Cough: Self-Massage Points from TCM

No needles needed: firm fingers on the right points do a surprising amount for cough. Here is the short list and how to work them.

The points, in order

• lieque: on the thumb side of the forearm, about a thumb-width above the wrist crease, in the bony notch
• tiantu: in the small hollow at the top of the breastbone, at the base of the throat

Technique

Use the pad of a thumb or a knuckle, press to clear comfortable soreness, and circle slowly for about a minute per point. Twice a day is the standard home rhythm. Soreness that melts as you keep pressing usually means you are in the right place.

What to expect

Acupressure is subtle. Changes build over days and weeks, not minutes, and it works best alongside the food and herb pieces of the plan rather than alone.

Start low, watch how your body responds, and give it a fair run of a few weeks before judging. If something feels wrong, stop; that feedback matters more than any article.