P. Sze 
The common cold that brings with it those awful symptoms like cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion, can catch you at any time of the year. But did you know that acupuncture could work wonders to alleviate these symptoms? Using acupuncture points such as LU-9, you can help strengthen your body’s natural defense system to relieve cough, phlegm, and nasal congestion. LU 9 acupuncture point, when used in combination with other pressure points such as EM-7, GV-26, and Ren-22, are very beneficial for treating lung conditions related to the cold such as phlegm, cough, and nasal congestion.
Acupoint: LU-9 (Other Names: Lung-9/Tai Yuan/Supreme Abyss)
Lung 9, also referred to as LU 9 acupuncture point or Tai Yuan, is the source point situated on the hand or Lung channel. The acupoint can be found at the wrist joint on the inside crease of the wrist, located at the depression between the radial artery and the tendon that abducts the thumb. It is an essential point for regulating the Lung Qi (energy) and can be used in a range of cases, including respiratory and lung disorders, and pain across the lung meridian.
It is beneficial in regulating the energy pathway of the lungs, eradicating cough, reducing phlegm, and treating colds, bronchitis, asthma, and nasal congestion. This pressure point is very beneficial for clearing the lungs, improving breathing issues, and promoting blood circulation.
Acupuncture Points for Nasal Congestion
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body to help regulate the flow of energy throughout the body.
Acupressure, on the other hand, is almost similar to acupuncture but doesn’t require the insertion of needles to stimulate the pressure points. It can be done using the thumb or fingers and does not require any therapist or a visit to the clinic. You can quickly learn the technique and massage the pressure points yourself at home to reap the benefits of acupressure.
Acupuncture or acupressure strengthen the lung energy to clear the cough and cold and help stimulate your body to try and banish the cold more quickly to completely clear a congested nose. Here are some of the top pressure points that expert normally used in addition to LU 9 acupuncture point to relieve nasal congestion:
Acupoint: EM-2 (Other Names: Yin Tang/Hall of Impression)
This point is located on the forehead in the middle between the two medial ends of the left and right eyebrows. Because of its location, this point is very effective in treating a frontal headache. Yintang is often used for the treatment of nasal and sinus congestion, rhinitis, nosebleed, and eye disorders.
Acupoint: EM-7 (Other Names: Bi Tong)
You can find this point at the junction of the nasal cartilage. This point is well known for the fantastic effects it offers for treating nasal congestion. It also helps prevent you from catching a cold, enhances immunity, and reduces the chance of suffering from rhinitis.
Acupoint: GV-26 (Other Names: The Governing Vessel-26/Ren Zhong/Middle of the Person)
GV26 is located right in the center below the nose, two-thirds of the way up from the upper lip to the nose. This point helps clear the nasal and sinus cavity and is a critical first aid point for restoring consciousness, for shock and revival from fainting. It also helps relieve a nosebleed, runny nose, postnasal drip, and revives the sense of smell.
Acupoint: LI-20 (Other Names: Large Intestine-20/Ying Xiang/Welcome Fragrance)
LI20 or Ying Xiang is located on the face on both sides of the nostrils, in the line that forms when you smile. This is one of the top points to alleviate sinus pressure, congestion, and sneezing. It is the primary point when it comes to nasal disorders such as a stuffy or blocked nose and a poor sense of smell. It can help improve and treat nasal issues such as sinusitis, nasal congestion, runny nose, and nasal allergies.
Top Acupuncture Points to Relieve Cough & Phlegm
Coughing is a common problem that affects most of us at some point in our lives, particularly in winter. If you have too much phlegm and cough, you can try these fantastic acupressure points together with LU 9 acupuncture point to alleviate your cough.
Acupoint: Ren-22 (Other Names: The Conception Vessel-22/Tian Tu/Heaven Projection)
This point can be found at the anterior median line of the neck, in the center of the suprasternal fossa (the dent in the neck). It helps in regulating lung qi (energy), clearing the lungs, releasing heat, and alleviates cough, wheezing, sore throat, and asthma symptoms. It also cools the throat, clears the voice, and resolves phlegm.
Acupoint: LU-2 (Other Names: Lung-2/Yun Men/Cloud Gate)
This excellent point for cough and phlegm relief is located at the outer end of the lower part of the collar bone, which is in the depression below the clavicle (the collar bone). Another way to locate this point is to rest 3 fingers on the depression just below your collar bone, as shown in the diagram. Your index finger will be pointing at LU-2 naturally. It offers great benefits for clearing the lungs, relieving chesty cough, asthma, wheezing, and chest pain.
Related Reading
- You Can Reduce Phlegm by Massaging ST-40 Acupuncture Point and This Point at Home
- How To Drain Sinuses With A Massage According To Experts
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