu — GV14

Location: Below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra, in the depression below it. When you slowly tilt your head forward, you will see the most prominent bone at the junction between your neck and back. The depression below that bone is the Dachu acupoint.

Benefits: In traditional medicine, Dachu is known as “the acupoint where all yang qi gathers.” It strengthens lung and respiratory tract function, boosts immunity, relieves tension in muscles around the spine to ease back pain, and immediately improves chest discomfort caused by coughing.

Massage Technique: Apply pressure vertically to Dachu using the joint of your thumb. Start with gentle pressure and gradually increase the intensity, massaging in circular motions for 3 to 5 minutes. Pressing slowly with warm fingers is most effective.

2. Quemen — CV17

Location: The center of the sternum, at the point where a line connecting both nipples intersects. Medically, it is located at the level of the fourth intercostal space. Running your finger down from below the collarbone, you will find a depression between the ribs.

Benefits: Quemen is the central point of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It directly relieves cough and makes breathing deeper and easier. It immediately alleviates chest tightness and discomfort, and even provides psychological calm. It effectively improves chest pain caused by coughing.

Massage Technique: Place your index and middle fingers side by side and apply gentle pressure vertically to Quemen. Press while exhaling and release pressure while inhaling, maintaining this rhythm for 1 to 2 minutes. It’s important to apply gentle pressure, as pressing too hard can be uncomfortable.

3. Liejue — LU7

Location: Above the wrist crease on the thumb side of the forearm, approximately 1.5 cun (about 2cm) toward the elbow from the styloid process of the radius. When you bring both wrists together and press, you will find Liejue in a small depression.

Benefits: An important acupoint on the Lung meridian, it directly strengthens lung function. It rapidly alleviates cough and helps regenerate respiratory tissue damaged by repeated coughing. It is also effective for various respiratory conditions including the common cold, throat infection, and asthma, and even provides mental calm.

Massage Technique: Use the thumb of the opposite hand to find Liejue precisely and press firmly. Alternate between both wrists, massaging each for 2 to 3 minutes. A pressure that produces a slight ache is most effective, and repeating 3 to 4 times daily provides rapid cough relief.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: On the outer side of the lower leg below the knee. It is located about 8 cun (approximately 24cm) down from the outer edge of the knee toward the ankle, about 2 cun (approximately 3cm) to the outer side of the tibia. You can feel a slight depression when you press with your finger.

Benefits: Fenglong is particularly effective for phlegm and respiratory conditions. It strengthens lung function, promotes phlegm discharge, and eliminates dampness (湿), the root cause of cough. It also improves digestive function, helping to improve overall constitution and fundamentally resolve recurring cough.

Massage Technique: Locate Fenglong on both legs with your index finger, then press firmly while gently rubbing in circular motions. Massage each leg for 2 to 3 minutes, repeating 2 to 3 times daily. Since it can be easily done while sitting, you can try it anytime.

5. Chize — LU5

Location: On the inner side of the arm, above the crease where the elbow bends. More precisely, it is located along the elbow crease line, on the outer side of the biceps tendon (the prominent tendon in the center of the forearm). When you bend your elbow, you can find it by following the inner curved depression of the elbow.

Benefits: Chize is an important acupoint directly involved in strengthening lung function. It rapidly alleviates cough, improves breathing depth, and activates the lung’s self-cleansing function. Additionally, it relieves muscle stiffness in the arm, improving arm pain felt during coughing.

Massage Technique: Use the thumb of the opposite hand to locate Chize and press firmly in a vertical direction. Alternate between both arms, massaging each for 2 to 3 minutes. If you feel a warm sensation spreading, you are pressing the correct point. When cough is severe, you can massage up to 4 to 5 times daily.

5-Minute Self-Care Routine

Perform the following routine for 5 minutes every morning and evening, or whenever cough is severe.

Step 1 (1 minute): Start with Liejue on the wrist. Alternate between both wrists, massaging each for 30 seconds. This step awakens the Lung meridian.

Step 2 (1 minute): Massage Chize on the elbow. Pressing each side for 30 seconds actively activates lung function.

Step 3 (1 minute): Slowly massage Quemen on the chest for 1 minute. Pressing while taking deep breaths immediately relieves cough.

Step 4 (1 minute): Massage Dachu at the base of the neck in circular motions for 1 minute. Feel the relaxation around your spine.

Step 5 (1 minute): Massage Fenglong on the calf. Pressing each side for 30 seconds promotes phlegm discharge and completes the routine.

By consistently repeating this routine for at least 3 weeks, you will experience improvement in both cough and back pain.