5 Acupoints Beneficial for Cough and Systemic Pain Simultaneously

Introduction

Cough caused by the common cold or respiratory illness is not just a simple symptom. Persistent coughing depletes the body’s energy, leading to aching throughout the body and fatigue-related general body pain. To break free from this vicious cycle, it’s important to recover respiratory function while simultaneously restoring overall physical strength. Traditional Chinese Medicine identifies specific acupoints that can improve both of these symptoms at the same time.

5 Beneficial Acupoints for Cough and Body Aches

1. Dachu — GV14

Location: Located in the depression below the most prominent bone when you bow your head forward (the 7th cervical vertebra). It sits on the centerline of the spine at the boundary between the neck and upper back.

Effects: Strengthens immune function to promote cold recovery and relieve cough. It also activates qi (energy) flow throughout the body, excelling at fatigue recovery and enhancing physical resistance. Modern research also shows that stimulating GV14 helps activate white blood cells.

Acupressure Technique: With shoulders relaxed downward and head gently bowed, you can feel the depression below the 7th cervical vertebra. Place your thumb’s ridged surface on this area and stimulate by pushing upward for 3-5 seconds. Apply pressure with enough intensity to feel mild discomfort, and repeat 3 times daily.

2. Tianzhong — CV17

Location: Located on the sternum at the center of the chest. It sits at the midpoint level connecting both nipples (at the 4th intercostal space), in the depression where the sternum meets the ribs.

Effects: An important acupoint that directly regulates lung and respiratory function, making it most effective for cough relief. It smooths qi (energy) circulation to quickly improve asthma, cough, and chest tightness. It also resolves chest discomfort caused by stress.

Acupressure Technique: While lying comfortably, find the depression on the breastbone at the midpoint level of both nipples. Apply gentle vertical pressure to the depth of one finger joint, being careful not to press hard. Since this is near the heart, caution is necessary. Stimulate by gently making circular motions for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times daily.

3. Liequi — LU7

Location: Located approximately 1.5 cun (about 2cm) above the inner wrist crease. It’s above the radial styloid process (the wrist bone on the thumb side), in the depression between the tendon and bone that protrudes when you bend the wrist.

Effects: An acupoint that directly strengthens lung function, particularly effective for early-stage cold symptoms. It alleviates not only cough but also sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion—in short, general cold symptoms. It also enhances the body’s defense mechanisms to speed up recovery.

Acupressure Technique: Extend one arm and slightly bend the wrist to locate the point 1.5 cun above the inner wrist crease. Using the opposite thumb, stimulate by making circular motions for 3 seconds, repeating 5 times. Treat both wrists using the same method and perform 3-4 times daily.

4. Fenglong — ST40

Location: Located on the outer side of the tibia (shinbone) on the outer part of the leg. It’s positioned 8 cun (about 24cm) upward from the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone) below the knee, about two finger widths toward the outside.

Effects: An acupoint that comprehensively enhances the body’s resistance and immunity. It improves overall fatigue and weakness, activates metabolism to promote recovery from infection. It especially addresses both general fatigue and muscle pain caused by cough simultaneously.

Acupressure Technique: Sit comfortably on the floor with legs extended and locate the outer side of the shinbone 8 cun below the knee. Apply vertical pressure with your thumb for 3-5 seconds. The appropriate intensity is enough to feel mild discomfort. Treat both legs and repeat 2-3 times daily.

5. Chize — LU5

Location: Located on the inner crease line of the elbow. When the arm is extended, it’s at the center of the elbow crease, on the outer side of the biceps tendon (toward the thumb side).

Effects: Alleviates pain in the arms and shoulders while simultaneously strengthening lung function. It improves arm and shoulder muscle pain caused by cough and helps rapidly recover from respiratory infection aftereffects. It also promotes lymphatic circulation to aid whole-body toxin elimination.

Acupressure Technique: Extend the arm so the elbow crease is visible. Find the point about 1cm toward the thumb side (outward) from the center of the crease. Using the opposite thumb, press vertically while alternating 3 seconds of stimulation and 3 seconds of rest, repeating a total of 5 times. Treat both arms and perform 2-3 times daily.

5-Minute Self-Routine

Step 1 (1 minute): With head bowed forward, stimulate Dachu (GV14) by pushing upward with your thumb for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

Step 2 (1 minute): While lying down, stimulate Tianzhong (CV17) by gently making circular motions with your finger for 30 seconds.

Step 3 (1 minute): While sitting, stimulate Liequi (LU7) on both wrists for 3 seconds, repeating 5 times.

Step 4 (1 minute): Sit with legs extended and stimulate Fenglong (ST40) on both legs for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 2 times for each leg.

Step 5 (1 minute): With arms extended, stimulate Chize (LU5) on both sides, alternating 3 seconds of stimulation and 3 seconds of rest, repeating 5 times.

Performing this routine 3 times daily—morning, afternoon, and evening—can provide rapid relief from cough and body aches.