LU-4

Xiabai LU-4

Guarding White · 侠白 · Xiá Bái

Lung Meridian

Needle Depth

0.5–1.0 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Body Area

Upper Arm

Location

On the medial aspect of the upper arm, 1 cun below Tianfu LU-3, on the radial side of biceps brachii muscle.

Previous on channel

Tianfu LU-3

Next on channel

Chize LU-5

Main Actions

Descends Lung Qi
Regulates Qi and Blood in the chest
Opens the Channels and eases pain

Indications

Coughing Chest fullness Shortness of breath

Commentary

The functions of Xiabai LU-4 is quite similar to the ones of Tianfu LU-3. Regulating the Qi ascending and descending is the main one, but LU-3 is used more often.

However, LU-4 can be applied in additional to LU-3 to enhance the effect.

Classical Sources

《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing): "Heart pain is governed by Xiabai. Cough, dry vomiting, and irritability with fullness are governed by Xiabai."

《针灸大成》 (Zhenjiu Dacheng): "Governs heart pain, shortness of breath, dry vomiting with counterflow, and irritability with fullness."

《铜人腧穴针灸图经》 (Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing): "Treats heart pain, dry vomiting, and irritability with fullness."

《寿世保元》 (Shoushi Baoyuan): "For treating red and white sweat spots, needle to draw blood, or use moxibustion at Xiabai."

How to Locate

Divide the distance between the axillary fold and the cubital crease of the elbow into equal third. Locate Tianfu LU-3 at the junction of the upper and middle third. Xiabai LU-4 is 1 cun below.

Caution

The cephalic vein and branches of the brachial artery and vein pass through this region. The musculocutaneous nerve also passes nearby. Needle carefully to avoid vascular structures, particularly in patients taking blood thinners. If an electric sensation occurs, slightly reposition the needle to avoid direct nerve stimulation.

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 soreness and distension at the point, with possible radiating sensation spreading down toward the forearm, or occasionally upward toward the chest. An electric-like sensation may occur if the musculocutaneous nerve is contacted.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 5–10 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

Questionable

Gua Sha

Questionable

Commonly Combined Points

Tianfu

Chize

Quchi

Jianyu

Neiguan

Classical Point Combinations

For Arm Pain

Xiabai LU-4 combined with Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15 treats shoulder and upper arm pain. This combination addresses local channel obstruction along the arm's medial aspect.

For Sore Throat

Xiabai LU-4 combined with Chize LU-5 and Tianfu LU-3 treats swelling and pain in the throat. This grouping of Lung channel points descends rebellious Lung Qi and clears heat from the throat.

For Urticaria (Hives)

Xiabai LU-4 combined with Baihui DU-20, Fengfu DU-16, Quchi LI-11, Yinlingquan SP-9, and Sanyinjiao SP-6 treats urticaria. This combination disperses Wind, regulates the exterior, and harmonizes Qi and Blood.

For Vitiligo (White Patches)

Xiabai LU-4 combined with Tianfu LU-3 treats vitiligo (white patches on the skin). This pairing is traditionally used with moxibustion to regulate Lung Qi and nourish the skin.

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