Acupoint Guide

Tag: phlegm

  • 5 Acupoints Effective for Both Cough and Phlegm

    One-line summary: To relieve cough and phlegm simultaneously, press Dazhui, Danzhong, and Chize together to strengthen lung function, along with Lieque and Fenglong to help expel phlegm.

    Introduction

    Having a cough while simultaneously experiencing phlegm buildup is extremely uncomfortable. Cough and phlegm often occur together due to lingering effects of colds or seasonal changes, which is a sign that lung function is weakened or moisture (phlegm) has accumulated in the bronchi. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are specific acupoints that can simultaneously alleviate these symptoms.

    5 Acupoints Good for Cough and Phlegm

    1. Dazhui — GV14

    Location: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the most prominent bone (7th cervical vertebra) when you bend your neck forward. When pressed with your finger, it has a sunken sensation.

    Benefits: Dazhui is an acupoint that comprehensively strengthens lung function and boosts immunity. It improves lung weakness, which is the root cause of cough, and supplements yang qi throughout the body, making it excellent for cough relief.

    Pressing technique: Place your overlapped thumbs from both hands on the Dazhui acupoint and repeatedly press slowly and release. Press for about 10 seconds, 5 times over 1 minute, and combining with warm compresses makes it even more effective.

    2. Danzhong — CV17

    Location: Located at the point where the horizontal line connecting the nipples of both breasts meets the center of the breastbone (4th intercostal space). When pressed with your finger, you can find a slightly sunken area.

    Benefits: Danzhong smoothly promotes the circulation of qi in the chest and relieves chest tightness caused by cough. It simultaneously regulates the function of the lungs and heart, eliminating comprehensive discomfort caused by cough and phlegm.

    Pressing technique: Using the tip of your thumb or index finger, repeatedly slowly press and release the Danzhong acupoint. It is effective to press while exhaling in sync with your breathing, pressing about 15 times over 1 minute.

    3. Lieque — LU7

    Location: Located above the radial styloid (wrist bone) about 1.5 cun (the width of your thumb) above the inner wrist crease. It is easy to find when you slightly bend your wrist.

    Benefits: Lieque promotes the circulation of qi in the lungs and enhances respiratory function. It is particularly excellent at helping to expel phlegm and relieving cough caused by bronchial constriction, while also improving nasal congestion from colds.

    Pressing technique: Find the Lieque acupoint with the thumb of your opposite hand, then press in slow circular motions. Press for 3 seconds and release for 3 seconds, repeating this cycle for 1 minute, applying enough pressure to feel a slight sensation.

    4. Fenglong — ST40

    Location: Located on the lateral side of the tibia (shin bone), 8 cun (the width of 8 fingers) below the tip of the outer knee bone (lateral condyle) in the direction toward the ankle. It is located approximately at the center of the outer calf.

    Benefits: Fenglong is an acupoint that removes moisture (phlegm), making it most effective when there is excessive phlegm. It helps expel secretions accumulated in the bronchi and normalizes lung function to fundamentally resolve cough.

    Pressing technique: While sitting with your legs extended, locate the Fenglong acupoint with your thumb. Apply your body weight and repeatedly press slowly and release, pressing for 1 minute until you feel a slight soreness.

    5. Chize — LU5

    Location: Located on the lateral (thumb) side of the biceps tendon, above the crease that appears on the inner arm when the elbow is bent (elbow crease).

    Benefits: Chize is an acupoint that cools heat in the lungs and immediately relieves cough. It also alleviates throat pain caused by cough, strengthens lung function, and promotes phlegm expulsion.

    Pressing technique: Extend one arm and locate the Chize acupoint with the thumb of your opposite hand. Massage in slow circular motions while pressing, using a technique of pressing for 5 seconds and releasing for 5 seconds, continuing for 1 minute.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Step 1 (1 minute): Start with the Dazhui acupoint. Overlap your thumbs from both hands and press slowly 10 times, beginning with the intention of strengthening lung function.
    Step 2 (1 minute): Press the Danzhong acupoint 15 times in sync with your breathing. The key is to press while exhaling.
    Step 3 (1 minute): Press the Lieque acupoint alternately with both hands for 1 minute. Circular massage motions are most effective.
    Step 4 (1 minute): Press the Fenglong acupoint on both legs. Applying your body weight and pressing firmly helps with phlegm expulsion.
    Step 5 (1 minute): Finish with the Chize acupoint. Press alternately on both arms slowly to finally calm the cough.
    Repeating this 5-minute routine twice daily (morning and evening) will help you experience improvement in cough and phlegm symptoms within 3-5 days.

