Acupressure for a sore throat

A short acupressure routine can ease the rawness, dryness and soreness of a throat at the first sign of a cold — and often shorten how long it lingers. The points below clear Wind-Heat from the throat, support the Lung and soothe the local tissues. They work best applied early, at the scratchy, tickly stage before a full cold sets in. For a severe sore throat with high fever, a one-sided very painful throat, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, see a doctor — these can indicate a bacterial throat infection (such as strep) or, rarely, a more serious problem needing urgent care.

The core points

LU 11 (Shaoshang) — “Lesser Shang”

Location. On the thumb, at the outer corner of the thumbnail (the side away from the other fingers), about 2–3 mm from the nail edge.

Technique. Strong thumbnail or fingernail pressure into the point for 30–60 seconds per thumb — it should feel sharp.

Why. The classic emergency point for an acute, hot, swollen sore throat. As the end point of the Lung channel it strongly clears Heat from the throat. In clinical acupuncture this point is often bled for an acute sore throat; firm pressure gives a gentler home version.

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 point for clearing Wind from the upper body — the typical cause of the early cold-and-sore-throat picture. Classically paired with KD 6 specifically to benefit the throat.

KD 6 (Zhaohai) — “Shining Sea”

Location. In the depression just below the tip of the inner ankle bone.

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

Why. KD 6 nourishes Yin and moistens the throat — the point of choice for a dry, scratchy, hoarse throat rather than a hot, swollen one. The classical pairing of KD 6 with LU 7 is the standard throat combination in acupuncture.

LI 4 (Hegu) — “Joining Valley”

Location. On the back of the hand, in the web between thumb and index finger.

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

Why. The master point for the face, mouth and throat; clears Heat and relieves pain throughout the head and neck. Avoid strong pressure in pregnancy.

Supplementary point

LI 18 (Futu) — “Support the Prominence”

On the side of the neck, level with the tip of the Adam's apple, between the two bands of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A local throat point for hoarseness and loss of voice. Press very gently for 30–60 seconds — never press hard on the front of the neck.

A practical routine

1. Press LU 11 firmly on each thumb for 30–60 seconds
2. Press LI 4 on both hands for 1–2 minutes
3. For a hot, swollen throat, add LU 7
4. For a dry, scratchy throat, add KD 6
5. Repeat 3–4 times a day at the first sign of soreness

Self-care

• Gargle with warm salt water several times a day
• Warm honey and lemon, or honey in warm water (not under age 1)
• Stay well hydrated and rest the voice
• Steam inhalation for a dry throat
• Avoid smoking and smoky environments

When to see a doctor

1. Sore throat with a high fever
2. Severe, one-sided throat pain or difficulty opening the mouth
3. Difficulty swallowing or breathing — seek urgent care
4. White patches or pus on the tonsils (possible bacterial infection)
5. A sore throat lasting more than a week, or a persistent hoarse voice over 3 weeks

Browse the full acupressure hub, the related acupressure for cough guide, or the acupuncture points directory.