Acupoint Guide

Tag: Taichong

  • 5 Acupoints Effective for Both Cough and Dizziness

    One-Line Summary: To relieve both cough and dizziness at the same time, stimulate 5 acupressure points together that support bronchial function and improve blood circulation. You can expect symptom improvement with just 5 minutes of simple acupressure daily.

    Introduction

    Sudden cough and dizziness are uncomfortable symptoms that disrupt daily life. Especially when both symptoms appear together, you may feel anxiety as if your entire body is collapsing. Cough occurs due to bronchial irritation, while dizziness develops from poor blood circulation or reduced inner ear function. In traditional Chinese medicine, there are acupressure points that can improve both symptoms simultaneously. Rather than relying solely on medication, try to restore your body’s function by stimulating the acupressure points on your hands and feet.

    5 Acupressure Points for Cough and Dizziness

    1. Zusanli — ST36

    Location: 3 cun (approximately 10 cm) below the knee, 1 finger-width lateral to the anterior edge of the tibia. It is located approximately one finger-width outward from the depression below the knee.

    Benefits: It strengthens digestive function and boosts immunity to improve infectious cough. It also promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the body, effectively alleviating dizziness. Long known as a longevity point, it is also excellent for physical recovery and fatigue relief.

    Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb or an acupressure tool, press and hold for 10 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, and repeat 10 times. If there is pain, you can apply stronger pressure. Practice acupressure 2-3 times per day.

    2. Sanyinjiao — SP6

    Location: 3 cun (approximately 10 cm) above the medial malleolus (inside ankle bone), on the posterior aspect of the medial tibia. It is the depression you encounter when you follow the inner edge of the shin bone upward.

    Benefits: It harmonizes spleen and lung function to fundamentally improve cough symptoms. It promotes blood circulation and increases nutrient supply to the inner ear (the balance organ of the ear), alleviating dizziness. It also provides additional health benefits through improved hormone balance.

    Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb, press firmly for 5 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and repeat 15 times. It is best to practice acupressure in a warm environment to avoid exposure to cold wind.

    3. Taichong — LR3

    Location: Between the 1st-2nd metatarsal bones (bones of the big toe and second toe), in the depression in front of the metatarsal junction. It is located approximately one finger-width anterior to the highest point on the top of the foot.

    Benefits: It improves liver function to help remove toxins from the body and normalize blood circulation. It is particularly effective in alleviating cough and dizziness caused by stress. Through its nerve-stabilizing action, it also improves anxiety, helping to break the vicious cycle of symptoms.

    Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb tip, massage in circular motions 10 times, then press firmly for 10 seconds. Practice acupressure twice daily, in the morning and evening. Avoid excessively strong pressure.

    4. Taixi — KI3

    Location: The depression between the medial malleolus (inside ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon. It is at the midpoint between the most prominent part of the inside of the ankle and the heel tendon.

    Benefits: It strengthens kidney function to promote whole-body metabolism and improves dizziness caused by inner ear balance disorders. It replenishes lung qi (vital energy) to effectively improve chronic cough and enhances sleep quality.

    Acupressure Technique: Using your thumb, press for 5 seconds, rest for 3 seconds, and repeat 20 times. When practiced before bedtime, kidney function recovery occurs throughout the night, alleviating morning cough symptoms.

    5. Neiguan — PC6

    Location: 2 cun (approximately 6 cm) above the inner wrist crease, between the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon. With the arm extended, it is the depression between the two tendons in the center of the inner wrist.

    Benefits: It stabilizes heart and lung function to relieve both chest tightness and cough. It improves blood supply to the brain, effectively addressing dizziness and headaches. It is characterized by improving stress-related symptoms through its autonomic nervous system stabilizing action.

    Acupressure Technique: Using the opposite thumb, press firmly for 10 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, and repeat 10 times. Practice on both arms, making sure to stimulate the midline point accurately.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    To relieve both cough and dizziness together, practice the following acupressure routine 1-2 times daily.

    Step 1 (1 minute): Press Taichong (LR3) on both feet for 30 seconds each. This first activates liver function to establish the foundation for improved blood circulation.

    Step 2 (1 minute): Press Zusanli (ST36) on both legs for 30 seconds each. This strengthens immunity and improves digestive function to help relieve cough symptoms.

    Step 3 (1 minute): Press Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both inner ankles for 30 seconds each. This harmonizes lung and spleen function to eliminate the root cause of cough.

    Step 4 (1 minute): Press Taixi (KI3) on both inner ankles for 30 seconds each. This strengthens kidney function, focusing on alleviating dizziness.

