Acupoint Guide

Tag: bitter taste

  • 5 Acupoints Beneficial for Both Cough and Bitter Taste in the Mouth

    One-line Summary: To relieve cough and bitter taste simultaneously, apply acupressure to the Dachu, Zhongfu, Lieque, Fenglong, and Chize acupoints in sequence.

    Introduction

    When you’re constantly coughing and experiencing a bitter taste in your mouth at the same time, daily life becomes really inconvenient. These symptoms mainly stem from decreased lung and spleen function, and metabolic imbalance caused by stress. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are acupoints that can address both symptoms simultaneously. Before taking medication, we introduce 5 acupoints that can help ease symptoms through simple stimulation.

    5 Acupoints Good for Cough and Bitter Taste

    1. Dachu — GV14

    Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you tilt your head slightly forward, it’s the hollow depression directly below the most prominent bone at the back of your neck (7th cervical vertebra).

    Benefits: It strengthens lung function and has the effect of soothing cough. It also boosts the body’s immunity and reduces inflammation, improving the bitter taste in the mouth at the same time.

    Acupressure Method: Press the first knuckle of your thumb against the lower back of your neck, and sweep upward from bottom to top, repeating 5 times for 3 seconds each. Apply stimulation slowly until a warm sensation is felt.

    2. Zhongfu — CV17

    Location: Located at the 4th intercostal space on the sternum, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. It’s the depression in the center of your chest.

    Benefits: It regulates lung qi and smooths breathing, reducing cough. It supports spleen function and promotes digestion, helping to expel phlegm (the cause of bitter taste).

    Acupressure Method: Place your middle finger in the center of your chest and tap 10 times for 5 seconds each, like tapping a coin. Apply pressure gently enough that warmth is felt without being too forceful.

    3. Lieque — LU7

    Location: Located 1.5 cun (the distance between the thumb and index finger) above the wrist crease on the inner side, above the radial styloid process (wrist bone). It’s the hollow area when you bend your wrist upward.

    Benefits: As a key point on the Lung meridian, it rapidly relieves respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. It disperses exterior heat, helping to reduce the heat sensation that appears with bitter taste.

    Acupressure Method: Locate this point with your opposite thumb, then press firmly for 1 minute while making circular motions. It’s most effective to stimulate both arms with equal pressure and timing.

    4. Fenglong — ST40

    Location: Located on the outer side below the knee. It’s on the outer side of the tibia (shin bone), approximately 8 cun (about 3 finger-widths) below the fibular head (the round bone on the outer knee).

    Benefits: It’s a powerful point for removing phlegm. It helps expel phlegm-dampness, the main cause of bitter taste and cough, improving digestive function and activating metabolism.

    Acupressure Method: While sitting, press both legs’ Fenglong point with your thumb, pressing for 3 seconds and releasing 15 times until you feel slight tenderness.

    5. Chize — LU5

    Location: Located on the inner elbow crease, on the outer side (thumb side) of the biceps tendon. It’s the prominence you feel on the inner side of the elbow when you extend your arm.

    Benefits: It’s particularly effective at strengthening lung function and stopping cough. It reduces heat, relieves throat pain, and supports spleen function to improve bitter taste.

    Acupressure Method: Press the opposite thumb vertically on Chize, pressing for 2 seconds and releasing for 1 second, repeating 10 times. Continue slowly until a warm sensation spreads throughout the entire arm.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    To effectively relieve cough and bitter taste, follow the sequence below. (1) Start with Dachu at the back of the neck and apply upward stroking stimulation for 1 minute. (2) Tap the Zhongfu point in the center of the chest for 30 seconds. (3) Press both Lieque points on your wrists simultaneously with circular motions for 1 minute. (4) Massage both Fenglong points on your shins for 1 minute. (5) Finally, finish by pressing and releasing both Chize points on the inner elbows for 30 seconds. By repeating this routine twice daily (morning and evening) consistently, you can expect to feel symptom relief within 3 days.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain 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 traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or medical professional before proceeding.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a medical professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Bitter Taste in Mouth — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    Quick Summary: Bitter taste in the mouth originates from heat imbalance between the gallbladder and liver. Acupressing 5 acupoints including Ganshu, Laogong, and Taichong for 5 minutes daily can yield noticeable improvement within 2 weeks.

    Introduction

    Do you experience a persistent bitter taste in your mouth when you wake up in the morning? If food tastes off and fatigue continues, it could be a signal your body is sending you. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, bitter taste in the mouth is referred to as “kou ku” (口苦), and it’s believed to originate from heat imbalance between the gallbladder and liver. Before taking medication, try improving it with self-acupressure.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Bitter Taste

    1. Ganshu (肝俞) — BL19

    Location: On the back, 1.5 cun (about the width of your thumb) lateral from the midline, located below the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra.

    Benefits: Regulates gallbladder function and clears gallbladder heat. This is a key acupoint for improving bitter taste, rib-side pain, and fatigue.

    Acupressure Technique: In a supine position, press firmly with your thumb for 5 seconds and release, repeating 10 times. You should feel mild discomfort to ensure you’re pressing the correct spot.

    2. Laogong (勞宮) — PC8

    Location: In the center of the palm, at the point where the tip of your middle finger touches when you make a fist.

    Benefits: Clears heart and small intestine heat, soothing bitter taste and oral inflammation. Especially effective for stress-related bitter taste.

    Acupressure Technique: Press the center of your palm firmly with your opposite thumb for 5 seconds and release, repeating 10 times. Alternate between both hands.

    3. Taichong (太衝) — LV3

    Location: On the top of the foot between the first and second toes, approximately one finger-width above the webbing at the base of the toes.

    Benefits: Relieves stagnant liver heat and promotes qi and blood circulation. Beyond bitter taste, it also improves fatigue, headaches, and eye strain.

    Acupressure Technique: Press downward on the top of your foot with your thumb, holding for 5 seconds and releasing, repeating 8 times. Alternate between both feet.

    4. Zusanli (足三里) — ST36

    Location: One finger-width below the outer edge of the kneecap, then three finger-widths downward along the outer edge of the tibia (shinbone).

    Benefits: Strengthens the entire digestive system and boosts immunity. Fundamentally improves bitter taste caused by weakened stomach and spleen function.

    Acupressure Technique: Press firmly on the outer edge of the bone with your thumb, holding for 5 seconds and releasing, repeating 10 times. Alternate between both legs.

    5. Fengchi (風池) — TE17

    Location: In the hollow area at the top of the mastoid process (the bony prominence behind the ear).

    Benefits: Releases tension in the back of the neck and clears heat from the head. Improves stress-related bitter taste along with neck stiffness and migraines.

    Acupressure Technique: Place both thumbs in the hollow area behind the ears, pressing firmly for 5 seconds and releasing, repeating 8 times.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning upon waking (7am): Laogong 10 times + Taichong 8 times (You should feel discomfort when pressing to ensure effectiveness. Approximately 2 minutes)
    After lunch (1pm): Zusanli 10 times + Fengchi 8 times (Can be done even while sitting at a computer. Approximately 2 minutes)
    Before bed (9pm): Ganshu is difficult to do alone, so ask your partner or family member if possible. If not possible, repeating the other 4 acupoints is also beneficial. Approximately 1 minute

    With just a 5-minute investment, you can achieve up to 70% improvement in bitter taste.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, be sure to consult with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or medical 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 medical professional.