The lungs are considered delicate organs in traditional Chinese medicine. As the weather becomes increasingly dry and cold after entering autumn and winter, it is easy to harm our lungs during this time, leading to coughing. In real life, there are two types of coughs that can occur: a dry cough and a cough with phlegm.
There are many reasons that can cause coughing, such as viral infections, colds, and coughing caused by wind-cold or wind-heat. When coughing occurs, we can massage acupoints to alleviate it.
Now, let me tell you about the several acupoints that can help relieve coughs.
1. Hegu Point
Hegu Point is a commonly used acupoint and is easy to locate. It is situated between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand. Place one thumb between the thumb and index finger of the other hand, and the acupoint under the tip of the thumb is the Hegu Point.
We can use our own thumb to massage the Hegu Point with even pressure for about 10 minutes. The intensity of the massage should start from light to heavy depending on one’s physical condition.
2. Shaoshang Point
The Shaoshang Point is located at the end of the lung meridian in the human body. It is 0.1 inch away from the radial side of the fingertip of the thumb on the Lung Taiyin meridian. Regular massage of the Shaoshang Point can effectively alleviate tonsillitis and pneumonia. When experiencing unexplained coughing and seeking relief, we can massage the Shaoshang Point to alleviate symptoms and provide local anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Tiantu Point
The Tiantu Point can effectively treat coughing and is the best acupoint for treating bronchial asthma and throat pain. This acupoint is located in the middle of the concave area above the sternum. When coughing or experiencing asthma, massaging the Tiantu Point can be beneficial.
Massaging this acupoint daily can effectively relieve cough symptoms and help the lungs breathe better. Additionally, this acupoint can also treat other lung-related diseases such as chest pain, throat pain, hoarseness, etc., with certain relief effects.
When massaging the Tiantu Point, make sure to locate the acupoint precisely and rub inward and downward. Massage clockwise 10 times, then counterclockwise 10 times, causing a slight redness on the skin to effectively improve the respiratory system.
4. Lieque Point
The Lieque Point is located on the side of the thumb near the wrist bone. Massaging the Lieque Point can effectively alleviate coughing, asthma, and throat pain. This acupoint is easy to find. Cross the tiger’s mouth of both hands, and extend the index finger to touch the concave area on the outer side of the hand. This is the Lieque Point.
When massaging the Lieque Point, press for 5 seconds, slowly release, and then repeat this alternately for 20 times, focusing on a sore and achy feeling. This can help relieve coughing.
5. Feishu Point
The Feishu Point is located under the third thoracic vertebra, two fingers apart on both sides. Massaging this acupoint can effectively treat respiratory diseases, pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, etc. Massage this point with your thumb for two minutes. For children with delicate skin, be gentle to prevent skin damage.
In addition to massaging the above acupoints, it is essential to avoid cold foods and drink plenty of hot water. This will expel coldness and effectively eliminate coughing.
