Acupressure is an ancient healing technique, using firm pressure on certain points in the body to relieve illness or discomfort. It can help relieve symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
How to Apply Acupressure
Press the point firmly with the thumb or forefinger. Hold for at least twenty to thirty seconds. For best results, hold for about two minutes. After treating one point, gently release pressure and treat the point on the other side of the body. You can also massage the acupressure point if desired.
It’s important to breathe properly when applying acupressure. Breathing promotes healthy blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, including to the joints and muscles, and the brain and other vital organs. Breathe deeply, in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Cautions:
Acupressure is effective for many health problems, but some conditions may require medical treatment. Don’t use acupressure if you are seriously injured, or if you have:
- Pancreatic cancer
- A heart condition
- An infection requiring medical treatment
Don’t use acupressure if the acupressure point is under a wart, mole, varicose vein, bruise, cut, abrasion or any other break in the skin. As well, wait twenty minutes after eating, exercising or bathing before using acupressure.
Here are the acupressure points for asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
In the Wrist
There are two acupressure points on the inside of your wrist.
1. The first acupressure point to relieve bronchial distress is in the big crease of your inner wrist, straight below the thumb.
2. The second acupressure point is about a finger’s width below that, in a small hollow.
In the Inside of the Elbow
There are also two acupressure points in the inside of your elbow.
1. Bend your elbow and find the end of the inner crease (thumb side). Press that point with your finger, straighten your arm and apply firm pressure for relief from bronchitis or asthma symptoms.
2. The second point is also on the inner elbow crease, thumb side. Move your finger toward the inside of the elbow until you feel the biceps tendon. If you make a fist, the tendon feels more prominent. The pressure point is just inside the biceps tendon.
Acupressure Points in the Eyebrow Ridge
Feel along the ridge of your eyebrow. About in the middle of the ridge, there’s a slight indentation. Apply pressure here for bronchitis and asthma relief.
In the Collarbone and Chest
There are three bronchitis and asthma acupressure points in the chest and collarbone area.
1. Slide your finger just below the collarbone (clavicle) until you get to a hollow. Massage this area or apply pressure to reduce symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.
2. The second point is about two fingers below this.
3. The third point is on your sternum, directly between your nipples.
Acupressure on these points should relieve symptoms of bronchitis, asthma and other bronchial problems. If symptoms persist, re-stimulate the point. Acupressure isn’t a substitute for medical treatment. If symptoms continue or get worse, consult a doctor or other health professional.
