After entering the cold winter, people are easily susceptible to colds due to the influence of temperature. In addition to taking medication, stimulating acupuncture points on the body can also help relieve the symptoms of a cold. Here, we will introduce several acupuncture points and corresponding massage methods for treating a cold.
1. Yintang Acupoint
Location: Yintang is located in the groove between the nose and upper lip, at the midpoint of the outer edge of the nose wing, about one centimeter from the side of the nose.
Method: Press this acupoint with the fingertips for one minute.
Effect: Dispels wind-heat and clears nasal passages. It can treat symptoms such as nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, and difficulty breathing after a cold.
2. Taiyang Acupoint
Location: Taiyang is located in the temporal area, between the end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye, about one horizontal finger indentation. It is in the middle of the line connecting the end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye, further back by one horizontal finger.
Method: Rub the Taiyang acupoint with your fingertips 30-50 times, alternating between clockwise and counterclockwise.
Effect: Opens up the meridians and relieves pain. It can alleviate headaches and dizziness caused by a cold.
3. Lieque Acupoint
Location: Lieque is above the styloid process of the radius, 1.5 inches above the transverse wrist crease. The acupoint is located where the index finger of one hand presses against the styloid process of the other hand. It is the depression reached by the tip of the index finger.
Method: Press the Lieque acupoint with the thumb of one hand, slightly rubbing it until it feels warm. Repeat 2-3 times a day.
Effect: Massaging the Lieque acupoint can treat symptoms such as dry cough with little phlegm, headache, chills, and fever. It has the function of nourishing the lungs, stopping cough, and resolving phlegm.
4. Fengchi Acupoint
Location: Fengchi is located in the neck, below the occipital bone, at the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle.
Method: Rub the Fengchi acupoint back and forth with your fingers, using a kneading motion, until there is localized warmth and a relaxed feeling in the head and body.
Effect: Refreshes the mind and disperses wind-heat. It can treat symptoms such as headache, dizziness, neck pain, and nasal congestion caused by a cold.
5. Zusanli Acupoint
Location: Zusanli is located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the Duyin acupoint, one horizontal finger width from the anterior edge of the tibia.
Method: Use the thumb and index and middle fingers of one hand to firmly press the Zusanli acupoint. The area is relatively plump, and you will feel a sore and swollen sensation when pressed. First press the acupoint firmly to induce a stronger sore and swollen reaction, then slowly knead it for several tens of times.
Effect: Dispels wind and cold, strengthens the body's resistance to external pathogens, and prevents and treats colds.
6. Jianjing Acupoint
Location: Jianjing is located on the shoulder, at the midpoint of the line connecting the seventh cervical vertebra and the acromion.
Method: Hold the Jianjing acupoint with the thumb, index, and middle fingers of one hand, with the thumb in front and the index and middle fingers behind. Press and hold the acupoint until you feel a very sore and swollen sensation. Repeat several times.
Effect: Dispels wind and cold, releases the exterior, and is especially suitable for treating colds caused by wind and cold.
