The Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian, also known as the Lung Meridian, is like a barometer that reflects the normal function of the lungs. If the lungs are diseased, the Lung Meridian will accurately convey the information of its accelerated, decelerated, or even halted function. Let's take a look at the precise location of the Hand Tai Yin Meridian.
Precise Location of the Hand Tai Yin Meridian
The Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian is an important vein that runs along the inner side of the arm. It belongs to the lungs and has 11 acupuncture points on each side (a total of 22 points on both sides). Two points are located in the upper chest, and nine points are distributed on the palm side of the upper limb. The first point is called Zhongfu, and the last point is called Shaoshang. The acupuncture points of this meridian are mainly used to treat respiratory system disorders and diseases related to the areas that the meridian passes through.
Acupuncture Point Locations and Functions of the Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian
Zhongfu: Located 1 cun below the Cloud Gate, in the depression between the third and fourth ribs above the nipple. This point is the meeting point of the Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian and the Foot Tai Yin Spleen Meridian. It has the function of regulating lung qi and treating cough and wheezing.
Yunmen: Located below the clavicle, 2 cun away from the midline on both sides. Massaging this point has therapeutic effects on sore throat, chest pain, coughing up phlegm, difficulty breathing, fever, limb soreness, shoulder pain, and back pain.
Tianfu: Located 3 cun below the armpit, on the radial side of the biceps brachii muscle (towards the thumb side). This point can treat nosebleeds, head congestion, dizziness, sudden coldness, asthma, pain or numbness in the radial side of the forearm.
Xiabai: Located in the anterior region of the arm, 4 cun below the anterior axillary fold, on the radial side of the biceps brachii muscle.
Chize: Located in the elbow region, above the transverse crease of the elbow, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle. This point can regulate lung qi, clear the lungs, benefit the throat, and relieve pain and toxicity.
Kongzui: Located in the anterior region of the forearm, 7 cun above the wrist on the ulnar side, on the line connecting Chize and Taiyuan. This point is the convergence of qi and blood of the Lung Meridian. It is used to treat headaches, fever without sweating, and coughing and wheezing.
Lieque: Located on the forearm, 1.5 cun above the ulnar side of the wrist on the palm side, between the tendons of the short extensor and long extensor of the thumb. This point is effective for facial paralysis, headaches, discomfort in the neck and neck, upper limb paralysis, weak elbow, heat in the palm, cough, phlegm, chest tightness, sore throat, nasal disorders, and toothache.
Jingqu: Located in the anterior region of the forearm, 1 cun above the ulnar side of the wrist on the palm side, between the styloid process of the radius and the radial artery.
Taiyuan: Located in the anterior region of the wrist, between the styloid process of the radius and the scaphoid bone, in the depression on the ulnar side of the tendon of the long extensor of the thumb. This point is the original point of the Lung Meridian. It can regulate lung qi, relieve cough, transform phlegm, and tonify qi.
Yuzhi: Located on the outer side of the hand, at the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone on the radial side. It has the function of clearing lung heat and benefiting the throat.
Shaoshang: Located on the thumb, 0.1 cun above the corner of the nail on the radial side.
Route of the Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian
The Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian starts from the stomach, connects with the large intestine below, and passes through the diaphragm to reach the lungs. It then crosses horizontally to the throat, goes down to below the armpit, and runs along the inner side of the upper arm, preceding the Hand Shaoyin and Hand Jueyin Meridians. It reaches the middle of the elbow, runs along the inner side of the forearm along the edge of the radius bone (towards the thumb), and enters the Cunkou (the pulse-taking position in Chinese medicine) on the wrist (at the pulsation point on the radial side of the wrist). From there, it goes up to the Dazhui (the area in the palm of the hand on the side of the thumb that is relatively plump, resembling the belly of a fish) along the edge of the Dazhui, and extends to the distal end of the radial side of the thumb. Its collateral branches separate from the upper part of the radial styloid process on the back of the wrist and go to the radial side of the end of the index finger, where the qi of the meridian connects with the Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.
Functions and Indications of the Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian
The acupuncture points of this meridian are mainly used to treat lung-related diseases such as coughing, coughing up blood, and sore throat, as well as other diseases along the route of the meridian. These include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, restlessness, chest tightness, and pain or coldness along the inner edge of the arm or warmth in the palm.
Maintenance Time for the Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian
The Lung Meridian is most active during the Yin hours, from 3am to 5am in the morning. However, people are usually asleep during this time, so it is impractical to massage the Hand Tai Yin Lung Meridian at this time. Instead, you can utilize the Foot Tai Yin Spleen Meridian, which is most active from 9am to 11am, to achieve the same therapeutic effects. Additionally, autumn is the season that corresponds to the lungs, and it is a good time to nourish the lungs. Seize the opportunity to maintain and improve your health during this season.
