Category: Individual Acupoints

Xiongbai (LU4) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Method
One-line summary: Xiabai (LU4) is an effective acupoint that regulates lung function to relieve cough, chest pain, and arm pain.

What is Xiabai?

Xiabai (LU4) is an acupoint on the Lung meridian, with ‘白’ (meaning bright and clear). This acupoint is located on the upper arm and is an important point that regulates lung function and promotes smooth flow of qi in the upper burner. In traditional medicine, it has been widely used to treat respiratory conditions such as cough, asthma, and chest pain, as well as to relieve arm pain.

How to Locate the Acupoint Accurately

Step 1: With your arm relaxed at your side, locate the axillary fold (armpit crease).
Step 2: Use the bottom end of the axillary fold as a reference point.
Step 3: From that point, measure approximately 4 cun (about 12 cm) downward along the arm.
Step 4: The lateral side of the biceps muscle (the outer side of the arm) is where Xiabai is located.
Finding tip: When you raise your arm, the axillary fold becomes more visible, so measuring at this time will help you locate the point more accurately.

How to Apply Acupressure

Step 1 – Preparation: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position and relax your body. Let your arm rest naturally.
Step 2 – Locating the point: Use your thumb or index finger to find Xiabai and apply light pressure.
Step 3 – Applying pressure: Synchronize with your exhalation and apply steady pressure for 4-5 seconds slowly. The appropriate pressure should produce a mild aching sensation.
Step 4 – Repetition: Rest for 3-5 seconds, then repeat the pressure. Continue for 1-2 minutes. Apply the same technique to both arms.
Tip: Using a rounded tool or the knuckle of your finger can provide more effective pressure.

Key Benefits
- Cough relief: Xiabai strengthens lung function to alleviate discomfort from common cold or chronic cough.
- Chest pain improvement: It promotes the flow of qi in the upper burner to relieve chest tightness and pain.
- Arm pain relief: Through the Lung meridian, it treats arm pain, numbness, and heaviness.
- Improved breathing: It promotes stronger lung function to facilitate deep and comfortable breathing.
- Stress relief: It releases tension in the upper burner to alleviate mental stress and chest heaviness.
When Should You Apply Acupressure?

Optimal time: Acupressure is most effective between 3 AM and 5 AM (when the Lung meridian is most active). However, in daily practice, you can apply it at a convenient time based on your condition.
Application by situation: Apply pressure immediately when you have severe cough, chest tightness, or arm numbness to help relieve symptoms. For preventive purposes, practice regularly 3-4 times per week.
When to avoid: Avoid acupressure after drinking alcohol, overeating, or when excessively fatigued.

Precautions

When acupressure is contraindicated: If you are pregnant or have serious heart disease, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before applying acupressure.
Cautions during acupressure: Avoid excessive force and maintain moderate pressure that does not cause pain. If you experience dizziness or discomfort after acupressure, stop immediately.
Medical consultation: For chronic cough or chest pain, consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis before applying acupressure. Remember that stimulation of this acupoint does not cure all symptoms and serves only as a complementary treatment.

🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a healthcare practitioner before applying acupressure.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.
March 29, 2026
Shaoshang (LU11) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Accurate Location and Pressure Technique
One-line summary: Shaoshang (LU11) is the starting point of the Lung meridian, an emergency acupoint that rapidly relieves upper respiratory conditions including sore throat, fever, and cough.

What is Shaoshang?

Shaoshang (少商) is the 11th acupoint of the Lung meridian and marks the beginning of the Lung meridian pathway. The name means “Small Merchant,” referring to the point where Lung qi originates. The Donguibogam (traditional Korean medical text) documents it as a particularly effective acupoint for treating sore throat and fever, and it holds an important place in traditional medicine.

How to Find the Exact Location

Step 1: Open your hand and look at your thumb. Step 2: Observe the thumbnail. Step 3: Find the outer edge of the nail (toward the pinky side). Step 4: Locate the point about 0.1 cun (approximately 3mm) inward from the outer edge of the nail, near the boundary between the nail and skin. Step 5: When you gently press this point, you should feel a slight tenderness—this is Shaoshang.

Acupressure Method

Preparation: Sit in a comfortable position and let your hand rest naturally. Pressure: Use the thumb of your opposite hand to find the Shaoshang point and press vertically. Intensity: Start with light pressure and gradually increase the strength. Maintain moderate pressure that creates mild discomfort, but avoid excessive force. Duration: Press continuously for 1-2 minutes at a time, or apply pressure in 10-20 second intervals repeatedly. Frequency: Practice 2-3 times daily; when symptoms are severe, you may apply pressure more frequently as needed.

