Acupoint Guide

Tag: LU10

  • 5 Acupoints for Thumb Pain — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line summary: Thumb soreness and pain can be quickly relieved through acupressure at 5 acupoints including Fish Border (LU10), Union Valley (LI4), and Laogong (PC8).

    Introduction

    Thumb pain caused by smartphone and mouse use is a common concern for modern people. The sensation of sore, tense hands that worsens at night not only reduces work efficiency but also impacts quality of life. While hospital treatment is important, stimulating 5 traditional acupoints inherited from Oriental medicine daily can provide effective pain relief at home.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Thumb Pain

    1. Fish Border (魚際) — LU10

    Location: At the base of the thumb on the first metacarpal bone, on the boundary where the skin color changes from pale to reddish (the red-white junction line)

    Effects: As an acupoint on the Lung meridian, it is excellent for relieving finger pain, fatigue, and sore throat. It relieves thumb muscle tension and promotes blood circulation, making it particularly effective for chronic thumb pain.

    Acupressure technique: Using the thumb of your opposite hand, firmly press the Fish Border point for about 5 seconds and release, repeating 10 times. Apply pressure to the point of mild discomfort, but avoid exceeding 1 minute in a single session.

    2. Union Valley (合谷) — LI4

    Location: At the highest point where the thumb and index finger meet, on the back of the hand

    Effects: This is the most famous acupressure point on the Large Intestine meridian and is considered a yuan (source) point. It relieves all pain in the face and upper body, and is particularly effective for pain and stiffness throughout the fingers.

    Acupressure technique: Using the thumb of your opposite hand, massage Union Valley in circular motions for 30 seconds. The right intensity is when you feel mild soreness when pressing. It is beneficial to perform this once in the morning and once in the evening.

    3. Laogong (勞宮) — PC8

    Location: The center of the palm when making a fist, at the midpoint of the metacarpal bone between the middle and ring fingers

    Effects: As an acupoint on the Pericardium meridian, it promotes mental and physical calm, and rapidly relieves heat sensations and pain in the hand. It is particularly effective for hand stiffness and thumb pain caused by stress.

    Acupressure technique: Using the thumb of your opposite hand, press Laogong for 3 seconds and rest for 1 second, repeating 10 times. Massage each hand for about 5 minutes, but avoid excessive stimulation.

    4. Central Islet (中渚) — TE3

    Location: On the back of the hand, in the depression between the ring and little fingers, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones

    Effects: As an acupoint on the Triple Burner meridian, it promotes qi and blood circulation throughout the hand. It prevents pain starting from the thumb from spreading to the entire hand and rapidly calms acute pain.

    Acupressure technique: Using the thumb of your opposite hand, press Central Islet vertically, holding for 5 seconds per press and repeating 10 times. Firm pressure is more effective than light touch.

    5. Outer Gate (外關) — TE5

    Location: On the outer side of the forearm, approximately 7 centimeters above the wrist toward the elbow, in the depression between the radius and ulna

    Effects: As an acupoint on the Triple Burner meridian, it relieves pain and stiffness throughout the upper limbs. By releasing tension in the forearm muscles, which are the root cause of thumb pain, it helps with long-term pain relief.

    Acupressure technique: Place the thumb of your opposite hand on Outer Gate and gently massage in circular motions for 30 seconds. Do not exceed 1 minute per session, and performing this in the evening can reduce pain the next day.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    By investing just 5 minutes daily, you can effectively manage thumb pain. Step 1 (1 minute): Press Fish Border and Union Valley for 30 seconds each to directly relieve finger pain. Step 2 (1 minute): Massage Laogong in circular motions for 1 minute to promote qi and blood flow throughout the palm. Step 3 (1 minute): Stimulate Central Islet for 30 seconds and Outer Gate for 30 seconds to release connected pain between the hand and forearm. Step 4 (1 minute): Finish by gently stretching your fingers. If you repeat this once in the morning and once in the evening, you can experience noticeable improvement within a week.

    🤰 Pregnancy Caution: Some acupoints such as Three Yin Intersection (SP6), Union Valley (LI4), and Greater Rushing (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or possibly pregnant, be sure to consult with an Oriental medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before performing these techniques.
    ⚠️ 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.
  • Yuji (LU10) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Accurate Location and Acupressure Technique

    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.