Acupoint Guide

Tag: symptom relief

  • 5 Beneficial Acupoints for Simultaneous Cough and Toe Tingling

    One-Line Summary: Practicing daily acupressure on 5 specific acupoints that simultaneously relieve coughing and tingling in the toes can improve respiratory health and nerve circulation, addressing both symptoms together.

    Introduction

    When coughing and toe tingling occur together, daily life becomes quite inconvenient. Losing sleep from coughing while simultaneously experiencing tingling in your toes makes it difficult to find comfort. In Eastern medicine, these two symptoms are seen as resulting from insufficient circulation of qi (氣) and weakened lung function. Fortunately, stimulating specific acupoints can have positive effects on both the respiratory system and nervous system.

    5 Beneficial Acupoints for Coughing and Toe Tingling

    1. Dachu — GV14

    Location: Located in the depression directly below the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) spinous process, which is the most prominent bone when you bend your neck forward. Find the hollow area below the most prominent bone in the center of your back.

    Effects: Dachu is an acupoint that boosts yang qi throughout the body and strengthens immunity. It improves lung function to relieve coughing and simultaneously promotes circulation of qi and blood throughout the body, addressing toe tingling symptoms as well.

    Acupressure Method: Press downward on the Dachu acupoint with your thumb or middle finger, repeating 10-15 times for 5-10 seconds each. Apply gentle pressure with warm hands, and be careful to avoid exposing it to cold air.

    2. Zhongfu — CV17

    Location: Located at the midpoint of the line connecting both nipples, in the depression at the center of the breastbone. It corresponds to the 4th intercostal space (at the level of both nipples).

    Effects: This acupoint opens the chest and deepens breathing, quickly relieving coughing and sensation of oppression. It harmonizes heart and lung function to fundamentally improve coughing and also helps stabilize the nervous system.

    Acupressure Method: Bring your index and middle fingers together and gently massage the Zhongfu acupoint in circular motions. Perform 2-3 times daily for approximately 2 minutes each time to ease breathing.

    3. Lieque — LU7

    Location: Located 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) above the wrist crease (the fold where a wristband would sit) in the direction of the elbow, positioned on the bone on the thumb side (radial styloid process).

    Effects: This acupoint is responsible for facilitating qi and blood circulation in the Lung meridian, and it particularly effectively treats coughing and asthma. It relieves the nervous tension that causes toe tingling and also prevents early-stage cold symptoms.

    Acupressure Method: With your opposite hand’s thumb, gently press the Lieque acupoint and massage in circular motions for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute. It’s most effective when performed on both wrists in the morning and evening.

    4. Fenglong — ST40

    Location: Measured 8 cun (approximately 10 cm) down from the most prominent bone on the outer side of the knee (fibular head) toward the ankle, then located 2 finger-widths (twice the width of your thumb) to the outside of the shin bone (tibia).

    Effects: Strengthens nerves and blood vessels to effectively relieve toe tingling. Simultaneously, it strengthens lung and digestive function to treat coughing at its root and removes phlegm (痰) and damp conditions from the entire body.

    Acupressure Method: Press the Fenglong acupoint firmly with warm fingers. When performed in the evening while sitting, stimulating one leg at a time for approximately 5 minutes will quickly improve toe tingling.

    5. Chize — LU5

    Location: On the outer side of the elbow crease on the thumb side (outside the biceps tendon). It’s at the end of the inner elbow crease when your elbow is fully bent.

    Effects: This acupoint strengthens lung function and activates the nerves in the arms and hands. It directly treats coughing while also improving insufficient nerve circulation that causes toe tingling, addressing both symptoms together.

    Acupressure Method: With your opposite hand’s thumb, press the Chize acupoint firmly and stimulate it up and down for approximately 1 minute. When coughing is severe, intensive acupressure improves phlegm and eases breathing.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning (After Waking): Proceed in this order: Dachu (1 minute) → Zhongfu (1 minute) → Lieque (30 seconds × 2). This routine boosts your energy to start the day and prevents respiratory symptoms.

    Evening (Before Bed): Proceed in this order: Zhongfu (1 minute) → Fenglong (2 minutes) → Chize (1 minute). This routine relaxes both toe tingling and coughing together. For greater effectiveness, drink warm water after acupressure and get adequate sleep.

