Lung Meridian
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LU-3
Window of Heaven
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Upper Arm
Location
On the medial aspect of the upper arm, 3 cun below the end of the axillary fold and 6 cun above Chize LU-5, in the depression on the lateral border of biceps muscle.
Main Actions
- Descends the Lung Qi and clears Lung Heat
- Regulates the ascending and descending of Qi
- Cools the Blood and stops bleeding
- Opens the orifices of the Mind and calms the Corporeal Soul (Po)
Indications
Commentary
Tianfu LU-3 is the Window of Heaven point of the Lung Channel, which means one of its main features are to regulate the Qi ascending and descending from the body to and from the head.
When there is not sufficient Clear Qi (mainly the Lungs and Heart Qi) ascending to the head, the patient starts to loose memory and become sleepy during the day. On the other hand, when excessive amount of Qi goes to the head while not enough of it descending from the head, the patients suffers from insomnia.
This point is also used to treat other relatively serious mental emotional issues such as depression, psychoses or hallucinations. It is because it stimulates the Qi ascending and descending to and from the head, so as to open the Mind's orifices and calm the Corporeal Soul (Po).
Goitre is another symptom of Rebellious Qi, because the neck is the crossroad of the Qi to the head. The Stagnant Qi accumulates and forms Phlegm in the neck.
Finally, LU-3 is used to cool the Blood and stop bleeding (in the form of nose bleeding or coughing Blood). It is because the Rebellious Qi rises the Blood up.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 – Ben Shu: First mentions Tianfu as a point on the hand taiyin Lung channel.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Located 3 cun below the axilla, on the inner border of the arm, in the pulsation." Notes that moxibustion is contraindicated as it will trigger counterflow and disordered Qi.
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Treats acute Bi syndrome, nosebleed and blood in the mouth, wind stroke, grief and forgetfulness, flying corpse evil fever, ghost talk, panting, malaria with alternating fever and chills, dizzy vision, farsightedness, goiter."
Qianjin Yifang (Wings of the Thousand Gold Pieces Formulary): "Heavy body, somnolence — moxa Tianfu 50 times, needle 0.3 cun with tonification."
Baizheng Fu (Ode on One Hundred Pathoconditions): "Tianfu and Hegu are good for nosebleed."
How to Locate
Divide the distance between the axillary fold and the cubital crease of the elbow (Chize LU-5) into equal third. Locate Tianfu LU-3 at the junction of the upper and middle third.
Caution
Classical texts including the Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing strongly caution against moxibustion at this point, stating it can trigger counterflow Qi (ni qi) and disordered breathing. However, the Qianjin Fang does describe moxa use. Modern practice generally permits careful moxibustion but traditional texts recommend avoiding it. The cephalic vein runs nearby — care should be taken to avoid this vessel during needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5-1 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local aching and distension at the point, with sensation often radiating distally toward the elbow or proximally toward the shoulder along the channel pathway. Some patients experience a spreading sensation along the anterolateral arm.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 5–10 minutes (use with caution; classically contraindicated)
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Window of Heaven
Related Resources
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