Acupressure for the common cold

Used at the very first sign of a cold — the scratchy throat, the chill down the back, the blocked nose — acupressure can help your body expel the “invasion” before it takes hold. In traditional Chinese medicine, the common cold is described as Wind invading the body's exterior, usually with Cold or Heat. The points below release the exterior, open the nose and ease the aches of a cold. They are a comfort and self-care measure alongside rest and fluids, and work best in the first day or two when the symptoms are still on the surface.

The core points

LI 4 (Hegu) — “Joining Valley”

Location. On the back of the hand, in the web between thumb and index finger, at the highest point of the muscle when thumb and finger are squeezed together.

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

Why. The principal point to release the exterior and expel Wind — the classical first choice for the onset of any cold, easing headache, blocked nose and body aches. Avoid strong pressure in pregnancy.

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 command point for the head and neck and the key Lung point for colds — releases the exterior, stops a runny nose and eases a tickly cough. Classically paired with LI 4.

GB 20 (Fengchi) — “Wind Pool”

Location. In the two hollows at the base of the skull, either side of the spine, where the neck muscles meet the skull.

Technique. Press upward and inward with the thumbs for 1–2 minutes.

Why. The major point to expel Wind — its name means “Wind Pool.” Eases the headache, stiff neck and chill that mark the start of a cold.

LI 20 (Yingxiang) — “Welcome Fragrance”

Location. In the groove beside each nostril, where the nostril meets the cheek.

Technique. Gentle circular pressure for 1–2 minutes.

Why. The principal point to open a blocked nose and restore the sense of smell — the most direct relief for nasal congestion during a cold.

Supplementary point

BL 12 (Fengmen) — “Wind Gate”

On the upper back, 1.5 finger-widths to the side of the spine, level with the second thoracic vertebra (T2). The classical “Wind Gate” for stopping a cold from going deeper — warming this area (a hot-water bottle or a partner's firm pressure) at the very first chill is a traditional preventive. Best reached with help.

A practical routine

1. At the first scratchy throat or chill, press LI 4 on both hands
2. Press LU 7 on both wrists
3. Press GB 20 at the base of the skull for the headache and chill
4. Massage LI 20 beside the nostrils to clear the nose
5. Keep the upper back and neck warm over BL 12
6. Rest, keep warm and drink plenty of warm fluids; repeat the routine through the day

Self-care

• Rest early — the first 24–48 hours are when you can most influence a cold
• Keep the neck and upper back covered and warm
• Warm fluids, ginger and spring-onion tea in the TCM tradition for a Wind-Cold type
• Steam inhalation to ease a blocked nose
• Avoid cold and raw foods, which burden the Spleen while you recover

When to see a doctor

1. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days, or worsening after they began to improve
2. A high fever, or fever with a stiff neck or rash (see acupressure for fever)
3. Difficulty breathing, chest pain or coughing up discoloured phlegm
4. Earache, facial pain or sinus pain that does not settle
5. Cold symptoms in someone frail, very young, or with a chronic lung condition

Browse the full acupressure hub, the related blocked nose, sore throat and cough guides, or the acupuncture points directory.