    When Symptoms Are Severe: Intensively press Lieque and Chize for 2-3 minutes each. Gently tap Zhongfu each time you cough for immediate relief.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant individuals. If you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, be sure to consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before performing acupressure.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes 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 for Simultaneously Relieving Cough and Reflux

    One-line summary: Pressing five acupoints that strengthen lung function and stabilize the stomach can simultaneously relieve coughing and reflux symptoms.

    Introduction

    When coughing and gastroesophageal reflux disease (reflux) appear together, it can be really difficult. At night, you lose sleep from coughing, and during the day, you experience chest tightness and a foreign feeling in your throat. Many people have experienced these two symptoms creating a vicious cycle and getting worse. In this article, I’ll introduce five acupoints that use the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen lung function and stabilize the stomach at the same time.

    Five Acupoints Good for Coughing and Reflux

    1. Dazhui — GV14

    Location: When you bend your neck forward, it’s in the depression below the spinous process of the most prominent bone (the 7th cervical vertebra). It’s located on the midline between the neck and upper back.

    Effects: It enhances overall immune function and improves respiratory diseases. It’s a systemic acupoint that regulates lung function while also regulating stomach function. It helps resolve both cough relief and the overall fatigue caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease.

    Pressure technique: Press slowly with your thumb for 3-5 seconds. It’s effective to do this 3 times a day for about 5 minutes each time. It works even better when combined with warm compresses.

    2. Tanzhong — CV17

    Location: On the midline of the chest, at the midpoint when connecting both nipples horizontally (the 4th intercostal space). It’s in the depression above the breastbone.

    Effects: It strengthens heart and lung function and deepens breathing. It directly relieves chest tightness and shortness of breath caused by coughing, and at the same time, it stabilizes esophageal function to prevent reflux.

    Pressure technique: Press slowly with your fingertip in a vertical direction. Press while breathing in and slowly release while breathing out. 2-3 times a day for about 1 minute each is sufficient.

    3. Lieque — LU7

    Location: On the inside of the wrist, about 1.5 cun (approximately 2cm) above the wrist crease in the direction of the elbow. It’s located above the styloid process of the radius (the bone on the thumb side).

    Effects: As a key acupoint on the lung meridian, it’s especially effective for coughing and respiratory symptoms. It quickly relieves throat discomfort and coughing, and by regulating the lung’s fluid metabolism, it also improves symptoms caused by reflux.

    Pressure technique: Massage with your thumb in circular motions while pressing repeatedly for 3-5 seconds. Apply to both hands, and you can do it 3 or more times a day. It’s an acupoint you can easily stimulate while out and about.

    4. Fenglong — ST40

    Location: Below the outer side of the knee, about 8 cun (approximately 24cm) away from the prominence on the outer ankle (lateral malleolus) in the direction of the knee. It’s located on the lateral side of the tibia (shin bone) at about 2 finger widths.

    Effects: As a key acupoint for strengthening stomach function, it improves the decline in digestive function, which is the root cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It normalizes gastric acid secretion and promotes esophageal relaxation to directly prevent reflux.

    Pressure technique: Press with your thumb for 5 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, repeating. Apply to both legs, and 2 times a day is sufficient. You can comfortably apply pressure while leaning against a wall or sitting.

    5. Chize — LU5

    Location: Above the inner crease of the elbow, on the lateral side of the biceps tendon (thumb side). When you bend your arm, it’s on the crease line on the inside of the elbow.

    Effects: It’s an acupoint that reduces heat from the lungs and directly relieves coughing. It normalizes respiratory function, eliminates throat inflammation, and at the same time, inhibits heat transmission to the stomach to improve reflux symptoms.

    Pressure technique: Press with your thumb for 3-5 seconds. Apply to both arms, and you can do it 3 or more times a day. Especially when coughing is severe, you can see immediate relief by stimulating it frequently.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Morning (upon waking): Dazhui 1 minute → Tanzhong 1 minute → Chize 1 minute (lung function activation)

    Midday (30 minutes after eating): Fenglong 2 minutes (enhance digestive function, prevent post-meal reflux)

    Evening (before bed): Dazhui 1 minute → Lieque 1 minute → Chize 1 minute (prevent nighttime coughing)

    If you breathe deeply with each acupressure session, the acupoint stimulation becomes more effective. For the first 2 weeks when symptoms are severe, perform it daily, and after that, it’s good to maintain it 3-4 times a week.

