Acupuncture Points to Ease Chest Congestion This Fall

As the crisp fall air settles in, many of us notice more dryness, cough, or chest tightness. Seasonal changes often stress the lungs, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is closely connected to the Lung system. When the lungs are blocked by phlegm or weakened by dryness, chest congestion can develop. Fortunately, acupuncture offers natural support to clear the chest, ease breathing, and strengthen lung function.

Key Acupuncture Points for Chest Congestion

1. LU 1 (Zhong Fu – Middle Palace)

• Location: Just below the outer end of the clavicle, in the first intercostal space.

  • Function: Front-Mu point of the Lung. Helps release phlegm, open the chest, and ease coughing or shortness of breath.

2. LU 5 (Chi Ze – Cubit Marsh)

• Location: At the elbow crease, on the thumb side of the biceps tendon.

• Function: Clears heat and phlegm from the lungs, moistens dryness, and relieves chest tightness.

  
  

3. LU 7 (Lie Que – Broken Sequence)

• Location: On the wrist, just above the styloid process of the radius.

• Function: Opens the Lung channel, disperses wind-cold, and relieves cough or sore throat. Excellent for seasonal respiratory issues.

  
  

4. ST 40 (Feng Long – Abundant Bulge)

• Location: Midway down the lower leg, on the outside of the tibia.

• Function: The “master point” for phlegm. Helps transform and drain phlegm anywhere in the body, especially in the lungs.

  
  

5. CV 17 (Shan Zhong – Chest Center)

• Location: Center of the chest, between the nipples.

• Function: Meeting point of Qi. Opens the chest, regulates Lung Qi, and reduces feelings of heaviness or oppression.

  
  

6. BL 13 (Fei Shu – Lung Back Shu)

• Location: On the upper back, level with the third thoracic vertebra.

• Function: Strengthens the Lung, nourishes Lung Qi, and clears congestion.

Simple At-Home Support

• Gentle acupressure: Press LU 7 or ST 40 for 1–2 minutes on each side while breathing deeply.

• Steam inhalation with eucalyptus or ginger can help loosen phlegm.

• Seasonal foods: Pears, honey, white fungus soup, and daikon radish are all known in TCM to moisten the lungs and ease phlegm.

Chest congestion is uncomfortable, but with acupuncture and mindful seasonal habits, you can support your lungs naturally. As fall progresses, keeping the Lung channel clear not only helps breathing but also strengthens your body’s defenses against colds and flu.

If chest tightness or cough persists, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider. Acupuncture can work alongside conventional care to help you feel your best this season.