Introduction
Hoarseness from excessive talking, dry environments, and lingering effects of the common cold is an uncomfortable symptom many modern people experience. Especially for those in professions that involve frequent lecturing or voice use, it is a daily problem. Traditional Korean medicine views that by stimulating specific acupoints around the neck, qi and blood circulation in the neck can be promoted and vocal cord fatigue can be recovered quickly. This article explains in detail the 5 most effective acupoints for relieving hoarseness and self-acupressure methods.
5 Acupoints Effective for Hoarseness
1. Heavenly Rushing Sound — CV22
Location: Located in the depression above the sternum at the front of the neck (the center of the neck above the collarbone). It is easy to find by locating the depression in the center of the neck with your finger.
Benefits: Regulates the flow of qi in the neck to alleviate vocal cord swelling. It is the most effective acupoint right after hoarseness or when pain is severe, reducing inflammation in the neck and promoting quick recovery of the voice.
Acupressure Method: Gently press the Heavenly Rushing Sound (CV22) acupoint with your thumb or index finger. Press for 5 seconds with an intensity that causes slight discomfort, then rest for 5 seconds; repeat this pattern. It is recommended to do this 3 times a day, for 1 minute each time.
2. Yin Abyss — HT4
Location: Located on the inner side of the wrist, approximately 1.5 cun (about 4.5cm) above the wrist crease. It is located on the inner side of the tendon (the ulnar side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon) visible when the wrist is bent.
Benefits: Improves qi and blood circulation between the heart and neck. Promotes blood supply to the neck area to accelerate vocal cord recovery and relieves neck pain and tension. It is also effective for stabilizing the autonomic nervous system.
Acupressure Method: Apply acupressure to the Yin Abyss (HT4) acupoint with your opposite thumb. Start with light stimulation and gradually increase the intensity. You can massage in circular motions or use a pressing technique; perform this 2-3 times a day, for 1-2 minutes each time.
3. Passage to the Great Abyss — HT5
Location: Located on the inner side of the wrist, approximately 1 cun (about 3cm) above the wrist crease. It is closer to the wrist than Yin Abyss and is also located on the inner side of the tendon (the ulnar side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon).
Benefits: Clears heat from the neck area and alleviates inflammation. It is particularly effective for acute hoarseness where the neck feels swollen and hot, and helps relieve neck symptoms caused by heat from the heart.
Acupressure Method: Press the Passage to the Great Abyss (HT5) acupoint with the thumb or index finger of your opposite hand. Repeat pressing for 3-5 seconds with enough pressure to feel slight discomfort. It is good to stimulate this acupoint 3 times a day, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute each time.
4. Heavenly Well — LI17
Location: Located on the side of the neck, approximately 1 cun (about 3cm) below the mastoid process (the bony projection below the ear). It is located on the posterior side of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (the muscle connecting the neck and chest).
Benefits: This acupoint directly promotes qi and blood circulation in the neck. It relieves neck stiffness and alleviates tension in the vocal cord muscles. It is effective for hoarseness caused by chronic neck discomfort and stiffness.
Acupressure Method: Place your finger on the side of the neck and locate the Heavenly Well (LI17) acupoint at the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Stimulate it by gently massaging in circular motions or using light pressure with your finger. It is good to do this 2-3 times a day, for 1 minute each time.
5. Imposter Gate — LI18
Location: Located on the side of the neck, approximately 3 cun (about 9cm) lateral to the thyroid cartilage (the protruding part on the front of the neck). It is located in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscles.
Benefits: Promotes qi circulation in the neck and rapidly clears heat and inflammation in the pharyngeal area. It is effective for both acute and chronic hoarseness, and shows quick relief particularly when the neck is swollen and painful.
Acupressure Method: Place your finger on the side of the neck and locate the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Press lightly or massage in circular motions with your thumb or index finger. It is effective to stimulate this acupoint 2-3 times a day, for 1 minute each time, with enough intensity to cause slight discomfort.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
It is good to follow the sequence below every morning and evening, or whenever your neck feels tired:
Step 1 (1 minute): Repeat pressing the Heavenly Rushing Sound (CV22) acupoint 10 times, 5 seconds each. Place your finger on the depression in the center of the neck and apply gentle acupressure.
Step 2 (2 minutes): Alternately massage the Imposter Gate (LI18) and Heavenly Well (LI17) acupoints on both sides of the neck. Stimulate each acupoint for 30 seconds with circular rubbing motions.
Step 3 (1 minute): Alternately apply acupressure to the Yin Abyss (HT4) and Passage to the Great Abyss (HT5) acupoints on both wrists. Repeat light pressing or massage in circular motions.
Step 4 (1 minute): Finish by gently stroking upward along the entire neck from bottom to top. This stabilizes the acupressure effects and promotes blood circulation in the neck.
By consistently repeating this routine, you can feel relief from hoarseness within 3-5 days. Especially when experiencing hoarseness, performing this routine several times a day can lead to faster recovery.
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