2 Lung Channel

? Fig. 2.1

Fig. 2.1  Major points of the Lung Channel.

2.1 Major Points

• LU-1: Front collecting point (Mu Point)

• LU-5: Sedation point

• LU-7: Connecting point (Luo Point). Opening point of the Conception Vessel Ren Mai

• LU-9: Source point (Yuan Point). Tonification point, master point of the blood vessels

• LU-11: Local point

2.2 Associated Points

• LU-1: Front collecting point (Mu Point) of the lung

• BL-13: Back transport point (Back Shu Point) of the lung

2.3 Coupling Relationships

? Fig. 2.2

Fig. 2.2  Coupling relationships of the Lung Channel.

Top-to-bottom coupling: Lung-spleen

Yin-Yang coupling: Lung-large intestine

2.4 LU-1 Zhong Fu

"Central Treasury" ("Central Mansion"), Front Collecting Point (Mu Point)

Location: 6 Cun lateral to the median line, 1 Cun below the clavicle, slightly medial to the caudal border of the coracoid process, at the level of the first intercostal space (ICS 1) ( ? Fig. 2.3).

Fig. 2.3  LU-1.

Note

To locate the coracoid process, palpate in a cranial direction along the anterior fold of the armpit until you feel a distinct bony marker. The easiest way to palpate the coracoid process is by gliding the finger laterally at the caudal margin of the clavicle. Just before reaching the bony structure you are looking for, the finger slides into a soft depression (absence of bony ribs). The coracoid process is located laterally, slightly beyond that depression.

Functional Note

Differentiation between the coracoid process and the lesser tubercle of the humerus: When the arm is rotated slightly outward with the elbow flexed, the coracoid process does not move, while the lesser tubercle of the humerus immediately follows the movement.

Practical Tip

LU-1 is located in the area of tendon insertions of the smaller pectoral muscle, biceps muscle of arm (short head), and coracobrachial muscle; these muscles are often shortened and sensitive to pressure in cases of poor posture in the thoracic region.

Depth of needling: 0.3 to 0.5 Cun.

This is one of the generally dangerous acupuncture points, because improper needling in the mediodorsal direction may create the risk of causing pneumothorax (e.g., in older patients with vesicular emphysema). To cause a pneumothorax, however, requires certain anatomical conditions and incorrect needling in the mediodorsal direction. This point should only be needled in the laterodorsal direction, that is, in the direction of the coracoid process, or tangential to the coracoid process.

Indication: Respiratory tract disorders, cough and bronchitis with phlegm, bronchial asthma, tonsillitis, shoulder-arm syndrome, thoracalgia (pain in the chest).

Action in TCM: Regulates the circulation of Lung Qi and in case of Lung Qi Stagnation.

2.5 LU-5 Chi Ze

"Cubit Marsh" Sedation Point

Location: Radial to the biceps tendon, in the elbow crease ( ? Fig. 2.4).

Fig. 2.4  LU-5.

Note

Locating the biceps tendons is easiest when the lower arm is flexed and supine.

Depth of needling: 0.5 to 1 Cun, perpendicularly.

Indication: Bronchial asthma, bronchitis, croup, tonsillitis, epicondylopathia, skin disorders; possibly microphlebotomy in case of repletion disorders, possibly moxibustion in case of weakness (caution: asthma, ragweed allergy); pain and swelling on the inside of the knee; shoulder pain.

H. Schmidt: Repeated moxa in case of croup.

J. Bischko: For facial skin disorders.

Action in TCM: Expels Phlegm Heat from the Lung Channel.

2.6 LU-7 Lie Que

"Broken Sequence" ("Branching Crevice"), Connecting Point (Luo Point), Opening Point of the Conception Vessel

Location: Radiolateral on the lower arm, in a V-shaped groove proximal to the styloid process of the radius, 1.5 Cun proximal to the wrist crease ( ? Fig. 2.5).

Fig. 2.5   LU-7

Note

This groove is created by the tendon of the brachioradial muscle, which inserts here at the radius, below the long abductor muscle of the thumb.

The tiger mouth grip may be used to find this point ( ? Fig. 2.6). LU-7 is located on the border between the inside and outside of the lower arm, right in front of the tip of the index finger.

Fig. 2.6   Tiger mouth grip.

As a point on a Yin channel, LU-7 still lies just within the Yin region.

Note

To find this point: When using the tiger mouth grip, both practitioner and patient should keep the hand and lower arm of both arms straight and avoid bending or flexing the wrist.

Method of needling: Lift the skin to form a skin fold proximal to the styloid process of the radius, then insert the needle obliquely into the lifted fold in the proximal direction.

Depth of needling: 0.5 to 1 Cun.

Indication: Bronchial asthma, bronchitis, cough, wrist arthralgia, migraine, cephalgia, autonomic dysregulation, tics in the facial area, stuffy nose, facial paralysis.

Action in TCM:

• Regulates and descends Lung Qi

• Regulates Lung Disharmony caused by grief

• Clears the surface of pathogenic climate factors

2.7 LU-9 Tai Yuan

"Great Abyss" ("Great Gulf"), Source Point (Yuan Point), Tonification Point, Master Point of the Blood Vessels

Location: Radial side of the wrist flexion crease, lateral to the radial artery ( ? Fig. 2.7). Of the existing wrist creases, use the one running from the transition of the radius and ulna on one side and the wrist bones (carpal bones) on the other side. Select the wrist crease that is located distal to the clearly palpable end of the styloid process of the radius.

Fig. 2.7  LU-9.

Note

The desired position of the needle is close to the radial artery. This results in a direct effect on the perivascular sympathetic neurovascular plexus. (Explanation of the effect of acupuncture according to König/Wancura: LU-9 is the master point for blood vessels.) The position of the needle is therefore correct when the needle pulses. From that point onward, however, there must be no more stimulation with the needle, that is, the sedation method must not be used. Accidental puncture of the radial artery has no effect whatsoever, as long as bypass circulation through the ulnar artery exists (to be established by prior palpation of the ulnar artery) and compression is subsequently applied.

Depth of needling: 2 to 3 mm, perpendicularly.

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