Acupoint Guide

Tag: Neuralgia

  • 5 Acupoints for Cough and Hand Numbness Together

    One-line summary: When cough and hand numbness appear simultaneously, pressing 5 acupoints that improve both respiratory and nerve circulation helps relieve symptoms.

    Introduction

    When you have a cough along with numbness in your fingers, it may not be simply a cold or nerve pain. In traditional Korean medicine, these two symptoms can originate from the same cause. Cough caused by reduced lung function and the resulting nerve irritation, along with insufficient circulation of qi and blood, can trigger hand numbness. This article introduces 5 acupoints that can relieve both symptoms simultaneously.

    5 Acupoints for Cough and Hand Numbness

    1. Dachu — GV14

    Location: At the back of the neck, in the depression below the 7th cervical vertebral spinous process. When you bend your head forward, you’ll feel the most prominent bone at the back of the neck (the seventh cervical vertebra), and the hollow area directly below it is the exact location.

    Benefits: It excels at strengthening immunity and restoring respiratory health. It calms cough and boosts overall qi to improve circulation throughout the body, making it effective for relieving hand numbness as well.

    Pressing technique: Repeatedly press slowly with your thumb or middle finger for 3-5 seconds each time, 10 times total. Apply pressure with enough intensity to feel mild soreness, but press gently without rushing or rubbing.

    2. Tanzhong — CV17

    Location: Located at the center of the chest, on the sternum. When you draw a horizontal line connecting both nipples, the midpoint is where this acupoint is located. It’s at the center of the sternum at the 4th intercostal space.

    Benefits: It directly improves respiratory health and relieves chest tightness. It facilitates the smooth flow of qi to calm cough, and simultaneously improves circulation of qi and blood in the upper limbs, relieving hand numbness.

    Pressing technique: While lying down, press vertically with your middle finger for approximately 3-5 seconds each time, repeating 8-10 times. Since this is at the center of the chest, be careful not to press too hard, and apply pressure while breathing slowly and in a relaxed state.

    3. Lieque — LU7

    Location: On the thumb side of the wrist, approximately 1.5 cun (about 2 cm) above the wrist crease. The exact location is in the hollow area directly above the styloid process of the radius (the prominent part of the wrist bone).

    Benefits: This acupoint directly alleviates wrist nerve pain and upper limb numbness. At the same time, it strengthens respiratory health and calms cough, making it very effective when both symptoms are present together.

    Pressing technique: Repeat pressing with your opposite thumb for 3-5 seconds each time, 10 times total. It’s even better to alternate pressing both hands. Apply pressure slowly until you feel a slight tingling sensation.

    4. Fenglong — ST40

    Location: Located on the front of the calf, on the outer side below the knee. Starting from below the knee and moving toward the ankle about 8 cun (approximately 10 cm), it’s located on the outer side of the tibia (shinbone), one finger width (approximately 2 cun) to the side.

    Benefits: This is a powerful acupoint that improves circulation and nerve function throughout the body. It relieves hand numbness through its nerve-calming action and helps respiratory function, making it good for cough relief as well.

    Pressing technique: Repeatedly press vertically with your thumb for 3-5 seconds each time, 12-15 times total. It’s most effective when you feel a slight sore sensation (the sensation of obtaining qi). Stimulate both legs alternately.

    5. Chize — LU5

    Location: Located on the inside of the arm, above the elbow crease. When your arm is bent at 90 degrees, it’s located at the end of the inner elbow crease, on the outer side of the biceps tendon (toward the thumb).

    Benefits: It directly alleviates arm numbness and elbow pain, and strengthens lung function to improve respiratory health. Since it promotes nerve circulation in the arm, it’s especially useful when hand numbness and cough occur together.

    Pressing technique: Repeatedly press with your opposite thumb for 3-5 seconds each time, 10 times total. Pressing with the arm extended allows you to stimulate the acupoint accurately. Treat both arms alternately.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    It’s effective to press these acupoints in the following order every morning or evening. Step 1: Press Dachu (GV14) 10 times — Awakens qi throughout the body. Step 2: Press Tanzhong (CV17) 8 times — Directly stimulates the respiratory system. Step 3: Press Lieque (LU7) 10 times on each hand — Relaxes the wrists and nerves. Step 4: Press Fenglong (ST40) 12 times on each leg — Promotes circulation. Step 5: Press Chize (LU5) 10 times on each arm — Relieves arm numbness. Take 2-3 deep breaths between each step, and the entire routine takes about 5 minutes.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some 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, please consult with a Korean medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before performing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.

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

    One-Line Summary: Buttock pain can be quickly relieved with acupressure on 5 acupoints, and just 5 minutes of daily self-care routine with proper techniques can improve pain symptoms.

