As seasons change, many of us frequently suffer from cold, sneezing, and flu. If you live near an industrial area, you know how harmful ash, soot, and other pollutants can be. These acute symptoms often develop into chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, and bronchitis. Over time, breathing becomes difficult, the quality of life reduces, and some people are left relying on lifelong medication.
But what if relief has always been at your fingertips? We are talking about pressure points for lungs, a centuries-old healing technique that can naturally help ease respiratory discomfort.
If you’ve heard of acupuncture, then acupressure is its needle-free counterpart. You apply gentle pressure on specific acupressure points for the lungs in the hand and other areas to stimulate lung function, boost oxygen intake, and clear congestion.
What pressure points help clear your lungs? How does this technique work, and can it truly offer relief from breathing troubles? In this blog, we will discuss these pressure points for lung congestion, how they function, and how you can use them to support your respiratory health.
Table Of Contents
- What Pressure Points Help Clear Your Lungs? 9 Effective Pressure Points for Lungs
- What Is The Lung 5 Pressure Point?
- 5 Other Lifestyle Tips For Healthy Lungs
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
What Pressure Points Help Clear Your Lungs? 9 Effective Pressure Points for Lungs
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), certain practices are associated with the body's energy system, which is known as meridians. These meridians correspond to different organs in the body, and activating specific pulmonary acupressure points along these meridians can help balance and optimise lung function.
Acupressure removes blockages and enhances the cardiorespiratory fitness. This is particularly beneficial for people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, general respiratory problems, or allergies.
Also Read: Struggling to Breathe? Check Out These 7 Effective Acupressure Points for Breathing Difficulties
Here are some of the most effective acupressure points for lungs to support lung function and relieve respiratory problems:
1. Lung 1 (LU1) - Central Residence
| Location | On the chest, one thumb-width below the collarbone and slightly outside the middle line of the body. |
| Benefits | LU1 stimulation helps clear mucus, relieves cough, and reduces chest congestion. It is particularly effective for addressing asthma and shortness of breath. |
| Technique |
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2. Lung 5 (LU5) - Cubit Marsh
| Location | On the inner elbow fold, slightly towards the thumb side. |
| Benefits | LU5 helps clear heat and moisture from the lungs, aiding in the relief from cough, wheezing, and excess mucus. |
| Technique | Apply firm yet gentle pressure on each arm for 1-2 minutes. |
3. Lung 7 (LU7)
| Location | This point is found by interlocking the index fingers and thumbs of both hands, allowing the index finger of one hand to land at the top of the radial styloid process. The point is located below the tip of the index finger. |
| Benefits | LU7 opens the lungs, strengthens the body’s defensive energy, and helps release emotions of grief. Since this point connects the lungs and the large intestine meridians, it also aids bowel movements. |
| Technique | Apply gentle pressure using the thumb or index finger for 1-2 minutes. |
4. Lung 9 (LU9) - Great Abyss
| Location | On the wrist, in line with the thumb, near the radial artery. |
| Benefits | LU9 strengthens the lungs, promotes blood circulation, and is highly beneficial for chronic respiratory conditions. |
| Technique | Use your thumb to press LU9 with moderate intensity for 1-2 minutes on each wrist. |
5. Ren 17 (CV17) - Chest Centre
| Location | In the centre of the chest, at the level of the fourth rib. |
| Benefits | CV17 helps open the chest, improve airflow, and relieve breathing-related stress. |
| Technique | Use your index and middle fingers to massage this area in circular motions for 1-2 minutes. |
6. Kidney 27 (KD27) - Shu Mansion
| Location | Under the collarbone, about two inches from the midline of the chest. |
| Benefits | KD27 balances lung energy, relieves tightness in the chest, and helps reduce chronic cough. |
| Technique | Press and massage this point firmly with your fingers for 1-2 minutes on each side. |
7. Bladder 13 (BL13) - Lung Shu
| Location | On the back, about 1.5 inches laterally from the spine, at the level of the third thoracic vertebra. |
| Benefits | BL13 is the primary lung acupressure point, helping to clear congestion, boost immunity, and improve overall respiratory function. |
| Technique | Stimulation should be performed by a partner or a professional using firm circular motions or acupressure tools. |
8. Conception Vessel Meridian (CV17)
| Location | In the centre of the chest, directly above the sternum. |
| Benefits | CV17 stimulation helps relieve chest pressure and facilitate breathing, making it an excellent point for reducing nighttime coughing. |
| Technique |
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9. Stomach Meridian (ST36)
| Location | Below the knees, about four finger-widths below the kneecap and slightly towards the outer side of the foot. |
| Benefits | While ST36 is not directly connected to the lungs, it plays a crucial role in boosting overall immunity and reducing inflammation, making it useful in preventing and treating coughs caused by colds or infections. |
| Technique |
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Also Read: Detox And Clean Your Lungs With These 5 Yoga Asanas And Pranayama!