    Step 5 (1 minute): Press Neiguan (PC6) on both inner forearms for 30 seconds each. This stabilizes heart and lung function and improves cerebral blood circulation to complete the routine.

    After acupressure, drink a glass of warm water to help your body realign, and avoid strenuous activity for at least 30 minutes.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupressure points 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 Chinese medicine doctor or healthcare professional before practicing.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.
  • Sanyinjiao (SP6) vs Taichong (LR3) — Which Acupoint Should You Press?

    Sanyinjiao (SP6) vs Taichong (LR3) — Which Acupoint Should You Press?

    One-line summary: Sanyinjiao (SP6) is the ‘savior of women’s health and fatigue,’ while Taichong (LR3) is the ’emotion regulator for stress and feelings’ – two acupoints with completely different areas of effect and mechanisms of action.

    What’s the difference between Sanyinjiao and Taichong?

    Sanyinjiao and Taichong are the two acupoints that beginners most often confuse. Both are known to support women’s health, be effective for insomnia, and help relieve stress. However, these two acupoints operate in significantly different regions of the body, have different directions of energy flow, and have distinctly different primary benefits. If Sanyinjiao is the ‘strong foundation’ responsible for the digestive, reproductive, and immune systems of the lower body, then Taichong is the ‘gateway of emotion’ that oversees qi and blood circulation throughout the body and emotional stability. This is why the acupoint you choose should vary depending on your specific symptoms.

    Understanding Sanyinjiao (SP6) in depth

    Exact location

    Sanyinjiao is an acupoint located on the inner side of the ankle. Its exact location is four finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) directly above the protruding bone on the inner ankle (medial malleolus), on the inner surface of the tibia (shinbone). Sit down and place one foot on the opposite leg, then move your fingers upward from the protruding bone on the inner ankle, and you’ll feel a slightly recessed area. This is Sanyinjiao. It exists on both the left and right legs, and stimulating both sides is more effective.

    Recommended for those with:

    Sanyinjiao is the most powerful acupoint for women-specific symptoms. If you suffer from severe menstrual cramps or have irregular menstrual cycles, Sanyinjiao is highly recommended. In particular, pressing it daily for 5-7 days before your expected period can significantly reduce the intensity of menstrual pain. Additionally, those suffering from chronic insomnia, frequent nighttime awakenings, and sudden fatigue can experience significant relief. Since Sanyinjiao connects to the spleen-pancreas meridian and activates digestive function, it’s also effective for indigestion and abdominal bloating. Those who struggle with edema that won’t go away, especially those experiencing heaviness in the legs due to lower body swelling, also experience significant improvement through Sanyinjiao pressure therapy.

    Massage technique and tips

    Since Sanyinjiao is located relatively deep, you should apply strong pressure using the padded part of your thumb (the fleshy area, not the nail). Apply pressure slowly for about 3-5 seconds, then release, and repeat. Continue for a total of 3-5 minutes, maintaining moderate pressure that causes some discomfort. As the saying goes, ‘pain means it’s working,’ so feeling some discomfort is normal. When pressing, maintain comfortable breathing and never hold your breath. Pressing in the evening (around 5-7 PM) improves sleep quality at night. When experiencing menstrual pain, you can apply stronger pressure and stimulate it longer. The effect is doubled if you apply warm compresses before the massage.

    Understanding Taichong (LR3) in depth

    Exact location

    Taichong is an acupoint located on the upper part of the foot. Its exact location is at the point where the first metatarsal (big toe bone) and second metatarsal (index toe bone) meet – a slightly indented area in the center of the top of the foot. Looking down at the top of your foot, find the point 2-3 centimeters up from the webbing between your big toe and index toe. Since this acupoint is close to the top of the foot, it’s easier to locate than Sanyinjiao. It’s located on both feet, and depending on your symptoms, you can stimulate just one side or both.

    Recommended for those with:

    Taichong is an acupoint that addresses ’emotional issues.’ It’s very effective for stress-related headaches, particularly throbbing pain on both sides of the temples. Those who experience rising anger and difficulty controlling feelings of rage due to work stress or interpersonal conflict can calm their emotions through Taichong massage. Those who frequently experience dizziness or vertigo, or those with elevated blood pressure, can also see improvement through Taichong stimulation. Additionally, Taichong is an excellent choice for those suffering from emotional instability such as anxiety, restlessness, and sensitive mood changes. Chronic stress-related neck and shoulder tension can also be relieved through Taichong pressure therapy.

