Natural Ways to Soothe a Persistent Cough After a Cold

Lingering coughs that stick around for weeks after a cold can be both frustrating and exhausting. While most of the cold symptoms may disappear, that dry, nagging cough tends to hang on. Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a gentle and effective approach to easing these symptoms. In particular, acupressure cough relief techniques can support the body’s natural healing and bring much-needed comfort.

To explore this further, we consulted Ms. Mai Sogawa, a certified TCM therapist from Japan. Her insights help us understand how targeted acupressure points can help manage persistent cough symptoms. If you’re new to acupressure, check out our comprehensive guide to acupressure techniques and benefits before diving in.

Below are five essential acupressure points recommended by Ms. Mai to relieve a lingering cough and how you can use them in your daily wellness routine.

Kongzui (LU-6) – Maximum Opening for the Lungs

Location: On the inside of the forearm, about 7 cun (the width of your thumb at the knuckle is one cun) above the wrist crease, in line with the thumb.

How it helps: Kongzui is an acute point on the Lung meridian and is especially useful for stopping coughs and clearing heat from the lungs. It is particularly effective when the cough is dry, painful, or comes with blood-tinged phlegm.

How to use it:

• Apply gentle pressure using your thumb or index finger.
• Press for 1-2 minutes while breathing slowly.
• Use circular motions to stimulate the point for deeper relaxation.

Zhongfu (LU-1) – Lung’s Front-Mu Point

Location: On the chest, slightly below the outer end of the collarbone, near the first intercostal space.

How it helps: This point is known for dispersing lung Qi and relieving cough, chest tightness, and even wheezing. It’s a go-to point for respiratory concerns in TCM.

How to use it:

• Use your fingertips to gently massage the area in small circles.
• Apply pressure for about one minute on each side of the chest.
• It can be especially helpful after a steamy shower when the chest muscles are relaxed.

Tiantu (Ren-22) – Celestial Chimney for Throat Relief

Location: In the hollow at the base of the throat, above the sternum.

How it helps: Tiantu is used to regulate the flow of Qi in the chest and throat, making it perfect for chronic coughs and throat irritation, especially those that persist long after the cold is gone.

How to use it:

• Press gently inward and slightly downward with one or two fingers.
• Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Use shallow breathing to avoid discomfort while applying pressure.

Chize (LU-5) – Clearing Heat and Phlegm

Location: At the elbow crease on the thumb side of the tendon, when the arm is bent.

How it helps: Chize is excellent for clearing heat and reducing phlegm buildup in the lungs. If your lingering cough is producing mucus or feels congested, this is the point to focus on.

How to use it:

• Bend your arm and locate the point at the outer end of the elbow crease.
• Apply firm pressure for 1-2 minutes.
• Use this point during coughing fits or after exposure to cold air.

Zhaohai (KD-6) – Nourishing Yin for Dry Coughs

Location: Just below the inner ankle bone.

How it helps: While not directly on the Lung meridian, Zhaohai supports the Kidney meridian, which is essential in TCM for nourishing Lung Yin. This is crucial for dry, irritating coughs that linger without much phlegm.

How to use it:

• Sit comfortably and locate the point with your thumb.
• Press firmly but gently for about one minute on each foot.
• Combine this with deep breathing to enhance moisture in the respiratory tract.

How to Incorporate Acupressure into Your Daily Routine

Ms. Mai Sogawa recommends performing these acupressure techniques each morning upon waking. This helps activate the meridians, clear stagnation, and prepare the body for the day ahead. If coughing becomes intense during the day, a quick self-acupressure session targeting one or two of these points can bring immediate relief.

Here’s how you can incorporate these into your daily wellness habits:

• Morning Routine: Stimulate all five points in sequence before breakfast.
• During Symptoms: Focus on LU-6 and CV-22 when experiencing a coughing episode.
• Evening Wind-Down: Use LU-1 and KI-6 before bed to reduce coughing at night.

Final Thoughts

Persistent coughing can take a toll on your energy and mood, especially when it outlasts a cold. Rather than relying solely on medication, integrating acupressure for cough into your daily practice offers a gentle, effective, and empowering alternative. With consistent use, these five acupressure points can help restore balance to the Lung and Kidney meridians, easing your symptoms naturally.

Whether you’re dealing with a dry cough or mucus congestion, try these points and see how your body responds. Always remember that healing takes time, and consistency is key when using Traditional Chinese Medicine.

For more guidance on acupressure and other TCM methods, explore our growing library of expert insights at TCM Tips.

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