    🤰 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 traditional Chinese medicine doctor or healthcare professional before practicing.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for the purpose of providing health information 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 for Hiccups — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: You can stop hiccups in 3 minutes with acupressure on 5 acupoints that calm diaphragm spasms.

    Introduction

    Sudden hiccups are one of the most annoying bodily reactions that disrupts your daily life. Hiccups that won’t go away even after drinking water or holding your breath. This occurs due to involuntary diaphragm spasms, and in traditional Chinese medicine, we can quickly relieve it by applying acupressure to specific acupoints to calm the nerves.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Hiccups

    1. Neiguan — PC6

    Location: About 2 cun (3cm) above the inner wrist crease toward the elbow, in the depression between two tendons (palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons)

    Benefits: Relieves nervous hiccups, gastrointestinal discomfort, and stress-related spasms. Directly calms the nervous system through the pericardium meridian.

    Pressure technique: Find the Neiguan point with the thumb of the opposite hand, then press for 3 seconds and rest for 2 seconds, repeating 10 times. Proceed slowly with warm hands.

    2. Tiantu — CV22

    Location: In the center of the front of the neck, in the hollow at the top of the breastbone (sternal notch). It’s the depression at the base of the neck above the collarbones.

    Benefits: Regulates breathing to directly stabilize irregular diaphragm spasms. Quickly relieves tension in the lungs and airways.

    Pressure technique: Place your index and middle fingers together on the Tiantu point, then apply gentle circular acupressure. Maintain gentle, consistent pressure without pressing too hard.

    3. Geshu — BL17

    Location: Below the midline of the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the point below the 7th thoracic vertebra prominence (the bone that protrudes when you lower your head)

    Benefits: Stimulates the nerves directly above the diaphragm to calm spasms. It’s the most direct acupoint for relieving chest nerve tension.

    Pressure technique: While lying down, place a tennis ball or acupressure tool below the Geshu point and slowly apply pressure with the weight of your back. Alternatively, have someone press with their thumb for 5 seconds and rest, repeating 10 times.

    4. Shangwan — CV13

    Location: On the midline of the abdomen, 5 cun (approximately 7.5cm) above the navel. It’s the midpoint between the epigastrium and navel.

    Benefits: Normalizes stomach function and promotes digestion, eliminating gastric irritation, which is the root cause of hiccups.

    Pressure technique: While lying down, find the Shangwan point with your thumb, press for 5 seconds, then rest for 2 seconds. Repeat 10 times while breathing slowly.

    5. Zusanli — ST36

    Location: 3 cun (approximately 4.5cm) below the knee, on the outer edge of the tibia (shinbone). It’s located about four finger widths below the outer knee.

    Benefits: Activates whole-body energy, stabilizes the nervous system, and improves digestive function. Effective for fundamental improvement of nervous hiccups.

    Pressure technique: While sitting, find Zusanli with your thumb, press firmly for 5 seconds and rest for 2 seconds, repeating 10 times.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Golden timing for hiccup acupressure: Starting immediately when symptoms begin is the most effective. Proceed in the following order:

    Step 1 (1 minute): Acupressure on PC6 Neiguan on both hands, 10 times each
    Step 2 (1 minute): CV22 Tiantu point with gentle circular motions for 30 seconds
    Step 3 (2 minutes): BL17 Geshu point with deep breathing, 10 times
    Step 4 (1 minute): CV13 Shangwan point, 10 gentle presses

    Throughout the entire process, maintain deep, slow abdominal breathing and avoid applying excessive force to your body. Drinking warm ginger tea or lukewarm water after acupressure enhances the effect.

    🤰 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, be sure to consult with a traditional medicine doctor or healthcare professional before performing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, please consult a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Drooling — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-Line Summary: Drooling is a sign of oral muscle weakness and nervous system imbalance. By regularly stimulating 5 acupoints including Chenjiang, Dicang, and Jiache, you can strengthen the muscles around your mouth and regulate saliva secretion.

    Introduction

    If you wake up to find your pillow damp with saliva, or find saliva dripping down unexpectedly while reading a book? Drooling may be more than just an inconvenience—it can signal cranial nerve health, dental health, and your psychological state. In traditional Chinese medicine, drooling is called ‘liuyan’ (流涎), and is viewed as an imbalance in the muscles around the mouth and the nervous system. This guide introduces 5 acupoints that you can stimulate with your fingers without medication.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Drooling

    1. Chenjiang (承漿) — CV24

    Location: Below the chin, in the center of the depression between the lower lip and the chin. It’s the slightly indented area you feel when touching the chin.

