Acupoint Guide

Tag: back pain

  • 5 Beneficial Acupoints for Both Cough and Back Pain

    One-line summary: Cough and back pain are common symptoms that often appear together, and they can be relieved simultaneously with acupressure on five acupoints that strengthen lung function and relax the spine.

    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.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before attempting these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Back Pain — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: Applying acupressure 10 times daily to 5 acupoints including Dachu, Fengmen, Shenchu, and others is effective for back pain relief.

    Introduction

    Back pain experienced by over 70% of modern people. The main causes are prolonged sitting at work, poor posture, and muscle tension from stress. Acupoint acupressure, which costs nothing and can be done anywhere anytime, can be an effective solution. Today, we introduce 5 essential acupoints for back pain relief and science-based acupressure techniques.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Back Pain

    1. Dachu — GV14

    Location: Below the most prominent bone when bending the head forward (the 7th cervical vertebra), at the depression. Located at the boundary between the neck and upper back.

    Benefits: One of the most important acupoints in traditional Eastern medicine, regulating qi throughout the body and strengthening immunity. Particularly excellent for upper back pain and relieving stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles.

    Acupressure technique: Place your thumb at the back of the neck and apply circular acupressure 10 times slowly. Press for 3-5 seconds each time, adjusting the intensity just before pain occurs. Recommended twice daily, morning and evening.

    2. Fengmen — BL12

    Location: When bending the head forward, below the second most prominent vertebra (2nd thoracic vertebra), approximately 1.5 finger widths laterally from the center line of the spine (about 4cm).

    Benefits: An acupoint that strengthens lung function and supports respiratory health. Alleviates tightness and shortness of breath that appear with back pain. Also improves overall fatigue caused by chronic back pain.

    Acupressure technique: Since this point exists on both sides, press simultaneously with your middle fingers. Apply 10 times, pressing for 5 seconds each time, then releasing for 2 seconds. It’s more effective when done slowly in coordination with breathing.

    3. Shenchu — GV12

    Location: The depression below the third most prominent vertebra when bending the head forward (3rd thoracic vertebra). It is located approximately 2 vertebral segments below Dachu (GV14).

    Benefits: Promotes heart and lung function and improves blood circulation. An emergency acupoint that rapidly alleviates mid-upper back pain and sudden back cramps.

    Acupressure technique: Press vertically with your thumb, being careful not to apply too much deep pressure. Apply acupressure 10 times, then rest for 30 seconds, and repeat. Applying this 30 minutes before bedtime helps with muscle relaxation.

    4. Jingxiao — EX-B1

    Location: Approximately 1 finger width (about 1.3cm) directly lateral to Dachu (GV14). There are a total of 2 points, one on each side of the spine.

    Benefits: An extra point that directly alleviates localized back pain and muscle stiffness. Located more superficially than Dachu, it allows for stronger stimulation and provides rapid pain relief.

    Acupressure technique: Press both sides simultaneously using your middle fingers or index fingers. Apply circular acupressure 10 times while rotating slowly. Starting from the area where you feel pain, massage within a 3cm range by moving up and down.

    5. Xiaxie — EX-B2

    Location: Below the spinous processes of the vertebrae (from 1st thoracic to 5th lumbar vertebra), approximately 1 finger width (about 1.3cm) laterally from the center line of the spine. Multiple points are distributed on both sides of the spine.

    Benefits: Releases muscle knots throughout the back and lower back and promotes blood circulation. Fundamentally resolves muscle tension that appears with chronic back pain.

    Acupressure technique: Place a golf ball or massage stick against your upper back and apply acupressure by slowly moving it up and down. Alternatively, use your middle fingers to simultaneously press both sides of the spine while slowly moving from neck to lower back. Practice for 5 minutes every evening.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning routine (2 minutes): Upon waking, apply acupressure to Dachu (GV14) → Shenchu (GV12) in order, 10 times each while in bed. Stimulating the spine helps you start the day with energy.

    Midday routine (1 minute): During work break, apply acupressure to Jingxiao (EX-B1) simultaneously with both hands 10 times. This releases stiffness in the back before afternoon work.

    Evening routine (2 minutes): After work, lie on a bed or floor and stimulate Xiaxie (EX-B2) for 1 minute using a massage stick by slowly moving it up and down. Then apply acupressure to Fengmen (BL12) with your middle fingers 10 times. This promotes restful sleep.