What Is The Lung 5 Pressure Point?
Lung Meridian 5 or LU5 lies at the elbow. It is found on the cubital crease along the radial aspect of the tendon of the biceps. LU5 can easily be found when slightly bending the front arm so that the biceps tendon looks easier.
These points help relieve sinus overload and pressure, which can help relieve pain and colds (check out this article about yoga for nose blockage). LU5 points are also associated with your lungs and breathing. Pressing pressure points LU5 helps to clean lung heat, descend pulmonary Qi, drain pulmonary phlegm, release tendons, and clean the waterways.
Steps to find this pressure point for lungs:
- Hold your arm in front of you with your palm upwards.
- Find the fold on the thumb of the inner elbow side.
- This is a place where your muscle forearm immerses slightly when it connects to the elbow.
- Press the area.
- Press the thumb firmly and hold for about 2 minutes at each point.
- This point releases the process of breathing pulmonary heat cleaning and descends the pulmonary Qi, drains lung mucus, releases tendons and cleans the waterways.
- Repeat and switch your shoulders.
5 Other Lifestyle Tips For Healthy Lungs
Other ways to support the pulmonary meridian along with pressure points:
1. Include More Herbs In Diet
The lung meridian corresponds to the pungent (or spicy) taste in the theory of five elements. By increasing the intake of spicy herbs, we support lung health and nourish overall chi and blood circulation. Some examples are ginger, mint, leek, Daikon radish, garlic, pear, leeks, and rice.
2. Practice Yoga To Complement Meridians
The theory is that yoga and meridians are connected. Many yoga positions also stretch the meridians in the body. In fact, yoga actually can increase the efficiency of pressure points for lungs. Yoga can improve blood circulation and remove blockages in meridians. For example, the fish pose or Matsyasana expands the rib cage and bronchial tubes, opening the lungs to increase the depth of rest, allowing more oxygen to enter.
3. Drink Herbal Teas
Some herbs and healthy drinks such as green tea, herbal teas, honey and ginger are associated with the advantages for lung cleaning. They can help release mucus, relax cough and reduce inflammation in the lungs.
4. Maintain A Healthy Humidity Level In Your Room
Ensuring sufficient moisture in the room can prevent airway irritation. If necessary, use the humidifier to maintain a healthy humidity level in your environment.
5. Take Vitamins and Supplements
Some vitamins and supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E and omega-3 like Fish Oil, Krill Oil and Flax Seed Oil Capsules are good for lung health. You can also take ToneOp Care’s Vitamin 360 which is a multivitamin combo that provides an all-round benefit to the body.
Also Read: Clean Your Lungs Naturally: 8 Lung Exercises For Smokers, Tips & Lifestyle Changes
Expert’s Advice
As an expert, I recommend putting fine pressure on these points for 1 to 2 minutes twice or three times a day. Hold the pressure points in your fingers for 4-5 breaths and release. Do the same five times consecutively. And don't forget to eat foods high in antioxidants, like fresh fruits, green vegetables, and grains, which assist in combating free radicals and lowering inflammation in the lungs.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
It is very important to maintain the health of your lungs. Acupressure points for the lungs are one of the simplest and even stronger techniques to help you maintain or restore healthy breathing and the general condition of your lungs.
Lung acupressure, such as LU1, LU5, and CV17, increases energy in the lungs, distracts mucus overload, and effortlessly supports breathing. This holistic approach is why acupressure is often recommended as a primary treatment for respiratory problems.
However, remember that acupressure points for the lungs are only effective with a healthy lifestyle and constant practice.
FAQs
1. Is acupressure therapy safe for the lungs?
Yes, accupressure is actually a low-risk physical therapy. Accupressure can help improve breathing and alleviate symptoms of lung diseases without major risks.
2. How to increase lung capacity?
To increase lung capacity, practice deep breathing exercises and regular physical activity like walking or swimming. Acupressure points like LU1 and CV17 can also help improve lung function.
3. Will acupressure help relieve cough?
If you suffer from colds or flu, acupuncture may be useful to alleviate symptoms such as chills, fever, headaches, body pain, cold, overload, sore throat and cough.
References
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/4-acupressure-points-that-support-lung-health-and-immunity?srsltid=AfmBOorcWUjfxhQTcioeALm2TW0aBhsbgNRC-8ficMMHRF8q4SLQhEKO
- https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!health/how-to-clean-your-lungs-naturally-learn-10-easy-ways-hin25030402785
- https://www.meandqi.com/tcm-education-center/acupuncture/lung-channel/chize-lu-5
- https://www.acupuncture.com/education/points/lung/lu5.htm
- https://ellicottacupuncturecentre.com/acupressure-points-for-lungs/
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/3-acupressure-points-for-healthy-lungs-and-immunity/photostory/76772566.cms?picid=76773104
- https://www.modernreflexology.com/effective-acupressure-points-healthy-lungs/
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