Introduction
When cough and leg numbness occur together, the frustration doubles. What you thought was a simple cold persists as a chronic cough, and at night, leg numbness keeps you from sleeping. In traditional Chinese medicine, these symptoms are believed to stem from decreased lung function and poor circulation. Fortunately, by stimulating acupoints on the wrist, arm, chest, back, and leg, you can improve both symptoms at the same time.
5 Beneficial Acupoints for Cough and Leg Numbness
1. Dazhui — GV14
Location: At the back of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. When you bend your head forward, the most prominent bone at the base of your neck becomes visible; the small depression below it is Dazhui.
Effects: Strengthens lung function and boosts immunity to stop coughing. Also promotes overall qi circulation through the Governing Vessel to relieve leg numbness.
Acupressure Method: Press slowly with your thumb for 30 seconds, maintaining a pressure level that is uncomfortable but not painful. It’s best to apply this 3 times daily—30 minutes after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2. Tanzhong — CV17
Location: At the center of the chest, at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples. It’s located at the 4th intercostal space above the breastbone. To find it accurately, align both nipples at the same height and locate the center point.
Effects: An acupoint that directly regulates lung function, it’s excellent for relieving cough symptoms. It also promotes qi flow along the Conception Vessel to relieve chest tightness and ease breathing.
Acupressure Method: Gently massage in circular motions with your middle finger, but don’t press too hard. Apply for about 1 minute per session, 2 times daily—morning and evening.
3. Lieque — LU7
Location: On the inner wrist, about 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) above the wrist crease in the direction of the thumb. You’ll find it in the depression above the radial styloid process (the bony prominence on the thumb side of the wrist).
Effects: An important acupoint on the Lung meridian, it quickly improves respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion. It also activates meridian circulation to relieve leg numbness simultaneously.
Acupressure Method: Press with the opposite thumb for 30 seconds, repeating 5 times. Stimulate both wrists, and applying in the evening is especially effective for reducing nighttime coughing.
4. Fenglong — ST40
Location: On the outer side of the tibia (shinbone) on the front of the leg, about 8 cun (approximately 10 cm) below the lateral epicondyle of the knee (the bony prominence on the outer side of the knee). It’s located about 2 finger-widths (the width of your middle finger) lateral to the outer edge of the tibia.
Effects: A major acupoint on the Stomach meridian, it strengthens spleen and stomach function to improve nervous system circulation. It quickly relieves leg numbness while simultaneously boosting immunity to reduce coughing.
Acupressure Method: Stimulate gently in circular motions with your thumb for 1 minute. Apply to both legs, 2 times daily—morning and evening. Stimulating before bed improves leg numbness during sleep.
5. Chize — LU5
Location: On the inner side of the elbow, at the end of the crease that appears when you bend your arm. You’ll find it in the depression on the outer side of the biceps tendon (the tendon of the arm muscle).
Effects: A powerful acupoint on the Lung meridian, it quickly calms cough, asthma, and shortness of breath. As an important meridian point connecting the arm and leg, it promotes whole-body blood circulation to comprehensively relieve leg numbness.
Acupressure Method: Press with the opposite thumb for 15 seconds, repeat 3 times, resting between each press. When cough is severe, you can stimulate up to 3 times daily. Stimulating in the evening is especially effective for relieving nighttime cough.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Step 1 (1 minute): Press Lieque (LU7) on both wrists with your thumb for 30 seconds each. If cough is severe, you can apply slightly more pressure.
Step 2 (1 minute): Gently massage Tanzhong (CV17) on your chest in circular motions with your middle finger for 1 minute. It’s even more effective to take deep breaths while stimulating this point.
Step 3 (1 minute): Press Dazhui (GV14) at the back of your neck with your thumb for 30 seconds each, taking deep breaths while stimulating. Moving your shoulders back and forth helps meridian qi flow more smoothly.
Step 4 (1 minute): Stimulate Chize (LU5) on the inner side of both elbows with your thumb for 30 seconds each. You need to apply enough pressure to feel some discomfort for maximum cough relief.
Step 5 (1 minute): Massage Fenglong (ST40) on both legs with your thumb in circular motions, 30 seconds each. Stimulating while lying down is most effective for relieving leg numbness.
Tip: Repeat this routine daily—after waking in the morning and before bed in the evening. After about 3 weeks of consistent practice, you’ll notice a significant improvement in cough and leg numbness. In the early stages of a cold or illness, you can stimulate up to 3 times daily.