Can a simple neck massage improve coughing after surgery?

This small pilot study will test whether pressing the Tian Tu acupoint (a spot on the neck) can help patients cough more effectively after esophageal surgery. Thirty adults who have had the surgery will be asked to cough on their own, then after a rest, cough while the acupoint is pressed. The researchers will measure cough strength and abdominal pressure to see if the massage makes a difference. This is an early feasibility study to help design larger trials.