Coughing happens when your throat or airways get irritated, and your chest tries to force the irritant out.
Although it is a healthy reflex, coughing can get irritating. Chronic cough, in particular, is related to impaired quality of life. Imagine holding a cough in the worst times, like when you’re having an important presentation or trying to sleep!1
Thankfully, coughs usually disappear on their own. The caveat, though, is this might take a few weeks.
If you’re seeking relief right away, there are several ways to help you manage the symptoms, breathe easier, and feel better. These include stimulating acupressure points for cough.
How Can Acupressure Treat Cough?
Acupressure, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice, treats blocked vital energy called qi by applying pressure onto key points in the body. According to studies, it significantly relieves cough.2,3
Unlike acupuncture, acupressure is non-invasive. This especially benefits those seeking pain relief who have a fear of needles. Best of all, it can be performed alone.
In TCM, the lungs control the body’s overall qi. They circulate wei qi, a protective layer that acts as a barrier to prevent pathogens from invading the body. Unfortunately, the lungs are vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. This is why protecting them is important.
Besides external pathogens, cough can be caused by internal functional imbalances. To prevent lung imbalance that can cause cough, practicing acupressure is vital.
Most Effective Acupressure Points for Cough Relief
Finding cough relief through acupressure can be done in the comfort of your home, even without a trained acupressurist. Stimulate these acupressure points to soothe cough:
1. Vital Diaphragm
Vital Diaphragm (B 38) eases cough, breathing difficulties, and respiratory problems. Since this is a calming point, it also helps balance emotions and promotes restful sleep.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure an inch below the highest point of your shoulder blade from the center of your back
- Apply pressure and massage the point
- Repeat the steps on the other side
- If you can’t reach behind you, place tennis balls on the floor and adjust them so they will be between your shoulder blades once you lie down on them
2. Kidney 27 (Shufu or Shu Mansion)
Kidney 27 (KI 27) boosts immunity by opening the chest, improving breathing, and relieving cough. It is helpful for those at greater risk of having upper respiratory tract infections.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Locate the lower part of your collar bones with your index fingers
- Feel the hollows beside your breastbones
- Apply firm pressure to the points
- Massage both sides at the same time
3. Dingchuan (Dyspnea Stabilizer, Calm Dyspnea, or Stop Wheezing)
Dingchuan (EX B1) reduces coughing, throat problems, wheezing, and asthma. It also relieves thyroid imbalances and shoulder and neck pain.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Bend your neck downward
- Find the vertebra that protrudes at the top of your spine
- Press the point
- Massage the point with both hands
4. Stomach 36 (Zusanli or Leg Three Miles)
Stomach 36 (ST 36) is one of the most used acupressure points. It primarily promotes health and longevity, but it also manages cough and asthma symptoms.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure 2-3 inches below your knee on the outer side of your leg
- Look for the small dent beneath your knee cap
- Press the point with pressure
- Massage the point in circular motions
- Repeat the steps to your other knee
5. Conception Vessel 22 (Tiantu or Heaven Rushing Out)
Conception Vessel 22 (CV 22) is best activated when you feel throat blockage. It eases dry cough, sore throat, chest congestion, heartburn, and bronchitis.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Find the hollow under your Adam’s apple or at the centermost base of your neck
- Press the point with your index finger
- Apply pressure for a few minutes or until your coughing stops
6. Bladder 10 (Tianzhu or Heavenly Pillar)
Bladder 10 (B 10) is an effective acupressure point to ease cough and sore throat. Activating it is also helpful for alleviating stress, burnout, and heaviness in the head.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Measure 1.5 inches below the base of your skull and on either side of your spine
- Apply pressure on the points with your index and middle fingers
- Massage the points in circular movements
7. Lung 1 (Zhongfu or Middle Palace)
Lung 1 (LU1) provides cough relief by releasing heat from the body. It also lessens asthma, wheezing, and other health conditions related to the chest or lungs.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Place your fingers across your chest
- Find the hole below your collar bone
- Press the area where your middle finger points
- Massage in small circular motions
8. Lung 6 (Kongzui or Maximum Opening)
Lung 6 (LU6) is for those with a dry cough or cannot stop coughing. It releases heat congestion from the body, which eases cough.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- On your inner arm, locate the area halfway between your wrist crease and elbow crease
- Go up one inch towards your elbow
- Apply pressure to the point
- Massage in circular motions
- Repeat the technique on the other side
9. Lung 7 (Lieque or Broken Sequence)
Lung 7 (LU7) is a great acupressure point for relieving common flu symptoms, including cough, cold, sore throat, fever, and chills. It works by guiding the pathogens out of the body.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Interlock your thumbs and index fingers
- Find the tip of your index finger
- Press and massage the point
- Repeat on the other side
10. Kidney 6 (Zhaohai or Shining Sea)
Kidney 6 (KI 6) is best used for coughing accompanied by a sore throat. It works wonders, especially when paired with Lung 7.
How to stimulate this acupressure point:
- Find the center of your inner ankle bone
- Press on the point and gently massage using circular motions
- Repeat the steps on your other ankle
Read More: Acupressure Slippers Health Benefits
Other Home Remedies for Cough
Acupressure can serve as an additional treatment for cough relief. Here are other home remedies you can try to ease your cough:
- Take natural antibiotics, such as honey
- Drink honey tea or ginger tea
- Consume lots of fluids, especially warm ones
- Use a steam bowl or a humidifier
- Gargle saltwater
- Incorporate probiotics into your diet
- Suck on lozenges
- Take over-the-counter cough medicine
- Consume thyme
- Use marshmallow root
- Stay away from irritants, such as air fresheners and perfumes
- Sleep on an incline
- Quit smoking
- Take a cough suppressant
In Short
Activating certain acupressure points for cough relief can help you breathe more easily and relax your body. While it may be effective, remember that this is not a substitute for medical care. Consult your doctor to get properly diagnosed and receive treatment.
To get relief for other health conditions through this practice, check out acupressure for low back pain, acupressure for anxiety and stress, acupressure points for hair growth and acupressure for constipation.
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