    Benefits: This is a key acupoint for regulating saliva secretion. It increases oral muscle tone, stabilizes the nervous system, and directly relieves drooling. It’s also effective for reducing facial swelling.

    Technique: Gently press the point with the fingerprint area of your index finger for 5 seconds, then rest for 3 seconds. Repeat this 10 times. Don’t press too hard—aim for a warm, soothing sensation.

    2. Dicang (地倉) — ST4

    Location: At the outer corner of the mouth, approximately 0.4 cun (about 1.2 cm) outside the mouth corner. It’s located on the line of the mouth corner crease when your mouth is closed.

    Benefits: It restores elasticity to the muscles around the mouth, stimulates the facial nerve, and normalizes saliva secretion function. It also helps improve sagging around the mouth and clarity of speech.

    Technique: Press both points simultaneously with your thumbs in a gentle pressing and releasing motion, repeating 15 times. Perform this slowly in sync with your breathing. Focused stimulation in the evening is particularly effective for reducing nighttime drooling.

    3. Jiache (頰車) — ST6

    Location: In the depression at the upper end of the jaw muscle (masseter) that appears when you jut your jaw forward. It’s directly below the ear, on the upper border of the jaw angle.

    Benefits: It directly stimulates the chewing muscles, strengthening the muscles around the mouth. Beyond drooling, it helps with jaw joint discomfort, dental health, and improves tongue mobility.

    Technique: Using your middle and ring fingers on both hands, gently massage both points simultaneously in circular motions. Massage 10 circles in one direction, then 10 circles in the opposite direction. Perform this twice daily (morning and evening).

    4. Fengchi (風池) — TE17

    Location: In the depression below and behind the ear, on the upper part of the back of the neck. It’s directly in front of the muscle that protrudes when you move your neck, between the skull and cervical spine.

    Benefits: It regulates the overall cranial nervous system, improving the nervous system imbalance that is the root cause of drooling. It’s also effective for fatigue recovery, improved concentration, and better sleep.

    Technique: Tilt your neck slightly forward, then gently press this point with both thumbs and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Allow the warm sensation to spread throughout your neck.

    5. Hegu (合谷) — LI4

    Location: Where the thumb and index finger meet, in the depression on the back of the hand. It’s in the center of where the bones of the thumb and index finger meet when your index finger is extended.

    Benefits: It promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the body and normalizes nerve signals in the face and mouth area. It’s a versatile acupoint that can improve not only drooling but also headaches, stress, and digestive discomfort.

    Technique: Press the point on the opposite hand with your thumb at an intensity that’s ‘slightly tender but pleasant.’ Maintain the pressure for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then repeat on the other side using the same method. Perform this once in the morning after waking and once before bed.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    This is a golden timing routine for quickly improving drooling. Spend 5 minutes before bed following this sequence: (1) Hold Fengchi for 10 seconds × 1 time, (2) Circular massage on Jiache 20 circles, (3) Gentle press on Dicang 15 times, (4) Press and release on Chenjiang 10 times, (5) Hold Hegu for 30 seconds × 1 time (both hands). Most people see 50% or more improvement in drooling within 3 weeks of this routine. Consistency is key. Aim to practice at least 5 days per week.

    🤰 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 could be pregnant, be sure to consult with a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine or a medical 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 are severe, be sure to consult with a medical professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Nasal Congestion — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: Stimulating 5 acupoints—between the eyebrows, beside the nose, inside the eyebrows, back of the neck, and above the forehead—rapidly relieves nasal congestion.

    Introduction

    I’m sure everyone has experienced sudden nasal congestion and the feeling of stuffiness. Nasal congestion from colds, rhinitis, or allergies reduces daily focus and interferes with sleep. Rather than relying solely on medication, try stimulating specific acupoints on your body to naturally help relieve congestion. This article introduces 5 of the most effective acupoints for nasal congestion and self-massage techniques.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Nasal Congestion

    1. Yintang (印堂) — EX-HN3

    Location: Located in the center between both eyebrows, at the glabella. When viewing the face from the front, it is at the exact midpoint where the inner ends of both eyebrows meet.