    Massage technique and tips

    Taichong is located more shallowly than Sanyinjiao, so apply moderate pressure. Use your thumb to press with ‘the feeling of pressing a coin’ for 3-4 seconds, then release and repeat. Continuing for 2-3 minutes at a time is sufficient, and the appropriate pressure level is when you feel a ‘refreshing sensation’ or ‘warmth’ rather than pain. Pressing immediately when stressed or angry helps emotional stabilization. Pressing in the morning when you wake up or around 3 PM (when the liver meridian is most active) is even more effective. The effect of Taichong massage is amplified when combined with meditation or deep breathing. It’s best to avoid pressing when extremely fatigued, and press at least one hour after meals rather than on an empty stomach.

    Key comparison summary

    Item Sanyinjiao (SP6) Taichong (LR3)
    Primary benefits Menstrual cramps, edema, indigestion, fatigue Headaches, stress, anger, high blood pressure
    Location difficulty Moderate (inner ankle, deep) Easy (top of foot, shallow)
    Pressure intensity Strong pressure (slightly painful) Moderate pressure (refreshing sensation)
    Recommended time Evening 5-7 PM (improves sleep) Morning or around 3 PM (emotional stability)
    Meridian system Spleen-Pancreas (digestion, women’s health) Liver (emotions, blood circulation)
    Beginner suitability ★★★☆☆ (hard to locate) ★★★★★ (easy to locate)

    Synergistic effects when stimulated together

    Since Sanyinjiao and Taichong are responsible for different areas, stimulating them together creates a synergistic effect. In particular, if you’re a woman with severe stress or experiencing emotional instability due to premenstrual syndrome, it’s good to stimulate both acupoints. The recommended method is to first stimulate Taichong (top of foot) for 2-3 minutes to calm your mind, then stimulate Sanyinjiao (inner ankle) for 3-5 minutes. This way, emotional stability and physical recovery occur simultaneously, maximizing overall well-being benefits. Especially during the 5-7 days before your period, continuously stimulating both acupoints in the evening can significantly reduce menstrual pain as well as reduce pre-menstrual anxiety and depression. However, when fatigue is severe, focus on shallow stimulation (Taichong) rather than deep stimulation (Sanyinjiao), and avoid excessive stimulation.

    Conclusion: Selection guide by situation

    Choose Sanyinjiao: When you have severe menstrual cramps, insomnia, or extreme fatigue. In particular, as a woman, regularly stimulating Sanyinjiao as part of health management can provide long-term physical health improvements.

    Choose Taichong: When you have stress-related headaches, tend to get angry frequently, or experience severe anxiety. In work-related stress situations, Taichong massage provides immediate emotional calming effects.

    Choose both together: When you experience both emotional changes and physical symptoms due to PMS (premenstrual syndrome), or when you have menstrual irregularities caused by stress. When mind and body problems are intertwined, harmonious stimulation of both acupoints creates the best results.

    🤰 Pregnancy warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, be sure to consult with a Korean medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before use.
    ⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.
  • Taichong (LR3) vs Union Valley (LI4) — Which Acupressure Point Should You Use?

    Taichong (LR3) vs Union Valley (LI4) — Which Acupressure Point Should You Use?

    One-line summary: Taichong is the key to emotional regulation and lower body energy, while Hegu is a versatile acupoint that quickly manages pain throughout the entire body.

    Taichong and Hegu, What’s the Difference?

    When experiencing headaches or dizziness caused by stress, many people are confused about whether to press Taichong or Hegu. Both acupoints are effective for stress relief and headache improvement, but the mechanisms by which they work are completely different. Taichong is an acupoint that regulates the liver’s energy and focuses on emotional stability and stress relief, while Hegu is a key point on the large intestine meridian that rapidly promotes the circulation of qi and blood throughout the entire body.

    Diving Deep into Taichong (LR3)

    Exact Location

    Taichong is located on the top of the foot. It is situated approximately 1cm up toward the center of the foot from the valley between the big toe and the second toe, at the depression just in front of the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones. The method to find it is simple: follow the area between the two toes upward, and at the point where the bones meet, about 1cm away, you’ll find Taichong. It’s easier to locate if you remember that it’s positioned slightly higher toward the ankle direction rather than the very top of the foot near the toes.

