Acupressure for Shortness of Breath

Here are the acupressure points traditionally used for shortness of breath. Use gentle, regular pressure, and give it time. You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective.

Acupressure Point Thymus point
Location: beginning from the lower border of the supraclavicular fossa and extends to the upper border of the xyphoid process of the sternum.
Traditionally used for: immune disorders, low immunity, epstein-barr virus diseases, frequent colds, frequent viral infections, constant allergic reactions, long term sickness, chronic fatigue syndrome, blood disorders, spleen disorders, platelet imbalance, immature blood cell production, bone marrow diseases.
Acupressure Point LU1 — Zhong Fu
Chinese Name: 中 府
Location: in the depression below the acromial extremity of the clavicle, 8 finger width lateral to the midline. On the outside edge of the rib cage, three finger-width below the clavicle.
Traditionally used for: shortness of breath, upper respiratory disorders, cough, asthma, pain in the chest, pain in the shoulder and back, fullness in the chest, bronchitis, postnasal drip.
Acupressure Point CV17 — Dan Zhong
Chinese Name: 膻中
Location: on the midline of the breastbone, between the nipples, level with the 4th intercostal space. in the center of the breastbone, midway between nipples.
Traditionally used for: asthma, poor energy circulation, hiccup, pain in the chest, lactation deficiency, point to balance the energy.

Acupressure Point CV14 — Ju Que
Chinese Name: 巨闕
Location: on the midline of the abdomen, 6 body inches above the belly button.
Traditionally used for: nausea, acid regurgitation, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, palpitation.
Point SP21 — Da Bao
Chinese Name: 大 包
Location: on the mid-axillary line, 6 body inches below the axilla.
Traditionally used for: pain in the chest, in the hypochondriac region, asthma, fibromyalgia, general body ache and general weakness.

Acupressure Point CV12 — Zhong Wan
Chinese Name: 中脘
Location: midway between the belly button and the bottom of the breastbone. On the midline of the abdomen, 5 finger width above the belly button.
Traditionally used for: acute abdominal pain, pain due to overeating, gastric pain, sour stomach, belching, regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, distention of the abdomen due to flatulence, hiatal hernia.

Acupressure Point Dingchuan
Location: 0.5 body inch lateral to cervical vertebra no. 7, below the prominent vertebra.
Traditionally used for: asthma, cough, neck rigidity, pain in the shoulder and back.

Acupressure Point UB43 — Gao Huang Shu
Chinese Name: 膏肓俞
Location: 4 finger width lateral to the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra.
Traditionally used for: cough, asthma, blood in the sputum, night sweating, poor memory, indigestion, emphysema, chronic fatigue syndrome, low energy.

Caution: You should consult with a healthcare professional before practicing Acupressure or starting any diet, exercise, Chinese herbs or other supplementation programs.

Acupressure is self-care, not a replacement for diagnosis or treatment. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness or dizziness. Pregnant or trying to conceive? Skip LI4, SP6, GB21, BL60 and BL67 unless your practitioner directs it. Get medical care first for chest pain, sudden weakness, fainting, heavy bleeding, or a high fever.