Acupressure is an ancient healing technique. You put pressure on certain spots on your body to activate its natural ability to heal itself.
Some people find that acupressure eases their breathing difficulties. For example, the practice may relieve some of the symptoms of asthma.
Acupressure isn’t a replacement for asthma medications or other treatments a doctor recommends. If you’re interested in trying acupressure, you should first talk with a healthcare professional or a qualified acupuncturist.
How does acupressure affect breathing?
Acupressure is based on the idea that your body has specific acupoints connected by energy pathways, or meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating these acupoints can affect the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy.
Stimulating certain acupoints may affect your respiratory function.
Breathing difficulties that acupressure may relieve
Acupressure is sometimes used to manage asthma symptoms and may also help with shortness of breath or mild bronchitis.
Keep in mind that acupressure is considered a complementary therapy. It’s not meant to replace medical care.
Key Acupressure Points for Breathing Relief
Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote healing and well-being. When you’re having trouble breathing, stimulating certain acupressure points may help ease your symptoms.
Acupoint LU-1 (Lung 1)
- Location: On your upper chest, find the spot that’s about three finger-widths away from the middle of your chest, at the level of your first rib.
- Benefits: Applying pressure to this point can help relieve coughing, asthma, and chest congestion.
- How to Apply: Use your fingertips to apply gentle but firm pressure for 2 to 3 minutes.
Acupoint Ren-17 (Conception Vessel 17)
- Location: Find the center of your breastbone, at the same level as your nipples.
- Benefits: Stimulating this point can help with coughing, asthma, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
- How to Apply: Gently but firmly press this point with your fingertips for 2 to 3 minutes.
Acupoint LU-7 (Lung 7)
- Location: On the thumb side of your forearm, measure about 1 1/2 inches up from your wrist crease.
- Benefits: This point may improve asthma symptoms. It can also help with coughing, sore throats, and headaches.
- How to Apply: Press firmly with your thumb for 2 to 3 minutes.
Acupoint Bl-13 (Bladder 13)
- Location: On your upper back, find the point that’s about 1 1/2 inches away from the bottom of the bone that sticks out at the base of your neck (the third thoracic vertebra).
- Benefits: This point may help with asthma symptoms.
- How to Apply: It’s best to have a trained acupressure practitioner stimulate this point.
Acupoint Ren-22 (Conception Vessel 22)
- Location: Find the hollow spot at the base of your neck, in the center.
- Benefits: This point may help with asthma symptoms. It can also help with coughing, asthma, and sore throats.
- How to Apply: Gently but firmly press this point with your fingertip for 2 to 3 minutes.
How to perform acupressure safely and effectively
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when trying acupressure:
- Use firm, but gentle, pressure.
- Apply pressure for two to three minutes at each point.
- To enhance relaxation and focus while practicing acupressure, consider exploring techniques such as Bhastrika Pranayama; breathe deeply and relax as you apply pressure.
And here are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Don’t use acupressure on open wounds, inflamed areas, or varicose veins.
- If you’re pregnant, talk to a healthcare professional before trying acupressure.
- If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop immediately.
You might also want to talk to an acupuncturist to develop a treatment plan just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lung 5 pressure point?
The Lung 5 (LU 5), also known as尺澤 (Chǐzé), is an acupressure point located in the cubital crease of the elbow, on the radial side of the biceps tendon. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it’s believed to help clear heat and regulate lung Qi, potentially easing breathing difficulties and cough. Always consult with a qualified practitioner before using acupressure for medical conditions.
What pressure point clears the lungs?
Several acupressure points are thought to support lung health. Besides Lung 5, other points like Conception Vessel 17 (CV 17 or膻中, Shanzhong), located on the midline of the sternum between the nipples, and Kidney 27 (KI 27 or 俞府, Yǔfǔ), found just below the collarbone near the sternum, are often used. They are believed to promote the flow of Qi and help clear congestion. Remember, acupressure is a complementary therapy and should not replace conventional medical treatment.
What is the acupressure point for shortness of breath?
While there isn’t one single “acupressure point for shortness of breath,” Lung 1 (LU 1 or 中府, Zhōngfǔ), located on the upper chest, lateral to the sternum and below the clavicle, is often used to address breathing problems. Additionally, Large Intestine 20 (LI 20 or 迎香, Yíngxiāng), found beside the nostrils, may help with nasal congestion that contributes to shortness of breath. Stimulating these points might offer temporary relief, but it’s essential to seek professional medical advice for persistent or severe shortness of breath.
Is acupuncture good for shortness of breath?
Acupuncture, a related technique that uses needles instead of pressure, is sometimes used as a complementary therapy for respiratory conditions that cause shortness of breath. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help improve lung function and reduce symptoms in certain individuals. However, the evidence is still evolving, and it’s important to discuss acupuncture with your doctor and a licensed acupuncturist to determine if it’s a suitable and safe option for your specific health situation.
Summary
Acupressure might be a helpful addition to your current treatment plan to manage your breathing difficulties. But it shouldn’t be the only thing you do.
It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about your breathing challenges and to get a diagnosis and treatment plan from them. Acupressure should never be used in place of the medical care your doctor recommends.
While some research suggests acupressure may help with breathing problems, we need more high-quality studies to understand just how well it works.