Acupressure for Relieving
Coughs or Sore Throats

A severe, repeated, or uncontrolled cough can be harmful, and you should always consult a physician. Many illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis can become serious if the condition continues unattended.

Sometimes, your physician will find it advisable to attempt to suppress a cough to prevent further irritation of the bronchial tubes. Cough medications may be used, but Acupressure can be an effective complementary therapy.

In this article, you’ll find a routine with Self-Acupressure Points and exercises for coughs and sore throats, plus instructions on how to use fresh ginger for sore throats and coughing.

Acupressure Points for Coughing & Sore Throats

You do not have to use all of the following Acupressure points. Using just
one or two of them whenever you have a cough or sore throat can be effective.

Vital Diaphragm (B 38)

Location: Between the shoulder blade and the spine at the level of the heart.

Benefits: Relieves coughing, breathing difficulties, and respiratory problems. This calming point also helps balance the emotions.

Heavenly Pillar (B 10)

Location: One-half inch below the base of the skull on the ropy muscles one-half inch out from either side of the spine.

Benefits: Relieves sore throat, stress, burnout, overexertion, and heaviness in the head.

Ding Chuan (Extra Point 17)

Location: To the side and a little above the vertebra that protrudes at the top of the spine when the head is tilted downward.

Benefits: Relieves throat problems, coughing, shoulder and neck pain, and thyroid imbalances.

Heaven Rushing Out (CV 22)

Location: At the base of the throat in the large hollow directly below the Adam’s apple.

Benefits: Relieves dry cough, bronchitis, sore throat, chest congestion, and heartburn.

Elegant Mansion (K 27)

Location: In the hollow below the collarbone and next to the breastbone.

Benefits: Relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, and anxiety.

Self-Acupressure for Relieving Coughs & Sore Throats

Although many of the following points can be held while you are sitting, it is preferable to lie down comfortably on your back.

Step 1

Hold both K 27 points: Place your fingertips on your chest and firmly press into the hollows below the collarbone and next to the breastbone. This important point is good for everyone to know, and you can even teach it to a child.

Step 2

Use tennis balls on B 38: Place two small rubber balls or tennis balls together on a clean carpet. Lie down, placing the balls between your shoulder blades at the level of your heart. Close your eyes and take three long, deep breaths as you continue to press the K 27 points on your upper chest. (This step is optional. You can skip it if you don’t have the tennis balls.)

Step 3

Firmly press Extra Point 17: Slowly roll the tennis balls a few inches higher toward the base of your neck. If the tennis balls tend to slip, you can secure them in a sock, place them on a pillow so they sink in, or simply use both middle fingers to press these important Acupressure points at the base of the neck. (See the illustration above for Ex 17.)

CV 22 is at the base of the throat in between both K 27 points.

Step 4

Hold both B 10 points and CV 22: Press B 10 on the upper neck with one hand, using the fingertips. It’s located a half inch below the base of the skull, on the ropy muscles on either side of the spine. Use your other hand to lightly hold CV 22, at the base of the throat in the large hollow directly below the base of the Adam’s apple, pressing lightly at a downward angle. Close your eyes and breathe deeply as you visualize healing energy soothing your throat.

Using Ginger Root for Sore Throats & Coughing

Fresh ginger can be one of the most effective natural remedies for soothing a cough or sore throat. Below are two methods for using ginger root.

1. Place a thin slice of fresh ginger on the back of your tongue. If your throat is sensitive and the ginger feels hot, use a smaller, thinner piece and place it farther back toward your throat. Keep the ginger in the back of your throat for five minutes. Repeat with a fresh piece several times a day as needed.

2. Prepare hot ginger tea. Simmer a quarter cup of chopped ginger in two to three cups of water for five minutes. Strain and sip slowly. Ginger tea is warming and can also help relieve indigestion.

Learn how to relieve colds and flu in the article
Acupressure Points for Colds & Flu