Acupressure for asthma

Acupressure is a supportive measure for asthma — never a replacement for your inhaler or prescribed medication. Used between attacks as part of a broader treatment plan, the points below can help ease chest tightness, support the Lung's descending function and calm the breath. In traditional Chinese medicine, asthma is understood as the Lung failing to descend Qi, often with an underlying Kidney weakness that prevents the Lung's Qi from being "grasped" downward. An acute asthma attack is a medical emergency. Always use your reliever inhaler first, and call 999 if breathing does not improve — acupressure is for the calm periods between attacks, not the attack itself.

Important safety note

If you are having an asthma attack, use your reliever (blue) inhaler immediately and follow your asthma action plan. If symptoms do not improve, or you cannot speak in full sentences, call 999. Do not delay emergency treatment to try acupressure. The points below are for ongoing support between attacks only.

The core points (between attacks)

Ding Chuan — “Calm Wheezing”

Location. About half a finger-width to each side of the lower border of the prominent C7 vertebra at the base of the neck.

Technique. Firm pressure for 1–2 minutes; easier with a partner.

Why. An extra point whose name means “calm wheezing” — the principal point for wheeze and breathlessness in classical practice.

CV 17 (Danzhong) — “Chest Centre”

Location. On the breastbone, on the midline, level with the fourth rib space — roughly level with the nipples in men.

Technique. Gentle, sustained pressure or slow circular massage for 1–2 minutes.

Why. The “Sea of Qi” of the chest and the gathering point for the Qi of respiration. It opens the chest, eases tightness and regulates the Lung Qi.

LU 7 (Lieque) — “Broken Sequence”

Location. On the thumb side of the inner forearm, about 1.5 finger-widths above the wrist crease.

Technique. Firm thumb pressure for 1–2 minutes per wrist.

Why. The principal Lung point; restores the Lung's descending function — the core TCM mechanism disturbed in asthma.

KD 27 (Shufu) — “Shu Mansion”

Location. In the depression just below the inner end of each collarbone.

Technique. Firm fingertip pressure for 1–2 minutes.

Why. Descends rebellious Lung Qi and reflects the Lung-Kidney axis — in TCM the Kidney must "grasp" the Qi that the Lung sends down. Particularly relevant in long-standing asthma with breathlessness on exertion.

Supplementary points

BL 13 (Feishu) — Lung Back-Shu

On the back, 1.5 finger-widths to the side of the spine, level with the third thoracic vertebra (T3). The direct back point of the Lung — valuable in chronic asthma. Best pressed by a partner or with a tennis ball against a wall.

CV 22 (Tiantu) — “Heavenly Chimney”

In the hollow at the base of the throat above the breastbone. Press very gently, directing pressure downward behind the breastbone — eases throat tightness and the urge to cough. Light pressure only.

A practical routine (between attacks)

1. Sit upright and breathe slowly, lengthening the out-breath
2. Massage CV 17 on the breastbone for 1–2 minutes
3. Press Ding Chuan at the base of the neck for 1–2 minutes
4. Press LU 7 on both wrists
5. Press KD 27 below both collarbones
6. Use daily as ongoing support — not as a substitute for preventer medication

Self-care

• Take your preventer (brown) inhaler exactly as prescribed, even when well
• Keep your reliever (blue) inhaler with you at all times
• Have a written asthma action plan and review it with your GP or asthma nurse
• Identify and reduce triggers (dust, pollen, cold air, smoke)
• In TCM, reduce Phlegm-forming foods — dairy, excess sugar, cold and raw foods
• Gentle breath training (e.g. slow nasal breathing) supports the Lung between attacks

When to seek medical care

1. During an attack: use your reliever inhaler; call 999 if it does not help or you cannot speak in full sentences
2. Needing your reliever inhaler more than 3 times a week — see your GP, your asthma is not controlled
3. Waking at night with asthma symptoms
4. Asthma limiting normal activity or exercise
5. Any new or worsening breathlessness

Browse the full acupressure hub, the asthma treatment page for the wider TCM approach, or the acupuncture points directory.