An Acupuncture Point for Healing Asthma and Chest Pain

Most of the acupuncture points (acupoints) of the Lung Channel can help in the treatment of pulmonary diseases including cough and asthma. LU 9 (Taiyuan) is the ninth point on the Lung Channel. It can be utilized to heal cough, asthma, sore throat, and hemoptysis. In addition, it is helpful for relieving chest pain, wrist pain, palm heat, as well as the pulseless syndrome.

The Chinese meaning of this point indicates some interesting features. Here “Tai” in the Chinese name means great, and “yuan” means abyss. This point is the “Shu-Stream” and “Yuan-Source” acupoints of the Lung meridian. It is the vessel-confluent point of the Eight Confluent acupoints. “Shu-Stream” acupuncture points are below the knees or elbows.

“Yuan-Source” acupuncture points are the locations where the primary qi of the internal organs flows by and stays there. They may reflect the pathological changes of the internal organs and can be used for disease diagnosis and treatment of relevant organs.

The Eight Confluent acupuncture points are the convergent places of the essence of qi, blood, tendons, vessels, bones, marrow, and internal organs. These points can be used to treat diseases of the corresponding meridians, tissues, and organs.

To use the acupuncture point LU 9 (Taiyuan), you can find it at the radial end of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the radial artery. For acupressure at this point, use the thumb to press for 5-10 seconds for at least 10 times. To perform acupuncture here, puncture the needle perpendicularly for 0.3-0.5 cun. Note that the radial artery in this area should be avoided.

This point can be used to remove the phlegm, adjust qi of the Lung, improve the circulation of the blood, and clear away the heat in the Lungs and Liver. Chinese researchers found that for some people, there was a specific receiving sensibility at LU 9 (Taiyuan).