    Introduction

    As modern lifestyles increasingly involve prolonged sitting, many people suffer from buttock pain. Buttock pain caused by sciatica or piriformis syndrome causes leg numbness and disrupts daily life. Fortunately, using acupressure on acupoints from traditional medicine can quickly relieve pain without medication. This article will introduce 5 effective acupoints for buttock pain and the correct acupressure techniques.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Buttock Pain

    1. Biguan — ST31

    Location: Located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, at the level of the inguinal crease, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (the protruding outer edge of the pelvis) to the lateral upper border of the patella.

    Benefits: Alleviates pain around the thigh and hip joint, and promotes blood circulation in the lower limbs. Particularly effective at quickly relieving thigh pain felt when sitting.

    Technique: In a seated position, overlap your index and middle fingers and apply steady pressure for 5-10 seconds. Gradually increase pressure as you exhale, and repeat 3-5 times daily for best results.

    2. Zhibian — BL54

    Location: Located in the gluteal region, at the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, approximately 3 cun (about 9cm) lateral to the spine. If difficult to locate, you can search downward from the upper dimple of the buttock.

    Benefits: Alleviates neuropathic pain in the buttocks and legs, and is particularly excellent for improving sciatica. Effective at relieving leg numbness and heaviness.

    Technique: Lie on your side and slowly press with your thumb, maintaining pressure for 10-15 seconds. Keep your breathing steady and repeat 3-5 times daily.

    3. Chengfu — BL36

    Location: Located at the midpoint of the gluteal crease (the fold at the bottom of the buttock). You can easily locate it by finding the midline at the junction between the buttocks and thighs.

    Benefits: Relaxes gluteal muscles and alleviates neuropathic pain. Improves leg numbness and pain, and relieves nerve compression in the buttock area caused by sciatica.

    Technique: In a seated position, you can apply pressure with both thumbs simultaneously, or massage using a tennis ball with body weight for effectiveness. Perform for 1-2 minutes per session, 3-4 times daily.

    4. Huantiao — GB30

    Location: Located at the outer 1/3 point of the line connecting the greater trochanter (the prominent bony protrusion on the outer thigh) and the sacral hiatus (the dimple at the top of the buttocks). You can find it near the most prominent part of the buttock.

    Benefits: The most important acupoint for relieving buttock pain and a key treatment point for sciatica. Quickly relieves heaviness and pain in the legs, and promotes blood circulation.

    Technique: Stand with your back against a wall and slowly apply pressure with your thumb for 10-15 seconds. Increase pressure as you exhale, rest, and repeat 5 times.

    5. Shimen — BL37

    Location: Located vertically below the gluteal crease (BL36), at the midpoint between it and the knee. Alternatively, it’s located approximately 2 cun (about 6cm) below BL36.

    Benefits: Comprehensively relieves neuropathic pain in the buttocks and legs, and is very effective for improving sciatica. Also helpful for reducing lower limb swelling and promoting blood circulation.

    Technique: Lie on your side and slowly apply pressure with your thumb for 10 seconds. Gradually increase pressure as you exhale, rest, and repeat 3 times daily for good results.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning After Waking (1 minute): Apply pressure to ST31 Biguan with your index and middle fingers for 30 seconds, then massage BL36 Chengfu with a tennis ball for 30 seconds.

    Afternoon (2 minutes): Apply pressure to GB30 Huantiao with your thumb against a wall for 1 minute. Then press BL54 Zhibian and BL37 Shimen for 30 seconds each.

    Evening Before Bed (2 minutes): While lying on your side, apply pressure to BL54 Zhibian (1 minute) and BL37 Shimen (1 minute) in sequence. This routine relaxes muscles before sleep, promoting better rest.

    By consistently following this 5-minute routine, you can experience significant improvement in buttock pain within 1-2 weeks.

    Precautions and Additional Tips

    Acupressure Precautions: Avoid excessive pressure and maintain an appropriate level of intensity that produces warmth. If you have difficulty locating the exact acupoint, slowly explore the surrounding area and find the most tender point. If you are pregnant or have serious health conditions, consult with a professional.

    Tips for Enhanced Benefits: Taking a warm bath or applying a heat pack before acupressure helps muscles relax and improves the effect. After acupressure, get adequate rest and drink plenty of water. Combining with light stretching makes it even more effective.

    When to See a Healthcare Provider: If there is no improvement after 2 weeks of acupressure or if pain worsens, you must visit a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis. If you have spinal or nerve-related conditions, proceed under professional guidance.

    🤰 Pregnancy Caution: Certain acupoints such as SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), and LR3 (Taichong) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or medical professional before using this therapy.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, consult a healthcare professional.