Winter season means gearing up for cold, nasal blockage, cough, and congestion—the list goes on. These issues not only take a toll on our health but also disrupt our daily lifestyle. Breathing difficulties, in particular, can feel overwhelming, especially with conditions like COPD and post-COVID respiratory challenges.
The lungs, being the body’s vital organs, need constant care. While modern medicine offers solutions, alternative therapies like acupressure have gained popularity for their natural and effective benefits. Acupressure is an ancient practice of medicine where pressure is applied to certain energy points to solve internal health problems. Acupressure points for breathing problems, and pressure points for breathing can relieve symptoms like shortness of breath and breathlessness.
In this article, we’ll guide you through seven essential acupressure points for lung health. These techniques can improve airflow, support lung function, and help you breathe easier—naturally and holistically!
Table Of Contents
- What Are Breathing Pressure Points?
- What Pressure Point Helps With Breathing Difficulties? 7 Acupressure Points For Breathing Difficulties
- What Is The Lung 5 Pressure Point?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
What Are Breathing Pressure Points?
Oh, snap! I had no clue there were pressure points for breathing better—like, why didn’t anyone tell me before?
Breathing pressure points or acupressure points are specific areas on the body that, when stimulated, can help relieve various symptoms related to breathing problems such as asthma, coughs, colds, etc.
Applying gentle pressure to these points stimulates the body to relieve tension, reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, which in turn helps relieve coughs.
Acupressure is based on the concept that life energy flows through the meridians in the body. It is thought that any blockage and disruption of the energy flow through the median can cause various breathing problems and adversely affect the health of the lungs.
The lung meridian is one of the main ones that includes 12 meridian pathways in the human body.
Gentle pressure on these points can actually help improve your lung health and boost your immunity. Some acupressure points discussed later in this blog include that you should press regularly for shortness of breath, lung health, and other breathing problems.
P.S - You can also try yoga asanas and pranayama for lungs!
So read below to learn important pressure points for maintaining lung health:
| Hands |
|
| Palms |
|
| Collarbone |
|
Also Read: 10 Best Acupressure Points For Weight Loss And Their Function!
What Pressure Point Helps With Breathing Difficulties? 7 Acupressure Points For Breathing Difficulties
Gotta find them all to be relieved from this stubborn cold!
Let's dive into the most effective acupressure points for breathing difficulties:
1. Lung Meridian: The Main Pressure Point
The crease at the wrist is part of the lung meridian (LU), which extends from the chest to the tip of the thumb. Five of the eleven pressure points on this track are found in the hand and wrist. These consist of the following:
- Lieque, alternatively known as an interrupted sequence or lung 7
- Jingqu, alternatively known as Channel Ditch or Lung 8
- Taiyuan, alternatively known as Great Deep Pool or Lung 9
- Yuji, alternatively known as Fish Border or Lung 10
- Shaoshang, alternatively known as Lesser Metal or Lung 11
Applying pressure to these pressure points in the hand is believed to maintain overall health and well-being, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness and immunity.
How to apply this acupressure point for breathing difficulties:
- Sit comfortably and bend your arms slightly.
- With your thumb, gently press any point at the tip of the thumb to crease at the wrist.
- Hold for 1-2 minutes while breathing deeply.
- This technique helps calm the lungs, making breathing easier and reducing the urge to cough.
2. Lung Meridian (LU-5): Soothes Coughing
Location: Inside the elbow
The lungs and respiratory system are intimately connected to the LU-5 pressure point, which is situated on the inside of the elbow. Applying gentle pressure to this point can help reduce coughing by relaxing the lungs and removing any blockages in the airways.
How to apply this acupressure point for breathing difficulties:
- Sit comfortably and bend your arms slightly.
- With your thumb, gently press the point inside the elbow crease.
- Hold for 1-2 minutes while breathing deeply.
- This technique helps calm the lungs, making breathing easier and reducing the urge to cough.
3. Kidney Meridian (KI-27): Opens the Airways
Location: Under the collarbone
KI-27 is a strong pressure point located just below the collarbone. Stimulating this point can help open the airways and relieve chest pressure that often accompanies a persistent cough.
How to apply this acupressure point for breathing difficulties:
- Find a spot just below the collarbone, near the centre of the chest.
- Use your fingertips to press firmly but gently on this point.
- Massage in circular motions for about 2 minutes.
- This pressure point is particularly effective for nocturnal coughs that disrupt sleep as it encourages deeper, more relaxed breathing.
4. Pericardium Meridian (PC-6): Soothes the Throat
Location: Inner wrist
Located on the inside of the wrist, the PC-6 point is known for its ability to soothe the throat and reduce the urge to cough. This acupressure point is also a valuable stress relief technique, beneficial for reducing anxiety, which can sometimes trigger or worsen coughing fits.
How to apply this acupressure point for breathing difficulties:
- Turn your palm up and find a point about three fingers below the crease of your wrist.
- Apply constant pressure on this point with your thumb for 1-2 minutes.
- This technique not only helps soothe the neck but also promotes relaxation, which is essential for a good night's sleep.
5. Conception Vessel Meridian (CV-17): Releases Tension In The Chest
Location: Center of the chest
The CV-17 pressure point is located in the centre of the chest, directly above the sternum. Stimulating this point can help relieve chest pressure and facilitate breathing, which makes it a great option for cough relief at night.
How to apply this acupressure point for breathing difficulties:
- Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- Use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure to the point in the centre of the chest.
- Hold the pressure for 1-2 minutes while breathing slowly and deeply.