    Benefits: This acupoint helps provide the fastest relief from nasal congestion. It clears the mind and stabilizes the nervous system, relieving tension in the muscles around the nose. It also improves headaches and fatigue.

    Massage Technique: Using the tips of both thumbs, apply strong pressure for 5 seconds, pushing upward on the Yintang point. Repeat 10 times, and it’s more effective to stimulate the point while exhaling. Circular massage with warm fingers is also beneficial.

    2. Yingxiang (迎香) — LI20

    Location: Located on the outer side of the nostril, at the midpoint of the nasolabial groove connecting the nostril to the cheek. It is precisely located at the natural depression on both sides of the nostrils.

    Benefits: An important acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian that directly promotes blood circulation around the nose. It’s highly effective for all nasal symptoms including rhinitis, sinusitis, and reduced sense of smell. It also helps relieve facial swelling.

    Massage Technique: Using the index and middle fingers of both hands, simultaneously stimulate both sides of the nostrils. Apply pressure for 3 seconds while gently pushing toward the nose, then massage in circular motions. Warm massage using warm fingers or a heating pad for 5 minutes or longer is even more effective.

    3. Zanzhu (攢竹) — BL2

    Location: Located at the inner end of both eyebrows (where the eyebrows end toward the nose). It’s important to precisely locate the notch above the eye socket, where the facial bone is naturally indented.

    Benefits: An important acupoint of the Bladder meridian that activates the neural connection between the eyes and nose. It improves not only nasal congestion but also eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. It promotes blood circulation in the upper face, supporting skin health.

    Massage Technique: Using both thumbs, gently push upward on the Zanzhu point while maintaining strong pressure for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times, and pressure that produces a slight fatigue sensation is appropriate. Circular rubbing is also effective.

    4. Tianzhu (天柱) — BL10

    Location: Located at the back of the neck, below the occipital bone (the rounded bone at the back of the head). It’s about 1.3 cun (approximately 4cm) lateral to the midline of the neck (spine), at the indentation on the outer edge of the thick muscle on the side of the neck (trapezius).

    Benefits: It activates blood flow and nerve signals to the brain, rapidly reducing inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It relieves tension at the back of the neck, also improving secondary symptoms in the muscles around the nose. It’s also excellent for relieving mental fatigue and stress.

    Massage Technique: Gently bend the neck forward to easily access the Tianzhu point, then apply pressure for 5 seconds using both thumbs, pushing downward on the point. Repeat 10 times, and massage in circular motions with one finger is also effective.

    5. Shenting (神庭) — GV24

    Location: Located at the center of the forehead, approximately 0.5 cun (about 1.5cm) above the anterior hairline (where the hair begins). You can find it on the midline connecting the crown of the head and the center of the forehead.

    Benefits: An important acupoint of the Governing Vessel that regulates the brain and nervous system overall. It improves mental fog caused by nasal congestion, clears the mind, and increases concentration. It’s particularly effective for stress-related nasal congestion.

    Massage Technique: Using the middle or index fingers of both hands, press the Shenting point upward for 5 seconds. It’s good to massage in circular motions with gentle pressure. Stimulating this point 2-3 times daily, morning and evening, also helps prevent nasal congestion.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    5-Minute Acupressure Routine to Relieve Nasal Congestion:

    Step 1 (1 minute): Stimulate Yintang and Shenting separately with medium pressure for 30 seconds each.
    Step 2 (1 minute): Perform warm massage on the Yingxiang point by rubbing it gently.
    Step 3 (1 minute): Stimulate both Zanzhu points simultaneously for 5 seconds each, repeat 10 times.
    Step 4 (1 minute): Press the Tianzhu point downward for 5 seconds each, repeat 10 times.
    Step 5 (1 minute): Repeat the entire sequence once more while taking deep breaths through the nose.

    Practicing this routine morning and evening will significantly relieve nasal congestion within 48 hours. Especially practicing before sleep improves sleep quality.

    🤰 Caution for Pregnant Women: 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 medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing.
    ⚠️ 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 Beneficial Acupoints for Cough and Nasal Congestion

    One-Line Summary: Learn 5 acupoints that simultaneously relieve cough and nasal congestion with precise locations, and practice a self-acupressure routine you can do in 5 minutes.

