Acupressure for cough

A persistent cough is one of the more uncomfortable post-viral symptoms and one of the more rewarding to treat with acupressure. A short routine of three or four points can substantially ease both dry, tickly cough and the productive cough that lingers after a cold. The classical TCM mechanism is restoring the Lung’s normal descending function — cough being the body’s response to Qi rising against that natural downward direction. For chronic cough, persistent post-viral cough or any cough lasting more than 3 weeks, see your GP and the asthma page if breathlessness is part of the picture.

The four core points

LU 7 (Lieque) — “Broken Sequence”

Location. On the thumb side of the inner forearm, about 1.5 finger-widths above the wrist crease, in a small depression at the edge of the bone.

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

Why. The principal Lung-channel point for cough in classical practice. Restores the Lung’s descending function and clears Wind from the upper body — the typical cause of acute cough.

LU 9 (Taiyuan) — “Great Abyss”

Location. On the wrist crease at the thumb side, in the depression where you can feel the radial pulse.

Technique. Press carefully alongside (not directly on) the artery for 1 minute per wrist.

Why. The source point of the Lung channel. Tonifies Lung Qi and Yin — particularly useful for the dry, weak cough that lingers after illness, in chronic respiratory complaints, and in patients with general low energy.

CV 22 (Tiantu) — “Heavenly Chimney”

Location. In the hollow at the base of the throat, just above the breastbone (suprasternal notch).

Technique. Press very gently with the tip of the index finger, directing pressure downward behind the breastbone rather than backward into the throat. The pressure should be light. Hold for 30 seconds, release, repeat.

Why. Sits directly over the trachea and the vagus nerve. Particularly useful for the tickle in the throat that triggers paroxysmal coughing fits.

KD 27 (Shufu) — “Shu Mansion”

Location. In the depression just below the inner end of each collarbone, about two finger-widths from the midline.

Technique. Press firmly with the fingertips for 1–2 minutes.

Why. KD 27 has a strongly descending effect on rebellious Lung Qi. The classical pairing of KD 27 with LU 7 reflects the Lung-Kidney axis — the Kidney grasps the Qi that the Lung sends down. Particularly useful for cough with breathlessness on exertion.

Supplementary points

LU 5 (Chize) — “Cubit Marsh”

On the elbow crease, on the thumb side of the prominent tendon (biceps tendon). The classical point for Lung Heat — useful for hot, productive cough with yellow sputum or sore throat. Press for 1 minute per arm.

BL 13 (Feishu) — Lung Back-Shu

On the back, 1.5 finger-widths to the side of the spine, level with the lower edge of the third thoracic vertebra (T3) — about a hand’s width below the prominent C7 vertebra at the base of the neck. Best pressed by a partner, or with a tennis ball against the wall. The direct back point of the Lung — useful for chronic cough.

Ding Chuan — “Calm Wheezing”

An extra point about half a finger-width lateral to the lower border of the C7 spinous process — the prominent bone at the base of the neck. Press for 1–2 minutes for wheeze-related cough. See the Ding Chuan page.

A practical routine

For acute cough:

1. Sip warm water with a teaspoon of honey
2. Press CV 22 gently for 30 seconds (interrupt active coughing)
3. Press LU 7 on both wrists for 1–2 minutes each
4. Press KD 27 below both collarbones for 1–2 minutes
5. Press LU 9 on both wrists for 1 minute each

For post-viral lingering cough, repeat twice daily for 1–2 weeks.

Self-care

• Steam inhalation softens mucus and supports drainage
• Warm honey and lemon (avoid honey under age 1)
• Pear stewed with rock sugar — a classical Chinese remedy for dry Lung Yin-deficiency cough
• Avoid cold drinks, ice cream and raw food during cough
• Reduce dairy if the cough is productive with mucus
• Humidify dry indoor air

When to see a doctor

1. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
2. Cough with blood
3. Cough with significant breathlessness
4. Cough with weight loss or night sweats
5. Cough with chest pain
6. High fever or signs of pneumonia (productive yellow/green sputum, breathlessness, fever)
7. Cough in a smoker that has changed character recently

Browse the full acupressure hub, the best remedy for dry cough blog post for the wider TCM approach, or the acupuncture points directory.