Acupressure Points for Deep Breathing
Acupressure and breathing are connected in several ways. Acupressure can help to regulate and improve breathing patterns by stimulating certain pressure points on the body. This is because acupressure can help to release tension and reduce stress, which can in turn help to improve breathing.
Additionally, some acupressure points are specifically associated with the respiratory system and can help to alleviate respiratory symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and shortness of breath. For example, the "Central Treasury" point (CV6) is located on the lower abdomen and is said to regulate the energy of the lungs and improve breathing function.
Acupressure can be a helpful tool for improving breathing patterns and promoting relaxation, which can have positive effects on overall health and well-being. There are several other acupressure points that may help with lung function and respiratory health. Some of the commonly used acupressure points for the lungs include:
LU1 (Zhongfu): Located in the center of the chest, this point is believed to open up the chest and promote lung function.
LU5 (Chize): Located on the inside of the elbow crease, this point is believed to clear lung heat and promote lung function.
LU7 (Lieque): Located on the thumb side of the wrist, this point is believed to promote lung function and relieve coughing.
BL13 (Feishu): Located on the back, between the shoulder blades, this point is believed to tonify lung Qi and promote respiratory health.
Research on the effectiveness of acupressure for respiratory health is limited, but some studies suggest that it may be beneficial in managing symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
One study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupressure on specific points, including LU1 and BL13, was effective in improving lung function and reducing symptoms in patients with asthma.
Another study published in the International Journal of Nursing Practice found that acupressure on LU7 was effective in reducing coughing and improving lung function in patients with COPD.
However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and mechanisms of acupressure for respiratory health.
References:
Wu, Y. X., Liu, J. P., Li, Y. P., & Zhang, J. (2007). Acupressure therapy in the treatment of respiratory disorders: a systematic review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 27(3), 175-181.
Li, J. F., Wu, X. W., Lin, J. F., Wang, X. D., & Zheng, Y. L. (2013). Acupressure therapy for the treatment of COPD: a systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 19(Suppl 3), 13-22.
