Chapter 38. Lung and Large Intestine points
Introduction
In this and the following chapters we describe the points Five Element Constitutional Acupuncturists most frequently use. It must first be stressed, however, that using any point on a channel, especially one of the Organs of the person’s Constitutional Factor, will create some change. Even if a point is one that is not regarded as specifically affecting the spirit, treatment on the CF usually affects how patients feel in themselves. People who require treatment at the spirit level may not be sufficiently affected by using simple points, however. In this case the art lies in selecting specific points that will more directly affect their spirit.
The characteristics of the points discussed in this chapter come partly from the point names and also the type of point, such as yuan source, luo junction, back shu point, etc. Other known uses of the points are also included and the authors also add much from their personal experience. The actions of the points according to the substances and pathogenic factors are not discussed. (For more on these TCM indications, see Deadman et al., 1998; Ellis et al., 1989; Lade, 1989; Maciocia, 1989.)
Lung points (Table 38.1)
The primary Lung channel
The Lung channel begins at Lu 1 in the third intercostal space. The pathway arches over the axilla and travels down the lateral side of the biceps muscle to the flexure of the elbow. It then runs over the anterior radial side of the forearm to the wrist, over the thenar eminence of the hand, and ends at the radial side of the thumb. It then connects to the Large Intestine channel at LI 4.
| Yuan source point | Lung 9 |
| Luo junction point | Lung 7 |
| Tonification point | Lung 9 |
| Sedation point | Lung 5 |
| Back shu point | Bladder 13 |
| Outer Back shu point | Bladder 42 |
| Horary point | Lung 8 |
| Xi cleft point | Lung 6 |
| Entry point | Lung 1 |
| Exit point | Lung 7 |
| Window of the Sky | Lung 3 |
Lung 1 Zhong Fu, Central Treasury: Entry point, Lung front mu point
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
All points on the Lung channel help a patient to receive qi and connect with Heaven, as the Lungs are the ‘Receiver of Qi from the Heavens’. This Lung point, in particular, has the ability to tonify not just the Lung qi, but also the qi of the whole chest (zong qi).
The Spleen and the Lungs connect at this point and their relationship is particularly close. The Spleen is the ‘mother’ of the Lungs on the sheng cycle. The name zhong, which means central, probably refers to this connection, as zhong qi is the qi of the Stomach and Spleen.
Fu means a treasury. A fu can also be a place where riches are stored. Using this point can revitalise deficient Lung qi and reinvigorate the mind and spirit. When the Lung qi becomes depleted people can have difficulty receiving inspiration from Heaven. People whose Lungs have become deficient often feel grief and sadness and easily become melancholy or lifeless or lose a sense of purpose. Enhancing the Lung qi and the qi of the chest enables the person to reconnect with inspiration from Heaven and experience greater meaning in their life.
This is the Entry point. Entry–Exit blocks between the Liver and Lung are frequently found, so this point is commonly used in this context.
An elderly woman who was a Wood CF was not thriving when being treated on the channels of the Wood Element. Although Liv 14 had been treated, Lu 1 had not been used. Only after clearing an Entry–Exit block using both Liv 14 and Lu 1 did she start to improve. Over time the connection between these channels twice more became obstructed and tonifying Lu 1 on each occasion produced substantial improvement.
Lung 2 Yun Men, Cloud Gate
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
The reference to clouds in the name of this point probably refers to the importance of the Lungs and a person’s contact with Heaven. It implies that this is a gateway through the clouds. Clouds can be associated with grief, sadness and depression. As on a grey overcast day, people need a gate through the clouds to find inspiration and light. The cloud referred to in the point’s name could also be a reference to the fluids that are present in the Upper Burner, which are said to be like a ‘mist’ (Ling ShuChapter 30). The point is used in similar ways as Lu 1 in assisting patients to reconnect with Heaven. It is, however, slightly less powerful.
Lung 3 Tian Fu, Heavenly Treasury Window of the Sky
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; no moxa
Like Lu 1, this point is a treasury or fu. A treasury is a place where a person can go to receive richness and quality or to increase reserves if they are low. Whereas Lu 1 is a Central Treasury, situated on the torso, this is a Heavenly Treasury. It is a Window of the Sky and often used with LI 18, the Window of the Sky on its paired channel. This point can lift the spirit and help people who have become cut off from the inspiration that Heaven gives them as their birthright. It is especially helpful if people have been unable to participate in life or have become locked inside themselves due to grief and sadness.
Lung 4 Xia Bai, Guarding White
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
White is the colour resonant with the Metal Element. This point is sometimes used as an adjunct to Lu 1, 2 and 3. It is not, however, generally regarded as being as powerful as these other points.
Lung 5 Chi Ze, Foot Marsh: Water point, sedation point
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This is the sedation point and Water point. It dries up fluid if the Lungs are too wet. This is especially useful if there is phlegm in the Lungs. In this case it is usually sedated. As a sedation point it can also send qi down to the Kidneys along the sheng cycle and can affect the Lower Burner if it is retaining fluids. This point can also bring fluidity to the Lungs if they are dry. Physically this may manifest as a dry cough but it can also show as a lack of fluidity in the mind and spirit. This commonly leads to mental or spiritual rigidity. It is often paired with LI 2, the Water and sedation point of the Large Intestine.
Lung 6 Kong Zui, Greatest Hole: xi cleft point
Needle depth 0.5–1.0 cun; moxa cones 3–5
The xi cleft point is tonified when the Lungs are depleted and reduced when full. It is often used in acute conditions. Physically this may be an acute lung infection. Mentally and spiritually this may be acute sorrow and sadness that is arising from the Lungs. This may be due to grief experienced when a person is bereaved or the acute sense of pain due to losing someone or something.
Lung 7 Lie Que, Broken Sequence: Exit point, luo junction point, opening point of Ren mai
Needle depth 0.3–0.5 cun; moxa cones 3–5
This point is predominantly used as the luo junction point to balance the two Organs in the Element. It is therefore commonly paired with LI 6 (luo junction) or 4 (yuan source). It is also used for its powerful effect on the Organ and its special effect on the lungs, throat, nose and head. It calms and settles the spirit, allowing a person with tight or shallow breathing to breathe more deeply. It also enables tension to be released if the throat is tight. By opening the throat it can encourage a person to weep, especially if grief and sadness have been repressed for a long period of time.
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