    Introduction

    Cough and nasal congestion commonly appear together due to colds or allergies. If you want to relieve symptoms with nature-friendly methods before taking medicine, acupressure is effective. By using 5 specific acupoints that help stop cough and improve nasal airflow, you can conveniently manage symptoms at home.

    5 Acupoints for Cough and Nasal Congestion

    1. Dazhui — GV14

    Location: At the back of the neck, in the hollow depression immediately below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, which protrudes most when you bend your head forward. It’s the indented area below the bone that your finger touches when you gently bend your neck down.

    Benefits: The GV14 acupoint boosts immunity and relieves overall cold symptoms. It’s particularly effective at calming cough and strengthening respiratory function, and also helps regulate body temperature to promote cold recovery.

    Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb or middle finger, slowly press for 3–5 seconds and release. Repeat 5 times, 3–5 times daily. Avoid pressing too hard; apply pressure with the feeling of warm energy spreading.

    2. Shanzhong — CV17

    Location: At the center of the chest, at the midpoint between a horizontal line connecting both nipples. It’s located in the 4th intercostal space (between the 4th ribs) above the sternum, and can be found by placing two fingers side by side at the center of your chest.

    Benefits: The CV17 acupoint directly stimulates the respiratory system to relieve cough and improve lung function. It relieves breathing difficulty caused by nasal congestion and eliminates chest tightness, quickly calming cough symptoms.

    Acupressure Technique: Overlap your index and middle fingers and slowly press vertically into the center of your chest to a depth of 1–2 cm for 3–5 seconds. Repeat 10 times, 3 times daily; pressing in the evening also helps with better sleep.

    3. Yintang — EX-HN3

    Location: Between the eyebrows at the center of the face. It’s located at the point where the inner ends of both eyebrows meet, making it an easy-to-find acupoint.

    Benefits: Yintang improves circulation to the nose and brain, quickly relieving nasal congestion. It also clarifies the mind and is excellent at simultaneously relieving nasal congestion that appears alongside headaches.

    Acupressure Technique: Place the pad of your thumb perpendicular to the point between your eyebrows and press for 3–5 seconds, then release. Repeat 5–10 times daily; you can press it anytime when nasal congestion is severe. Gently rubbing in circular motions is also effective.

    4. Lieque — LU7

    Location: On the palmar side of the wrist crease, about 1.5 cun (approximately 2 cm) toward the thumb side (radial styloid process). When you gently bend your wrist, a small indented area becomes palpable.

    Benefits: LU7 is directly connected to the lung meridian, making it highly effective for relieving respiratory symptoms. It calms cough, improves nasal congestion from colds, and also relieves throat pain.

    Acupressure Technique: Press slowly with your opposite thumb for 3–5 seconds. Press both arms 5 times, 3–5 times daily. It’s even more effective to soak your wrist in warm water before applying acupressure.

    5. Fenglong — ST40

    Location: Below the knee on the lateral side of the tibia (shin bone). It’s located about 8 cun (approximately 10 cm) down from the indented area below the knee (lateral condyle) of the tibia, and about 2 finger-widths (approximately 2 cm) to the outside of the tibia.

    Benefits: ST40 is known as the “treasure of phlegm,” and it regulates mucus secretion to promote the clearing of nasal congestion and cough with phlegm. It’s a powerful acupoint that simultaneously relieves nasal discharge and cough from colds.

    Acupressure Technique: Press slowly with your thumb for 3–5 seconds. Press both legs 10 times, 3 times daily. It’s best to apply acupressure while sitting with your legs comfortably extended.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    1 minute: Preparation — Sit in a comfortable position and take 2–3 deep breaths. Rub your hands together to warm them up, then begin acupressure.

    1 minute: Neck → Chest — Press GV14 5 times and CV17 10 times. Apply deep, slow pressure with the sensation of warm energy spreading.

    1 minute: Face — Press EX-HN3 10 times. If you feel your nasal passages opening, pause briefly and repeat.

    1.5 minutes: Arms → Legs — Press LU7 5 times on each arm and ST40 10 times on each leg. Maintain gentle, steady pressure.

    0.5 minutes: Closing — Take 3 more deep breaths to finish. Notice any improvement in your nasal congestion and cough.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as SP6, LI4, and LR3 may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, consult with a TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing acupressure.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.

  • 5 Acupoints for Allergies — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line Summary: If you suffer from spring allergies and rhinitis, you can relieve symptoms with self-acupressure stimulating 5 key acupoints.