    Recommended For

    Taichong is particularly effective for those with significant emotional fluctuations, those who frequently feel anger caused by stress, and those suffering from chronic headaches. In traditional medicine, the liver is called the “emotional storage center,” and when stress and anger accumulate, liver qi becomes blocked, resulting in headaches, dizziness, and eye fatigue. Additionally, those with high blood pressure, those who frequently wake at night or have insomnia, and women experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can also benefit greatly. Especially if you want to address the fundamental cause of stress-induced symptoms, Taichong is more suitable.

    Acupressure Method and Tips

    Acupressure on Taichong is based on gentle and consistent stimulation. Press the toes with a wooden chopstick or massage gently using the fingerprint area of your thumb. Apply moderate pressure at a level where you feel “ah, this feels refreshing,” pressing for 10 seconds and resting for 5 seconds, repeating this for about 1-2 minutes. After completing one foot, do the same on the other side. It’s particularly effective when done before bed or right after experiencing stress. If you warm your feet thoroughly with warm water before acupressure, blood circulation improves and the effect is doubled. Be careful not to apply excessive force, as overly strong pressure can tire your feet; instead, aim for consistent and gentle stimulation.

    Diving Deep into Hegu (LI4)

    Exact Location

    Hegu is an acupoint located on the hand and is one of the easiest acupoints to find. It is located approximately 1cm up toward the back of the hand from the web (the crease between the fingers) between the thumb and index finger, above the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone (the bone of the index finger). The simplest way to find it is to bring your thumb and index finger together, and a small depression will form on the back of your hand—that’s exactly where Hegu is. Even when you spread your fingers and bring them together again, it’s at the same location, so you can easily stimulate it anywhere.

    Recommended For

    Hegu is the acupoint that shows the most widespread effect for pain relief throughout the entire body. It works quickly for toothaches, facial pain, and headaches (especially temporary pain). It’s also effective for early symptoms of colds or flu and for strengthening immunity. Those with temporomandibular joint pain or facial nerve pain caused by stress can also benefit. Hegu is more effective especially when you need acute pain relief and want immediate symptom relief in emergencies. It’s also a practical acupoint for office workers who experience fatigue and headaches in the afternoon and need immediate relief.

    Acupressure Method and Tips

    Hegu can tolerate stronger stimulation than Taichong. Press the Hegu area firmly with the thumb of the opposite hand, applying pressure at a level that is “painful but refreshing,” pressing for 10-15 seconds and resting for 2-3 seconds, repeating this for 1-2 minutes. Rubbing in circular motions is also effective. Being able to stimulate both hands alternately is a major advantage, as you can do it easily anytime and anywhere. If a headache develops while working on a computer, you can press it immediately, or if you have a toothache, stimulating it right away will produce quick results. Note that pregnant women should avoid acupressure on Hegu.

    Key Comparison Summary

    Item Taichong Hegu
    Main Effects Stress/anger relief, emotional stability, high blood pressure improvement Acute pain relief, headaches/toothaches, cold symptoms
    Difficulty Finding Location Moderate (easier to find when flexing the ankle) Very easy (easiest acupoint to find)
    Recommended Situations Stress relief, addressing root causes, before bedtime Emergency situations, immediate pain relief, immunity
    Stimulation Intensity Gentle and consistent stimulation Strong stimulation possible
    Time for Effects to Appear From one week onward with consistent management Immediate effects within minutes

    You’ll Experience Synergy When Pressing Both Together

    When stimulating both Taichong and Hegu together, you can experience even more remarkable effects. When you have a headache caused by stress, first relieve the immediate pain with Hegu, then address the root cause of stress with Taichong to maximize the effect. Particularly when experiencing headaches and sensitivity from premenstrual syndrome, or when suffering from tension headaches and dizziness due to work stress, stimulating both acupoints in sequence produces excellent results. The stimulation order should be to stimulate Hegu first for 1-2 minutes, then stimulate Taichong for 2-3 minutes. If you follow this routine 3-4 times per week, you’ll experience significant relief from chronic stress and headaches.

    Conclusion: Selection Guide by Situation

    If you currently have a headache or need immediate pain relief, choose Hegu. You can stimulate it immediately with your hand and see results within minutes. On the other hand, if you’re suffering from chronic stress and anxiety, emotional instability, consistently stimulate Taichong. Taichong is more effective for addressing the root cause. The most ideal approach is to utilize both acupoints. If acute stress-induced headaches develop during the day, respond quickly with Hegu, and then consistently stimulate Taichong before bed in the evening to find emotional stability. By regularly stimulating these points to normalize the flow of your body’s energy, you can develop a mind and body that are resilient to stress.

    🤰 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 there is a possibility of pregnancy, be sure to consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before proceeding.
    ⚠️ 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.