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Writer's pictureJingyuan Di

An Acupuncturist's Guide to Treating Cough

Coughing is a common symptom that can stem from various underlying causes such as colds, flu, allergies, asthma, or even more chronic conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on diagnosing and treating coughs, focusing on restoring balance and harmony within the body. As acupuncturists, understanding the holistic approach to treating coughs involves not just addressing the symptoms but also the root causes, ensuring a comprehensive healing process for the patient.



Understanding Cough in TCM

In TCM, cough is often associated with an imbalance in the body's Qi (vital energy) and the malfunctioning of the lungs. The lungs are considered the most external organ and are the first to be affected by external pathogens. Coughs can be classified based on their nature and the underlying imbalances:

  1. Wind-Cold Cough: This type is characterized by a sudden onset, thin white phlegm, and symptoms that worsen with cold exposure. Patients may also experience a stuffy nose, headache, and aversion to cold.

  2. Wind-Heat Cough: Commonly seen in the early stages of respiratory infections, this type presents with a sore throat, thick yellow phlegm, and a sensation of heat. Fever and sweating may accompany these symptoms.

  3. Phlegm-Dampness Cough: Often seen in individuals with a weak digestive system, this cough is characterized by abundant, sticky phlegm that is difficult to expectorate. Symptoms include a feeling of chest fullness and a poor appetite.

  4. Liver Fire Cough: Emotional stress can lead to Liver Qi stagnation, transforming into fire and affecting the lungs. This type of cough is often dry, with scanty, sticky phlegm, and may be accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, and chest pain.

  5. Lung Yin Deficiency Cough: Chronic cough with scanty, sticky phlegm, and symptoms of dryness (dry throat, mouth, and skin) suggest a deficiency in Lung Yin. Patients may also experience night sweats and a red tongue with little coating.

Acupuncture Points for Treating Cough

Acupuncture treatment aims to restore the flow of Qi, clear any blockages, and harmonize the affected organs. Some commonly used acupuncture points for treating cough include:

  1. LU-1 (Zhongfu): This point is located on the chest and is effective in dispersing and descending Lung Qi. It is particularly useful for coughs with phlegm and chest congestion.

  2. LU-7 (Lieque): Located on the radial side of the wrist, this point helps to release the exterior, stimulate the descending function of the lungs, and alleviate cough.

  3. BL-13 (Feishu): Situated on the back, this point is directly related to the lungs and is used to tonify Lung Qi and Yin, making it beneficial for chronic coughs.

  4. ST-40 (Fenglong): This point on the leg helps transform phlegm and dampness, making it useful for coughs with excessive mucus production.

  5. LI-4 (Hegu) and LI-11 (Quchi): These points are effective in releasing the exterior and clearing heat, making them ideal for wind-heat coughs.


Acupuncture is often most effective when combined with other TCM therapies such as herbal medicine, cupping, and dietary adjustments. Herbal formulas tailored to the specific type of cough can enhance the treatment's effectiveness. For instance, a Wind-Cold Cough might be treated with a formula like Ma Huang Tang, while a Lung Yin Deficiency Cough might benefit from Bai He Gu Jin Tang.

If you would like to learn more or consult with a licensed acupuncturist for a customized treatment, you may book an appointment here:

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