    Introduction

    As spring arrives, if your nose itches, eyes itch, and sneezing won’t stop, you’re one of millions suffering from allergies. If you don’t want to rely on medication, acupressure on acupoints from traditional Chinese medicine can be a natural solution. This guide will show you 5 key acupoints that relieve allergy symptoms and the exact acupressure methods.

    5 Acupoints Effective for Allergies

    1. Quchi (LI11)

    Location: Located at the outer end of the crease that forms when you bend your elbow. Bend your arm naturally, then find the outer end of the elbow crease.

    Benefits: Quchi strengthens immune function and relieves inflammation from allergies. It is particularly effective for rhinitis and skin itching, and helps cool the entire body to calm allergic reactions.

    Acupressure Method: Gently stimulate with your thumb or finger joint in circular motions for 30 seconds. Start lightly and gradually increase pressure. Repeat 3-5 times daily.

    2. Yingxiang (LI20)

    Location: Located on the outside of the nostril, at the midpoint of the nasolabial fold (the crease between the nostril and upper lip). It is symmetrically positioned on both sides of the nostrils, so you can stimulate both sides simultaneously with your middle fingers.

    Benefits: Yingxiang is a specialized acupoint for nasal conditions, directly relieving nasal congestion from rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. It promotes blood circulation around the nose, reducing nasal swelling and making breathing easier.

    Acupressure Method: Use the middle fingers of both hands to gently stimulate the area beside the nostrils in circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Rather than pressing hard, it’s important to find the pressure point around the nostril and maintain medium pressure.

    3. Xuehai (SP10)

    Location: Located about two finger-widths (approximately 2 cun) above the inner upper edge of the kneecap. When sitting with legs extended, you can feel the protruding inner portion of the vastus medialis muscle above the inner knee, and the soft area above that is Xuehai.

    Benefits: Xuehai promotes blood circulation and regulates the immune system to suppress allergic reactions. As blood becomes clearer and circulation improves, skin itching, hives, and pruritis from allergies are relieved.

    Acupressure Method: While sitting, slowly press Xuehai with your thumb for 30-40 seconds. Moderate pressure is appropriate when you feel a bone-pressing sensation. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

    4. Fengshi (GB31)

    Location: On the outer side of the thigh, on the lateral surface of the femur. When standing upright with arms naturally at your sides, the point where your middle finger’s tip touches is Fengshi. Find the midpoint on the outer surface of the thigh.

    Benefits: Fengshi is the acupoint that eliminates “wind,” removing wind-pathogen (feng-xie), the primary cause of allergies in traditional Chinese medicine. It is highly effective for relieving allergic rhinitis, hives, and itching. It also improves circulation in the legs and strengthens the body’s resistance.

    Acupressure Method: While standing or sitting, stimulate Fengshi with your thumb in circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Start gently and gradually increase pressure. Repeat 3-5 times daily.

    5. Fengmen (BL12)

    Location: Located at the back of the neck, just below the prominent bone at the base of the neck (the 7th cervical vertebra, C7), on both sides. It is positioned approximately 1.5 cun lateral to the midline of the spine. When lowering your head, find the most prominent bone at the base of the neck and locate the points on both sides below it.

    Benefits: Fengmen is an important acupoint alongside Fengshi that removes wind-pathogen, and is excellent for preventing and relieving cold, rhinitis, and allergy symptoms. It alleviates neck muscle tension and improves upper respiratory circulation, immediately reducing nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

    Acupressure Method: When touching the back of the neck, be careful. Simultaneously stimulate both sides of the back of the neck with your middle fingers in gentle circular motions for 20-30 seconds. Avoid excessive pressure; a mild compression sensation accompanied by warmth is appropriate.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Follow this 5-minute routine every morning and evening:

    1. Yingxiang (beside nose) — 30 seconds, stimulate both sides simultaneously
    2. Quchi (elbow) — 30 seconds, each arm separately
    3. Fengshi (outer thigh) — 30 seconds, each leg separately
    4. Xuehai (above inner knee) — 40 seconds, both sides simultaneously
    5. Fengmen (back of neck) — 30 seconds, both sides simultaneously

    Tip: Morning acupressure prevents allergy symptoms, while evening acupressure relieves fatigue accumulated throughout the day. Drinking warm water after acupressure enhances its effectiveness.

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