How to do moxibustion for coughing
Cough is one of the most common symptoms of the respiratory system and is usually seen in conditions such as the common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), most coughs are considered “external coughs,” meaning they are caused by external factors such as “wind-cold” or “summer-heat,” with wind-cold coughs being the most common. On the other hand, if the body’s internal lung qi is weak or lung yin is insufficient, it can also lead to what is known as an “internal cough.” For those interested in natural therapies, learning how to do moxibustion for coughing may provide additional relief by helping to regulate lung qi and dispel external pathogens.
The two main types of cough
All coughs, whether caused by external or internal factors, are due to the upward reversal of lung qi and the dysfunction of the lungs. When the lungs are affected by cold and dampness, phlegm tends to accumulate, and the lung qi cannot flow smoothly downward; instead, it rushes upward, triggering a cough. In Chinese medicine, the spleen is considered the main organ that produces phlegm, while the lungs are where it is stored. If the spleen is weakened by cold and dampness, it generates excessive phlegm.
1. Wind-cold cough
Wind-cold cough belongs to the category of external cough and is caused by the body being attacked by wind-cold, which results in impaired lung qi function.
The main symptoms include a loud, coarse cough, shortness of breath, an itchy throat, and thin white phlegm. It is often accompanied by nasal congestion, a runny nose, headache, body aches, aversion to cold with mild fever, and little or no sweating. The tongue coating is usually thin and white.
The treatment principle is to dispel wind-cold, regulate lung qi, and restore normal lung function. How to do moxibustion for coughing: Recommended points include Fengmen, Feishu (Lung Yu), and Lieque.
2. Internal cough
An internal cough is usually caused by weak lung qi or insufficient lung yin.
The main symptoms include recurrent coughing, especially in the morning upon waking, with a low and weak cough sound. Phlegm is often sticky and may appear white or grayish-white. Patients often feel chest tightness and shortness of breath, and the symptoms are relieved after expelling phlegm. It may also be accompanied by fatigue, bloating, and diarrhea.
The treatment principle is not only to eliminate the disease but also to strengthen the body’s vital qi and support lung recovery. How to do moxibustion for coughing: Recommended acupoints include Tiantu and Tingqi.
In addition, you can gently massage the Danzhong(CV17) with your index finger for 3–5 minutes each time. The technique should be smooth and gentle, which helps to dissolve phlegm and relieve coughing.
What to pay attention to during coughing
- Drink plenty of warm water to keep your body hydrated.
- Eat more foods that moisturize the lungs, such as autumn pears and kumquats etc. Eating a few of them every day has a cough-relieving and preventive effect. Silver fungus, honey dates, lily, and loquat also have a moistening effect on the lungs. You can use these ingredients to make soup as a daily dietary therapy.
- Avoid oily and sweet foods in your diet to avoid aggravating phlegm-dampness.
- Eat less spicy and stimulating foods.
- Quit smoking and try to avoid exposure to smoke and dust.
Tips from Chinese medicine practitioners
Regardless of whether it is an external or internal cough, the root cause is the upward reversal of lung qi and lung dysfunction. It is important to note the following:
- For an external cough, astringent cough-suppressing methods should not be used too early, as this may trap the pathogenic factors inside the body.
- For an internal cough, dispersing methods should not be overused, as this may weaken the body’s vital qi.
- For all types of cough, attention should also be paid to diet: avoid fatty, sweet, rich, and greasy foods, as they can burden the spleen and contribute to dampness and phlegm. Spicy foods should also be limited, and it is advisable to quit smoking and avoid exposure to smoke and dust.
- In addition to these precautions, how to do moxibustion for coughing can also be considered as a supportive therapy. Choosing the right acupoints and applying gentle, consistent moxibustion helps regulate lung qi, dissolve phlegm, and relieve cough.
How to do moxibustion for coughing
Moxibustion is a gentle therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and the benefits of moxibustion include stimulating acupuncture points with heat, regulating qi, and strengthening the body. To help relieve cough, moxibustion can be applied to the following points in sequence:
Moxibustion for wind-cold cough
Recommended acupoints for moxibustion: Fengmen(BL12), Feishu(BL13), and Lieque (LU7).
Fengmen(BL12)
Location:
on the back, at the second thoracic vertebra under the spinous process, 1.5 inches aside.
Moxibustion method:
Use moxa sticks to moxibrate Fengmen points for 10 minutes each time, once a day.
Feishu(BL13)
Avoid exposure to wind when moxibustion is performed.
Location:
On the back, below the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches (about two fingers’ width) from the spine.
Moxibustion method:
Mild moxibustion for 15-20 minutes, helps to promote lung qi, dispel cold and wind.
Lieque (LU7)
Location:
Cross the tiger’s mouth of the left and right hands, the index finger of one hand is pressed on the radial tuberosity of the other hand, and the tip of the index finger reaches the place where the point is Lechu.
Moxibustion method: Mild moxibustion of Lechu point for 5 to 10 minutes.
Note: moxibustion to the skin slightly red for appropriate, indicating that the stimulation in place. After each moxibustion, pay attention to keep warm, avoid getting cold.
Moxibustion for Internal Cough
Recommended Acupuncture Points: Tiantu(CV22) and Tingxia Point.
Tiantu(CV22)
Location:
In the front of the neck, in the depression directly below the knot of the throat.
Moxibustion method:
Light moxa sticks and moxibustion gently for 10 to 15 minutes, 1 to 2 times a day. You can also use moxa box moxibustion or moxibustion through ginger.
Note:
Do not use scar moxibustion as it may affect neck movement.
Dingchuan (EX-B1)
Location:
Located on the midline of the back, 0.5 inches away from the large vertebrae points.
Moxibustion method:
use moxa sticks to moxibustion fixed asthma point, each moxibustion 15 minutes, once a day.
Although coughs are common, they can be effectively relieved through the correct use of moxibustion points and a proper daily regimen. It is important to distinguish the type of cough, select the corresponding acupoints, and combine this with a healthy diet and lifestyle to support faster recovery. In practice, understanding how to do moxibustion for coughing allows you to apply the therapy more precisely and achieve better results.
