Acupoint Guide

Tag: LU9

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

    One-line Summary: Stimulate 5 acupoints on the wrist crease and forearm to relieve wrist pain and improve blood circulation.

    Introduction

    Wrist pain from repetitive mouse use, smartphone manipulation, and lifting heavy objects is a common condition in modern life. While persistent pain can disrupt daily activities, Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that stimulating specific acupoints around the wrist can alleviate pain and improve qi and blood circulation. This article introduces 5 effective acupoints for wrist pain and self-acupressure techniques.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Wrist Pain

    1. Waiguan (Outer Gate) — TE5

    Location: 2 cun (approximately 6cm) above the dorsal wrist crease, in the depression between the radius (thumb side bone) and ulna (pinky side bone)

    Effects: Relieves wrist and arm pain, improves blood circulation, alleviates elbow pain, improves nerve pain

    Acupressure Technique: Apply vertical pressure to the Waiguan acupoint with the thumb of the opposite hand. Press deeply but without causing pain, holding for 3–5 seconds and releasing. Repeat 10 times. Practice 2–3 times daily for best results.

    2. Daling (Great Mound) — PC7

    Location: At the center of the palm-side wrist crease, in the depression between the two tendons (palmaris longus tendon and flexor carpi radialis tendon) visible when the wrist is flexed

    Effects: Relieves wrist pain and stiffness, stabilizes heart and nerves, improves insomnia, alleviates numbness and tingling in the hands

    Acupressure Technique: Daling is a very sensitive acupoint on the Pericardium meridian, so stimulate gently. Slowly press with the thumb while massaging lightly in circular motions. Practice for 1 minute on each hand, 2 times daily for optimal results.

    3. Taiyuan (Great Abyss) — LU9

    Location: Above the palm-side wrist crease where the radial artery pulse can be felt, in the area below the thumb on the wrist

    Effects: Relieves wrist pain and swelling, improves lung function, alleviates cough, improves forearm pain

    Acupressure Technique: Locate the Taiyuan acupoint with the opposite thumb and press gently. Since this area contains the radial artery, avoid pressing too firmly. Press for 10 seconds and release, repeating 5 times.

    4. Yangxi (Yang Stream) — LI5

    Location: Above the dorsal wrist crease, in the depression between the thumb side (extensor pollicis longus tendon) and finger side (extensor pollicis brevis tendon)

    Effects: Relieves wrist and forearm pain, removes heat sensation, improves neck and shoulder tension, strengthens immunity

    Acupressure Technique: Locate Yangxi with the thumb and repeatedly press and release slowly. Apply moderate pressure with slight discomfort, performing 5–10 times. Alternating stimulation of both wrists is more effective.

    5. Tongli (Connecting) — HT5

    Location: 1 cun (approximately 3cm) above the palm-side wrist crease, on the radial side (thumb side) of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon

    Effects: Relieves wrist and arm pain, regulates heart function, removes anxiety, improves blood circulation

    Acupressure Technique: Press Tongli with the opposite thumb, holding for 3–5 seconds and releasing. Repeat 10 times. Since this is a Heart meridian acupoint, avoid overstimulating.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Perform the following sequence for 5 minutes in the morning or evening:

    Step 1 (1 minute): Warm up by slowly rotating both wrists 5 times.
    Step 2 (1 minute): Stimulate Waiguan (TE5) for 30 seconds on each wrist.
    Step 3 (1 minute): Gently massage and stimulate Daling (PC7) for 30 seconds.
    Step 4 (1 minute): Press Taiyuan (LU9) for 20 seconds on each side.
    Step 5 (1 minute): Alternately stimulate Yangxi (LI5) and Tongli (HT5) for 30 seconds each.

    By repeating this routine 1–2 times daily, you should notice improvement in wrist pain within 2 weeks. If pain is severe or does not improve, consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.

    🤰 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, consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, always consult a healthcare professional.
  • Taiyuan (LU9) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Exact Location and Self-Massage Technique

    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.