Taiyuan (LU9) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Exact Location and Self-Massage Technique

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.