Acupressure Points for Natural Bronchitis Relief

Understanding Acupressure for Bronchitis Relief

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that utilizes finger pressure on designated points along meridian lines to restore balance within the body. Practitioners believe vital energy, or Qi, flows through these invisible pathways. By applying physical pressure to specific acupoints, blocked areas open to improve function, reduce pain, and ease breathing. Those struggling with bronchial inflammation and constriction may find this drug-free therapy brings airway comfort.

How Acupressure Addresses Bronchitis

During a bronchitis flareup, the bronchi (air passageways of the lungs) swell and fill with mucus making breathing difficult. Acupressure helps by:

• Promoting relaxation to expand contracted airways
• Increasing blood flow to diseased lung tissue
• Dissolving phlegm obstruction in the bronchial tubes
• Boosting the immune response to clear infection

Self-Administering Treatment Points

Some of the most utilized acupoints for bronchitis lie along meridians running through the arms, shoulders, chest, back, and legs. Patients can access them independently at home after instruction to obtain respiratory comfort including:

• Lung 7 (wrist crease)
• Lung 9 (wrist pulse)
• Lung 10 (thumb muscle)
• Pericardium 6 (inner wrist)
• Conception Vessel 17 (center chest)
• Bladder 13 (mid-back)

Precise Acupressure Point Location

Finding the precise anatomical area involved activates each acupoint’s remedial potential. For example, Lung 7 lies in the slim gap between specific tendons slightly above the crease when bending the hand. Meanwhile, Bladder 13 exists mid-spine level with the bottom of the shoulder blade’s inner tip. Carefully pinpointing meridian points is key.

Applying Correct Pressure

Beyond pinpoint placement, pressure amount and duration spent stimulating sites impacts outcomes. Keep these finger pressure tips in mind when massaging acupoints yourself:

• Use pads of thumb, knuckle, or fingertip
• Aim for mild to moderately firm pressure
• Build pressure gradually then hold steady
• Massage in circular, up/down, or pulsing motions
• Stimulate both sides simultaneously if able
• Repeat for 30 seconds up to a few minutes per site

Achieving Deqi Sensation

Eliciting “deqi” infers the acupoint has been adequately engaged according to traditional Chinese medicine teachings. Typically described patiently as numbness, swelling, soreness, or tingling, the vital energy flow intensifies through the localized area. Bronchitic individuals may perceive easier breathing as lung meridian points open.

Acupressure Technique for Lung Health

Proper breathing supports lung health. Practicing mindful inhale/exhale exercises simultaneously with acupoint stimulation compounds positive effects. By controlling breath during treatment, oxygenation improves while accessing a meditative state to promote healing.

Deep Belly Breathing Method Steps

1. Lay down in comfortable position
2. Place one hand on abdomen, other on chest
3. Inhale slowly through nose feeling belly rise
4. Pause then exhale fully out the mouth
5. Repeat 5-10 cycles of deep breaths

Coordinating Point Massage

Coordinate massage pressure application on key lung acupoints with breathing cycles. As an example sequence:

1. Apply pressure to Lung 9 while inhaling
2. Maintain pressure on Lung 9 exhaling
3. Repeat sequence as desired

Adjust pressure points stimulated based on personal symptom relief.

Boosting Immunity Against Recurrent Bronchitis

Since bronchitis often recurs in susceptible individuals, lifestyle measures enhance wellness between bouts. Combining acupressure, healthy habits, and possible medication during acute flare ups mitigates frequency/severity of recurrence.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Changes

Diet improvements and certain practices bolster defenses making the body more resilient by:

• Eating anti-inflammatory foods
• Quitting smoking to protect lungs
• Avoiding irritants like pollution
• Managing stress levels with meditation
• Supplementing with Vitamin D

Custom Acu-Yoga Poses

Merging yoga postures applying pressure to key acupoints taps into ancient Chinese wisdom supporting respiratory health. For example:

• Fish Pose - Lying on back, elbows press Lung 9
• Sphinx Pose - Prone on forearms, chest presses CV17
• Child’s Pose - On knees, lean back compressing Bladder 13

Bronchitis sufferers should explore integrative therapies like acupressure alongside modern medicine for best outcome.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.