Main Benefits
- Sore throat (common cold throat): Rapidly reduces inflammation in the throat area and alleviates pain.
- Fever (high fever): Effectively lowers body temperature and promotes fever reduction.
- Cough: Regulates Lung qi to relieve dry cough and persistent cough.
- Nosebleed (epistaxis): Pressing Shaoshang helps stop bleeding when nosebleeds occur.
- Loss of consciousness: Used as an emergency first-aid acupoint to restore consciousness in urgent situations.
- Improved lung function: Enhances overall respiratory function and promotes bronchial health.
When Is It Best to Apply Acupressure?

Shaoshang is most effective when early cold symptoms appear. When your throat feels scratchy or fever is beginning to rise, immediate acupressure can prevent symptoms from worsening. When sudden high fever develops, pressing Shaoshang can quickly bring down the temperature. When nighttime cough disturbs your sleep, applying acupressure before bed can improve sleep quality. During emergency situations when someone faints or loses consciousness, vigorous Shaoshang pressure can help restore awareness. It is also beneficial to apply pressure regularly during seasonal transitions when respiratory conditions are common, as a preventive measure.

Precautions

Intensity control: The area around the nail is sensitive, so excessive pressure can damage tissue. Always maintain appropriate intensity. Infection prevention: Wash your hands thoroughly before applying acupressure and check that your nails are trimmed and your fingers are not injured. Limits of repeated pressure: Excessive repeated pressure on the same area can irritate the skin, so maintain appropriate intervals. Medical professional consultation: If symptoms persist or worsen for more than 3 days, definitely seek medical care. Shaoshang acupressure is a supplementary therapy and cannot replace professional medical treatment. Caution with certain conditions: If you have severe nosebleeds or lung disease, consult a specialist first. Pregnancy caution: During pregnancy, be especially careful and avoid applying strong pressure.

🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a Korean medicine practitioner or medical professional before applying acupressure.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.
March 29, 2026
Yuji (LU10) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Accurate Location and Acupressure Technique
One-Line Summary: Fish Border (LU10) is an excellent acupoint for relieving throat pain and respiratory symptoms. Applying acupressure when you have a cold, cough, or sore throat can produce quick results.

What is Fish Border (LU10)?

Fish Border (魚際, LU10) is an important acupoint belonging to the Lung meridian (Hand Greater Yin Lung Meridian). Named after its resemblance to “the border of a fish’s fin,” it is located at the base of the thumb and is highly effective for improving various symptoms related to lung function. It is especially useful for managing respiratory conditions caused by modern stress and seasonal colds.

How to Find the Exact Location

Step 1: Open your hand with your thumb pointing upward. Step 2: Locate the first metacarpal bone of your thumb. You can find it by following the bone of the thumb on the back of your hand. Step 3: Find the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone, or the exact center of the bone. Step 4: It is located at the boundary where skin color changes from white to pink (the border between white and red flesh). It is in the hollow area where your finger and palm meet when your thumb is extended. Finding Tip: Using your opposite thumb to press and find the most tender point—that is Fish Border (LU10).

Acupressure Method

Basic Acupressure: Use the tip of your opposite thumb to apply pressure vertically with slight pain intensity. Press gently for 3–5 seconds and release. Repeat this 10 times and perform 3–5 times daily. Circular Massage Method: Using your thumb tip, massage in small circles. Perform 15–20 circles each in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Severe Symptom Acupressure: When coughing is severe or the throat is swollen, increase the pressure and continue for 5–10 minutes continuously. Warm Acupressure: The effect is even better with warm hands. It is recommended to warm the area first with a warm towel before applying pressure.

Main Benefits
- Sore Throat Relief: Fish Border (LU10) is excellent at rapidly relieving throat pain and swelling. It is very effective for acute pharyngitis or chronic throat discomfort.
- Cough Suppression: It is effective for both dry cough and cough with phlegm, and relieves throat fatigue caused by coughing.
- Fever and Cold Symptom Relief: It improves low-grade fever and chills from colds and helps boost immune function.
- Thumb Pain Relief: It improves pain, numbness, and joint pain in the thumb.
- Improved Lung Function: It normalizes lung function and helps manage respiratory disorders such as difficulty breathing and asthma.
When is the Best Time to Apply Acupressure?

