Lung Meridian
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LU-8
Metal-Jin
River-Jing Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Wrist, Forearm
Location
1 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space), in the depression on the radial side of the radial artery.
Main Actions
- Descend Lung Qis
Indications
Commentary
Jingqu LU-8 can be stimulated to descend the Rebellious Lung Qi, therefore it is able to treat throat and Lungs related symptoms such as cough, asthma or sore throat. It is often used in additional to other points to enhance the effect.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): States that moxibustion is prohibited at this point, warning that "moxibustion can harm the person's spirit light" and cause counterflow and disordered Qi.
Qian Jin Yao Fang (Thousand Gold Pieces Prescriptions): Records that combining LU-8 with GB-40 Qiuxu treats acute chest and back pain and surging pain in the chest.
Classical indications: Cough, wheezing and panting, hasty breathing, febrile disease with absence of sweating, puffy swelling, feeling of inflation in the chest, frequent yawning, chest and back pain, vomiting because of heart pain, throat impediment, wrist pain, palm heat, and pain in the soles of the feet.
How to Locate
First palpate the joint space of the wrist by loosely moving the hand. Identify Taiyuan LU-9 on the radial side of the artery, then locate Jingqu LU-8 in the depression, 1 cun above LU-9.
Caution
Avoid puncturing the radial artery, which lies immediately adjacent to this point. When palpating for LU-8, gently push the radial artery to the side before needling. Use perpendicular or oblique insertion with shallow depth (0.3-0.5 cun maximum). This point is classically contraindicated for moxibustion according to multiple classical texts including the Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing, which warns that moxa can cause counterflow and disordered Qi and harm the spirit.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or proximally 0.3-0.5 cun. Caution: When palpate for LU-8, avoid the radial artery by gently pushing it to the side.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distending or aching sensation around the wrist area. Deqi may be mild due to the shallow insertion depth. Some practitioners report sensation radiating along the forearm toward the elbow or down toward the palm.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A - Moxibustion contraindicated
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Metal-Jin
Transporting Type
River-Jing Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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