Every major organ in the body is also assigned an energetic pathway in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These pathways allow energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) to flow throughout the body, which keeps everything functioning properly. When the Qi becomes deficient, excess, stagnant or blocked, then disease can occur. During the season of winter, this may manifest as increased mucous, cough, and lethargy. Points that are helpful to massage when you have a cold that is causing your nose to be stuffy and may be associated with a cough are Spleen 9, Lung 7, 8, 9, Large Intestine 4, and Governing Vessel 14.

Spleen 9: Located on the inside of the knee. This point is good for removing phlegm. 

Lung 7,8,9: Along the medial posterior wrist is the Lung meridian. The points located in this 1 inch area on an adult or half inch area for a child are along the wrist support your lung Qi and help with reducing phlegm. 

Large intestine 4: Located on your hand half way between the knuckle of your pointer finger and the crease on your wrist close to metacarpal bone. This point is good for releasing the pathogenic factor that is invading the wei qi. Wei Qi is our bodies first line of defense, it is the body of energy that exists 1-2 inches from the skin. Large Intestine 4 is great for any facial concern like a stuffing nose or headache. 

Governing Vessel 14: The bladder meridian is located on either side of our spines. The Bladder points on our upper back when rubbed or gwa sha (gentle scraping) will release wind and heat from the body. Governing Vessel (GV) is located along our spine and  GV14 is below the cervical spine number 7. This point will release wind or the pathogenic factor causing your cold, will tonify QI and vent heat.