HOW TO STOP A COUGHING ATTACK

Maddie
6 days ago
3 min read

I'm full of tips and techniques to help the lungs, it's my 'weak link', so I try everything and one thing that works 8/10 times for me to stop a coughing fit is something my friend, colleague and amazing acupuncturist and energy worker DR MELANIE SMITH showed me many moons ago. I have great pleasure in sharing it with you now ......

I want to thank Peter Deadman for his wonderful reference book, and app, A Manual of Acupuncture, from which I have used his illustration of Lung 10 FISH BORDER.

Lung 10 – A Natural Helper for Calming Coughs

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each meridian has specific points that can be used to bring balance and relief.

One that is often overlooked but wonderfully effective is Lung 10 (Yuji, “Fish Border”), located on the fleshy mound at the base of your thumb, just where the skin changes colour when you make a loose fist.

How Lung 10 Helps a Cough

Stops a coughing fit: Lung 10 is a Fire point on the Lung meridian. Because of this fiery quality, it’s often used when the Lungs are “too hot” – for example, in a sore throat, dry cough, or that hacking cough that won’t let you rest.
Soothes throat irritation: Pressing or gently massaging the point can quickly ease irritation and calm spasms in the throat. I personally rub it quite firmly up and down. Get curious and experiment to see if pressing, massaging gently, firmly, fast or slow gets the best result for you. I also tape Frankincense resin onto this point when I sleep for a more peaceful night.
Clears heat: If your cough is accompanied by dryness, heat in the chest, or even the first tingle of a sore throat, this point can bring cooling relief.

How to use it:

With your opposite thumb, press into Lung 10 and massage in small circles (or as suggested above).
Hold for 30–60 seconds, then switch sides.
If you’re in the middle of a coughing spell, keep gentle, steady pressure until it eases.

Other Supportive Self-Care at the Start of a Cold or Cough

When you first feel that tickle or tightness, here are simple energy medicine and natural approaches that may help head it off:

Work the Neurolymphatic Reflex Points for the Lungs
- Located on the upper chest and alongside the sternum, massaging these helps release toxins, improve lymph flow, and give your immune system a boost.
- It can feel tender if your body is fighting something off—that’s a sign they need attention.
Trace Your Lung Meridian
- Start at the chest (just below the collarbone), move over the shoulder, down the inside of the arm, and finish at the inside corner of the thumb.
- Tracing strengthens and balances lung energy, which is your body’s first line of defence against colds.
- Linger on THE SOURCE POINT (Lung 9) on the wrist crease in line with the thumb. This will help balance and harmonise the lung energy / organ.
Hydrate with Warm Liquids
- Warm teas with ginger, honey, or lemon keep the throat soothed and prevent dryness in the lungs. I also make up my own herbal tea ... click on this link: https://www.madisonking.com/post/why-i-take-mullien-leaf
- Avoid icy drinks, which can constrict and slow energy flow.
Essential Oil Helpers
- Eucalyptus (opens the chest and eases breathing).
- Thyme or oregano (antimicrobial support at the first sign of infection).
- Tea tree (supports immunity and clears congestion).
- Inhale, diffuse, or dilute in a carrier oil and massage over the chest.
Rest & Breathe
- Take time to rest—sleep is when your body repairs and fights off invaders.
- Practice slow, deep breaths into the lower lungs to encourage relaxation and oxygen flow.
Tip: If you’re prone to frequent colds or coughs, working Lung 10 and tracing the Lung meridian daily can help build resilience in your lung energy.