    🤰 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 possibly pregnant, be sure to consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before proceeding.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for the purpose of providing health information and does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Best Acupoints for Phlegm — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-Line Summary: Pressing 5 acupoints that strengthen the lungs and eliminate phlegm-damp for 5 minutes daily can improve phlegm symptoms within 3 days.

    Introduction

    Are you experiencing constant coughing and breathing difficulty due to phlegm stuck in your throat? According to traditional Chinese medicine, phlegm forms when moisture and heat accumulate in the lungs. By stimulating specific acupoints, you can normalize lung function and expel phlegm quickly. You can see results simply by pressing these points with your fingers, without any medication.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Phlegm

    1. Fenglong — ST40

    Location: On the outer aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun (approximately 6 finger-widths) above the outer ankle bone in the direction of the knee, located on the lateral aspect of the tibia (shin bone).

    Effect: An acupoint that eliminates phlegm-damp and moisture. By removing the “dampness” that causes phlegm formation in the lungs, it promotes phlegm expulsion.

    Pressure Technique: Press firmly with your thumb for 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds. Repeat 20 times per session. Pressing in the evening between 7-9 PM yields the strongest results.

    2. Chize — LU5

    Location: On the inner aspect of the arm, at the outer edge of the inner crease of the elbow when the elbow is bent.

    Effect: An acupoint that clears lung heat and promotes phlegm expulsion. By removing heat accumulated in the lungs, it alleviates both dry cough and phlegm simultaneously.

    Pressure Technique: Slowly press 5 times with your opposite thumb. Alternate between arms, spending 1 minute on each side. Best performed between 5-7 AM.

    3. Feishu — BL13

    Location: On the upper back, at the level below the third rib, approximately 2 cun (thumb-width) lateral to the spine.

    Effect: An acupoint that directly strengthens lung function and fortifies the entire respiratory system. By enhancing the lungs’ defensive capacity, it prevents phlegm recurrence.

    Pressure Technique: Place a tennis ball against the wall and lean back to apply pressure, or have a partner slowly press with their thumb. Hold for 30 seconds per session, 3 times daily.

    4. Zusanli — ST36

    Location: 4 cun (3 finger-widths) below the knee, on the lateral aspect of the tibia. Approximately 10 cm below the knee in the direction of the ankle.

    Effect: Enhances the body’s immunity and strengthens the lungs’ resistance. Not only eliminates phlegm but is also excellent for preventing colds.

    Pressure Technique: Press with your thumb using circular massage motions for 1 minute. Alternate between both legs. Performing this 1 hour after meals also promotes digestion.

    5. Danzhong — REN17

    Location: At the center of the chest, at the point where the horizontal line connecting the two nipples meets the center of the sternum (breastbone).

    Effect: A key acupoint that regulates the lungs and entire respiratory system. By deepening breathing and increasing lung capacity, it accelerates phlegm expulsion.

    Pressure Technique: Press vertically with your fingertip (middle finger) for 3 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat 15 times per session. Performing this for 5 minutes before bedtime activates phlegm expulsion during sleep.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Step 1 (1 minute): Press Zusanli (ST36) on both legs, 30 seconds each
    Step 2 (1 minute): Press Fenglong (ST40) on both legs, 30 seconds each
    Step 3 (1 minute): Press Chize (LU5) on both arms, 30 seconds each
    Step 4 (1 minute): Press Danzhong (REN17) for 1 minute
    Step 5 (1 minute): Press Feishu (BL13) on the back with a tennis ball for 1 minute

    Following this routine after waking in the morning and before bedtime at night will noticeably reduce phlegm within 3 days. Be careful not to use your fingernails, and performing this after a warm shower makes it easier to locate the acupoints.

    🤰 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 an acupuncturist or healthcare professional before performing 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, please consult with a healthcare professional.