- Regular stimulation of this point can help reduce the frequency and intensity of nighttime coughing.
6. Stomach Meridian (ST-36): Strengthens General Immunity
Location: below the knees
While the ST-36 pressure point is not directly linked to the lungs, it plays a vital role in boosting overall immunity and reducing inflammation throughout the body. This can be especially helpful in preventing and treating coughs caused by colds or respiratory infections.
How to apply this acupressure point for breathing difficulties:
- Find a point about four toes width below the kneecap, slightly to the outside of the leg.
- Press firmly with your thumb and hold for about 2 minutes on each leg.
- This point strengthens your immune system and helps your body fight the underlying causes of cough.
7. Acupressure point LU 1: Relieves Breathing Difficulties
Location: These acupressure points are located just below the collarbones (on either side of your body).
The clavicle, also known as the clavicle, is located exactly between the shoulder blades and sternum. Stimulating these acupressure points is known to be very effective in removing phlegm from the body.
Using the right pressure can relieve one of the most common yet difficult breathing symptoms, which is dyspnea (the medical term used to describe difficulty breathing).In addition to treating shortness of breath, the LU1 acupressure points are said to treat symptoms of wheezing that are associated with breathing and congestion in the chest area that may be caused by asthma.
How to apply this acupressure point for breathing difficulties:
- Find a point just below the collarbones on both sides of the body.
- Press firmly with your thumb and hold for about 2 minutes on each point.
- This point relieves dyspnea ( the medical term used to describe difficulty breathing ).
Also Read: 10 Benefits Of Nauli Kriya With Step-By-Step Instructions & 4 Types To Practice!
What Is The Lung 5 Pressure Point?
Lung Meridian 5 (LU5) is located inside each elbow at the elbow crease, lateral to the biceps tendon. It often lies in a palpable depression next to the tendon.
These points help relieve sinus congestion and pressure, which can help relieve pain and a cold (check out this article about yoga poses for migraines). LU5 points are also associated with your lungs and breathing. Pressing LU5 pressure points helps clear lung heat, descends lung Qi, expels lung phlegm, relaxes tendons, and clears waterways.
Although a single acupuncture point is not commonly considered an empirical way to influence the respiratory diagnostic pattern. However, LU5 is a strong candidate for inclusion in an acupuncture protocol for patients with respiratory distress. Therefore, LU 5 can potentially be used in coordination with a well-designed treatment protocol for acupressure points for breathing difficulties. To find and use them:
- Hold your arm out in front of you with the palm facing up.
- Find the crease on the thumb side of the inner elbow.
- This is where your forearm muscle dips slightly as it joins the elbow.
- Press the area.
- Press firmly with your thumb and hold for about 2 minutes on each point.
- This point relieves the breathing process by clearing lung heat and descends lung Qi, expels lung phlegm, relaxes tendons, and clears waterways.
- Repeat and switch arms.
Also Read: Celebrate World Pneumonia Day 2024: Significance, Theme And Creative Ways to Raise Awareness!
Expert’s Advice
Difficulty breathing at night can be disruptive, but using these acupressure points for breathing difficulties can provide natural relief that promotes restful sleep. Although acupressure can help with the symptoms of your breathing difficulties, it cannot cure a serious infection. If you are suffering from a respiratory infection, you should combine acupressure therapy with the antibiotic treatment suggested by the doctor.
You may also need to press the points several times a day for several days before you notice relief from symptoms. But also remember that the pressure should not be painful or bruise the area.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
If you're struggling with breathing difficulties, exploring acupressure points for breathing difficulties can be a game-changer. We know how severely breathing problems can significantly disrupt your daily life and peace of mind. Unlike external remedies, which offer temporary relief, acupressure focuses on targeting the body's energy lines to help you eliminate the tension and discomfort felt in the process.
This holistic approach is why acupressure is often recommended as a primary treatment for respiratory issues. Give these techniques a try, and breathe easier!
FAQs
1. What are the acupressure points for low oxygen?
Here are the acupressure points to alleviate low oxygen symptoms:
- Lu 4 (Oxygen Point) - Location: Inside the elbow crease, lateral to the biceps tendon, often found in a palpable depression next to the tendon.
- CV 17 (Danzhong) - Location: On the chest, in the centre of the sternum, at the level of the fourth intercostal space.
- BL 13 (Feishu) - Location: On the back, approximately 1.5 inches lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra.
2. What are the acupressure points for shortness of breath?
Try these acupressure points for shortness of breath:
- CV 22 (Tiantu)
- PC 6 (Neiguan)
- BL 20 (Pishu)
3. Which breathing pressure points can help in nasal blockage?
Breathing pressure points for nasal blockage:
- LI 4 (Hegu)
- Yintang (Third Eye Point)
- ST 40 (Fenglong)
4. Which are the best acupressure points for breathlessness?
Best acupressure points for breathlessness:
- BL 23 (Shenshu)
- LU 7
- GV 26
References
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324699#lung-meridian
- https://yinyanghouse.com/theory/acupuncturepoints/lu5/
- https://kaizenhealthgroup.com/top-pressure-points-for-easing-coughing-at-night-naturally/#:~:text=Location%3A%20Inside%20of%20the%20Elbow,any%20blockages%20in%20the%20airways.
- https://www.onlymyhealth.com/how-to-do-acupressure-therapy-for-healthy-lungs-1593858740
- https://www.fitneass.com/acupressure-points-for-breathing/
- https://www.acupuncture.com/education/points/lung/lu5.htm
About ToneOp Fit
ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.
