Acupressure may help relieve the nagging coughs that often accompany colds, and it's a treatment that can be used and performed by both children and adults. However, coughs should not be taken lightly. Acupressure.com warns that you should always consult your doctor if you have a severe, repeated or uncontrolled cough. It could be a sign of an illness such as flu, pneumonia or bronchitis that could become serious if you don't get medical attention.
What is Acupressure?
The Acupressure Institute in Berkley, California, describes acupressure as an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. In acupressure, the fingers are used to apply pressure on certain areas of the skin's surface to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. Pressing on the points helps relieve muscle tension and helps blood circulation. Acupressure.com says the pressure also speeds healing by promoting circulation of the body's life force energy, which is known as Chi or Qi.
Acupressure vs. Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture both work on the principle of stimulating energy flow, and they use the same pressure points and meridians. Charts that illustrate these points and meridians are widely available on the Internet. The big difference between the two approaches is that acupuncture uses needles while acupressure uses finger pressure. Acupressure.com notes that the most well-known style of acupressure is the Shiatsu massage. You can also learn to do acupressure on yourself.
How Acupressure Helps Coughs
MotherNature.com notes that coughing can be beneficial by helping keep the lungs and airways clear, but if you need some relief from the coughs, the website reports acupressure may help. When you cough, large muscle groups in the upper back can go into spasm according to Acupressure.com. It notes that by using acupressure on certain points on the chest, throat, neck and upper back, you can help your respiratory system, relax your body and lessen the coughing. Acupressure can be used in conjunction with cough medications.
Coughs Due to Cold
Acupressure may help speed recovery from the cold viruses that often lead to coughs. If you're suffering from a cold with a dry cough, HolisticOnline.com suggests a three-part approach. Begin by applying pressure with the middle fingers for a minute to the K27 pressure points. These are the depressions directly below the protrusions on both sides of the collarbone.
Next, the website recommends moving to the points known as Gall Bladder 20. These points are located underneath the base of the skull, two inches from either side of the middle of the neck. Press both points with the thumb for a minute.
Finally, move to Large Intestine 11, which is at the outer edge of each elbow crease. Do these points one at time by applying pressure with the middle finger of the opposite hand for one minute.
Once completed, repeat the entire sequence. For maximum relief, do this at least three times a day.
Acupressure with Tennis Balls
You can use tennis balls or small rubber balls to apply pressure, too. According to Acupressure.com, lie down on the floor and place the balls between your shoulder blades at heart level. Close your eyes and take three long, deep breaths as you apply pressure with your fingers to the K27 points on your chest. Next, slowly roll the balls a few inches higher toward the base of the neck and hold the position to feel the pressure.
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