Optimal Time: Applying acupressure immediately when early cold symptoms appear can slow disease progression. It is especially effective for maintaining respiratory health when applied for 5 minutes after waking in the morning and before bed in the evening. Situation-Based Use: Apply acupressure immediately when it is difficult to swallow due to sore throat, when cough continues, when early cold symptoms appear, or when fever is present. Preventive Acupressure: Applying acupressure 3–4 times per week in advance during seasonal transitions or disease outbreaks helps prevent colds.

Precautions

Acupressure Intensity: Applying too much pressure can cause muscle damage, so maintain only a slightly painful level. Avoid the point if there are wounds on the skin. Contraindications: During pregnancy, it is best to reduce the pressure intensity or avoid it altogether. If there is a serious infection or high fever (39°C or higher), please seek medical consultation first. Complementary Therapy: You cannot expect complete recovery with Fish Border (LU10) acupressure alone; adequate hydration, rest, and maintaining a warm environment are also necessary. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, please see a doctor. Individual Variation: The effect may vary depending on constitution and symptom severity.

🤰 Pregnant Women Caution: Some acupoints such as Spleen 6 (SP6), Large Intestine 4 (LI4), and Liver 3 (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before applying acupressure.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, please consult with a healthcare professional.
March 26, 2026
Taiyuan (LU9) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Exact Location and Self-Massage Technique
One-Line Summary: Taiyuan (LU9) is an acupoint located at the pulse point on the wrist that is highly effective at relieving cough and asthma symptoms, eliminating wrist pain, and improving heart palpitations.

What is Taiyuan?

Taiyuan (LU9) is an acupoint located on the lung meridian (the lung’s meridian pathway), which is one of the ‘acupoints’ in acupressure theory. It is an important point that regulates lung function and promotes respiratory health, and is frequently used in Traditional Chinese Medicine when dealing with respiratory diseases and circulatory disorders. Since it is easily accessible in the wrist area, it is also great for self-care in your daily routine.

How to Find the Exact Location

Step 1: Extend your arm forward with your fingers pointing upward.
Step 2: Find the wrinkled area on the inside of your wrist. When you lift your wrist slightly, the boundary line between the wrist and forearm becomes clear.
Step 3: From the wrist crease, find the point approximately 1-2cm toward the thumb (radial side).
Step 4: At that location, you can feel the pulse (the beating of the radial artery). The acupoint is located just on the inside of the pulse (toward the thumb side). When you press with your finger, if you feel slight pain or a refreshing sensation, you have found the correct location.

Acupressure Technique

Preparation: Sit in a comfortable position and place your arm on a table.
Step 1: Use the tip of your opposite thumb to locate the Taiyuan acupoint.
Step 2: Apply pressure slowly with enough force to produce an ‘aching yet soothing’ sensation. Do not press too hard.
Step 3: Maintain the pressure for 3-5 seconds, then slowly release.
Step 4: Repeat approximately 10 times. Performing this 2-3 times daily, in the morning and evening, is most effective.

Main Benefits
- Cough and Asthma Relief: Activates lung function to improve respiratory discomfort.
- Wrist Pain Elimination: Since it is an acupoint in the wrist area, it directly relieves wrist stiffness and pain.
- Palpitation Improvement: Regulates heart function and blood circulation to calm chest tightness and palpitations.
- Improved Breathing: Promotes deep and comfortable breathing.
- Stress Relief: Relaxes the nervous system to provide mental stability.
When is it Best to Apply Pressure?

Taiyuan can be stimulated at any time, but it is especially effective in the morning when you want to restore depleted energy, in the evening when breathing is uncomfortable or coughing is severe, and when your wrist feels stiff or painful. In particular, regularly applying pressure during cough from common cold, asthma symptoms during seasonal changes, and heart palpitations from stress can help relieve symptoms.

Precautions

Avoid excessive stimulation, and maintain a pressure intensity that is ‘aching yet soothing’ since pressing too hard can damage blood vessels. If you are pregnant or have serious heart disease, consult with a professional before proceeding. If you have thrombosis or circulatory disorders, seek guidance from a healthcare professional. If there are wounds or inflammation on your wrist, avoid that area when applying pressure.

🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, be sure to consult with a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before proceeding.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational health purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.
March 25, 2026