    🤰 Pregnancy warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a Korean medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before applying these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints Effective for Cough and Lower Back Pain

    One-line Summary: To relieve cough and lower back pain simultaneously, you can improve respiratory and spinal function through self-acupressure using 5 acupoints: Taixi, Dazhui, Tanzhong, Shenshu, and Guanyuan.

    Introduction

    Have you ever experienced lower back pain along with a persistent cough? These two symptoms often appear together because the abdominal muscles and spine experience tension with each cough. Try naturally alleviating these symptoms through acupoint acupressure that simultaneously supports respiratory health and spinal stability.

    5 Beneficial Acupoints for Cough and Lower Back Pain

    1. Taixi (太谿) — KI3

    Location: The depression between the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus) and the Achilles tendon

    Benefits: Replenishes the kidney’s vital energy, strengthens respiratory function, and restores lower back muscle strength. It is excellent for improving chronic cough and stabilizing the lumbar spine.

    Acupressure Technique: Sit in a comfortable position and position the inner side of your ankle where you can see it, then locate the Taixi point with your thumb. As you exhale, slowly apply pressure for about 10 seconds, then release. Practice 3 minutes on each side, twice daily.

    2. Dazhui (大椎) — GV14

    Location: The depression directly below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), which protrudes most when you bend your neck forward

    Benefits: Strengthens the immune system to fundamentally resolve the underlying causes of cough and normalizes the function of the entire spine. It is also effective in preventing upper respiratory tract infections.

    Acupressure Technique: Gently locate the boundary between your neck and shoulder with both fingers, then apply downward pressure with your thumbs. Massage in circular motions or gently tap about 10 times. Practice for 2 minutes each in the morning and evening.

    3. Tanzhong (膻中) — CV17

    Location: The center of the chest at the breastbone (4th intercostal space) where an imaginary line connecting both nipples intersects

    Benefits: Directly regulates lung function to immediately relieve cough and deepen breathing. It also improves asthma and chest congestion symptoms.

    Acupressure Technique: Lie down or sit in a comfortable position, place both hands on your chest, and locate Tanzhong. It is located precisely at the center, using the breastbone as a reference point. Slowly massage in circular motions 15 times with your thumb. Recommended twice daily, 2 minutes each time.

    4. Shenshu (腎兪) — BL23

    Location: At the level of the lower back, on both sides of the spine, approximately 1.5 cun (about two finger-widths) lateral to and below the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra (L2)

    Benefits: Directly strengthens kidney and lumbar vertebral function to fundamentally treat lower back pain. At the same time, it normalizes the interaction between the lungs and kidneys to also relieve cough.

    Acupressure Technique: Place both hands behind your lower back and locate the Shenshu point. Apply slow, upward pressure with your thumbs at an angle from bottom to top. Practice 3 minutes on each side, twice daily. It is even more effective when practiced after warm compress therapy.

    5. Guanyuan (關元) — CV4

    Location: The center of the abdomen on the midline, approximately 3 cun (about four finger-widths) below the navel

    Benefits: The premier acupoint for replenishing the body’s vital energy, it strengthens the overall function of the respiratory and spinal systems. By boosting immunity, it prevents cough recurrence and ensures long-term lower back stability.

    Acupressure Technique: While lying down, press below the navel as a reference point to locate Guanyuan. Using warm fingers, gently massage in circular motions about 30 times. It is best to practice for 5 minutes before bed in the evening.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Recommended Order and Time Allocation:

    Step 1 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to both Taixi points for 30 seconds each — activates kidney energy.
    Step 2 (1 minute): Gently massage Dazhui for 1 minute — prepares the entire spine and immune function.
    Step 3 (1 minute): Stimulate Tanzhong in circular motions for 1 minute — directly strengthens lung function.
    Step 4 (1 minute): Apply acupressure to both Shenshu points for 30 seconds each — addresses the root cause of lower back pain.
    Step 5 (1 minute): Gently massage Guanyuan for 1 minute — comprehensively normalizes the entire respiratory and spinal system.

    By repeating this routine twice daily—once after waking in the morning and once before bed in the evening—you can expect to feel noticeable improvement in cough and lower back pain within 1-2 weeks.

    🤰 Pregnant Women Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, you must consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.