Lung Meridian
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LU-6
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Forearm
Location
On the palmar aspect of the forearm, on the line joining Taiyuan LU-9 and Chize LU-5, 7 cun above Taiyuan LU-9.
Main Actions
- Regulates and descends Lung Qi
- Clears Lung Heat and moisten the Lungs
- Cools Blood Heat and stop bleeding
Indications
Coughing
Wheezing
Arm pain
Chest pain
Elbow pain
Throat pain
Arm stiffness
Breathlessness
Cough of blood
Throat swollen
Fingers stiffness
Vomiting of blood
Commentary
As the Accumulation point of the Lung Channel, Kongzui LU-6 is able to stop bleeding due to Heat in the Blood and ease pain of the Channel, especially in the elbow and upper arm.
It is mostly used for acute Lung Excess/Full patterns such as acute asthma attack.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经, 282 CE): First documented the point and its indications for treating cough, asthma, and bleeding disorders.
Taiping Shenghui Fang (太平圣惠方, Song Dynasty): "Spitting blood, loss of voice, swelling and pain with stagnant blood; elbow and arm reversal pain with difficult flexion and extension."
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成, Ming Dynasty): "Febrile disease without sweating, cough with rebellious Qi, elbow and arm reversal pain with difficult flexion and extension, hand unable to reach head, fingers unable to grip, spitting blood, loss of voice, throat swelling, headache."
Zhenjiu Juying (针灸聚英, Ming Dynasty): Indicated for throat swelling and pain.
How to Locate
Flex the arm to make the biceps tendon more visible. Locate Chize LU-5 on the radial aspect of the cubital crease, locate Taiyuan LU-9 on the radial artery of the wrist joint. Kongzui LU-6 is 1 cun proximal to the midpoint of the two mentioned points above. It is also 7 cun above Tayuan LU-9 and 5 cun below Chize LU-5.
Caution
The radial artery and cephalic vein pass through this region. While not classified as a dangerous point, be aware of the underlying vascular structures. Avoid forceful manipulation if the patient has bleeding disorders, as this is a point that can affect blood movement. Exercise standard care with perpendicular insertion to avoid vessels.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5-1 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness at the point, often with the sensation radiating down the forearm toward the wrist or up toward the elbow. Some patients may feel the sensation extending along the Lung channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
Related Resources
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