COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, which is spread by tiny respiratory droplets. Apart from practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and maintaining proper hygiene, it is important to take good care of your lung health at this time. For this, you can try acupressure therapy.
Acupressure is based on the concept of life energy which flows through meridians in the body. Any blockage and disruption in the flow of energy through the median can lead to different health issues. The lung meridian is one of the major ones, comprising 12 meridian pathways in the human body. Applying suitable acupressure points for the lungs can prove to be beneficial to strengthen lung health and boost your immunity.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease. It makes breathing difficult for millions of people across the globe. It is a medical condition in which the lining of the airways become swollen or inflamed, thus, making them sensitive to irritations and allergic reactions. People suffering from this problem often experience symptoms like periodic attacks or episodes of tightness in the chest, wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing. One of the most challenging things about asthma is that it cannot be cured, it can only be managed. Moreover, it is not age-bound, even a small child can show symptoms of asthma.
Consumption of medicines and the use of inhalers mis considered to be the best way to strengthen the lungs, but apart from that, massaging some lung acupuncture points can also help ease the symptoms. Pressing acupressure points is a harmless healing option in asthma.
The Effectiveness Of Acupressure Therapy For Our Lungs
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, the acupressure points are plotted along each meridian. And, it is used to treat various conditions and imbalances via the practice of acupuncture. The lung meridian is one of the major 12 meridian pathways in the human body. It is responsible not only for the lungs, but also the immune system, and the emotion of grief.
Further, according to the TCM, the lungs govern chi (our life force), which is crucial for all metabolic activities. Therefore, lung health determines our overall well-being. By strengthening the lung meridian, we speed up blood and chi circulation throughout the body. This helps to increase cell activities necessary to support immune health.
The lung meridian takes in the new, gets rid of the old, and relates to our ability to process grief. In this year, grief has become an increasingly common experience in our society. Now is the time to strengthen our ability to cope with collective trauma and transform. And, acupressure therapy can play a vital role in doing so.
Here Mentioned Is A Quick Acupressure Routine To Help Support The Lungs.
Acupressure is a convenient, simple, and safe practice you can do at home. It uses some of the same acupoints and meridians as acupuncture. But, instead of using needles, you may simply apply lung acupuncture points with your hands.
How To Do It:-
You may apply gentle pressure to the points bilaterally for 1 to 2 minutes at a time on a daily basis. You can apply pressure with your fingertips or an acupressure tool. Hold down the point for 4 breaths, then release for 1 breath, and repeat. This ensures that you do not leave a bruise on the point afterward. The applied pressure should produce slight tenderness to the points.
Always remember that while stimulating these points, take long and full breaths to slow down your breathing. Deep and slow breathing is an excellent way to jump-start your vagus nerve, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and deepening relaxation.
Some Of The Crucial Lung Meridian Acupressure Points
1. Lung 1
This acupressure point helps in the process of letting go. It helps to scatter energy and release emotions and expand lung capacity to deliver more oxygen around the body. To locate this point, cross your arms as if you are giving yourself a hug. Wrap your fingers around the upper arms and your thumbs will naturally land in the hollow space under the clavicle, and above the armpit crease. The lung 1 acupressure point is located on the lateral edge of the chest, between the first and second rib.
2. Lung 7
This point opens up the lungs, frees up chi, and strengthens our body’s defensive energy. This is also a great point to release emotions of grief. As this point links the lung and the large intestine meridians, it can also work to move the bowels. To locate this acupressure point, intersect your index fingers and thumbs of both hands. Let the index finger of one hand land on top of the radial styloid process. The point is located under the tip of the index finger.
3. Large Intestine 4
According to the meridian theory, the large Intestines and the lung meridian are closely related. Large intestine 4 is a master point for easing pain in the body, especially pain in the head and face, and supporting immunity. Do not stimulate this point during pregnancy. To locate this point, stretch out your hand face down and look for a “V” that forms between the web of the thumb and index finger.
4, Liver 3
The liver meridian is said to be closely associated with negative emotions like anxiety, anger, and stress. Psychological stress can often stimulate stress response in the body, and as a result, lower our immune defense. When we stimulate the liver, it can benefit our immune system as well as the health of the lungs. This point is located on the top of your foot, between the web of the big and the second toe. If you slide your index finger up the web; the point is in the depression just before the junction of the two metatarsal bones.
Few Other Acupressure Points For Respiratory Problems
Collarbone Pressure Points
You will find these pressure points below your collarbone on the outer side of your chest. These points are located three fingers-widths below the collar bone. You may press these points to get relief from chest congestion, emotional distress, breathing difficulties, and coughing problems.
The Base Of The Thumb Pressure Point
This acupressure point is located near the base of the thumb. It is the sore fleshy area located below your thumb. Place the thumb of your other hand at the center of the sore area and press it gently. Hold this point for 5 minutes. Doing this regularly will help you get instant relief from cough, swollen throat, and shallow breathing.
The Wrist Pressure Point
This is one of the crucial acupressure points for clearing the lungs. You can locate this pressure point on the wrist below the base of your thumb. Place the thumb of your other hand on the small groove on your wrist and hold it for a couple of minutes. Repeat the same with the other hand. Applying pressure will help you in reducing lung problems, coughing, and other symptoms of asthma.
The Throat Pressure Point
This acupressure point is located just below your Adam’s apple. Place your index finger on the grove, located 3-4 inches below your Adam’s apple, and apply slight pressure on it. You may hold this point for 5 minutes for relief. Do this regularly thrice a day for improved breathing.
Elbow Pressure Points
This pressure point can be easily located on the elbow joint. Pressing this point for 5 minutes every day will provide relief from breathing problems.
Conclusion:-
It is very important to maintain the health of your lungs. And, to strengthen lung function; you may apply the suitable acupressure points as mentioned above in the article. However, before applying acupressure points for lung problems, you must seek proper consultation from a therapist. In case you are suffering from major issues in the lungs, you must reach out to a doctor for help.
FAQ’s
1. What Causes Lung Cancer?
Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult.
2. How To Enhance Lung’s Capacity?
Deep breathing can help you get closer to reaching your lungs’ full capacity. As you slowly inhale, try to expand your belly. Next, expand your ribs, thus, allowing the floating ribs to open like wings. Finally, allow the upper chest to expand and lift.
3. Will Acupuncture Help With Coughing?
If you are suffering from a cold or flu, acupuncture can be helpful in relieving symptoms like chills, fever, headaches, body aches, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and cough. But, in severe cases of cough problems, you must reach out to a Pulmonologist for appropriate medical help.
4. Is Acupressure Therapy Safe For Lungs?
Acupressure is a low-risk physical therapy. It is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Previous research has shown that acupressure can improve patients’ symptoms of dyspnea in lung diseases and their quality of life.
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