Lung Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
LU-10
Fire-Huo
Spring-Ying Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Hand — Palm
Location
On the radial aspect of the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone, on the junction of the red and white skin (the junction of the dorsum and palm of the hand).
Main Actions
- Clears Lung Heat
- Descends Lung Qi and stops coughing
- Benefits the throat
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Yuji LU-10 is an important point for clearing Lung Heat, regardless being Full or Empty-Heat. It is more frequently used for acute cases, which corresponding to the Qi Level of the Four Levels Theory. Another Lung Channel point Chize LU-5 also clears Lung Heat but rather chronic patterns such as Phlegm obstructing the chest.
LU-10 can treat sore throat from Excess/Full pattern such as Heat or Wind-Heat. It can also treat sore throat from Yin Deficiency, but only in combination with Zhaohai KID-6.
It is so effective that it can even clear Heart Heat, so that it treats emotional related symptoms such as fear, restlessness, anger, manic behavior or fright.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 'Ben Shu': "溜于鱼际" - The channel flows to Yuji. This text establishes LU-10 as one of the original acupuncture points of the Lung channel.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "在手大指本节后内侧散脉中" - Located behind the base joint of the thumb on the inner side, in the dispersed vessels. This source provides the foundational anatomical location.
Yi Zong Jin Jian (Golden Mirror of Medicine): "鱼际主灸牙齿痛，在左灸左右同然，更刺伤风汗不出，兼治疟疾方欲寒" - Yuji is indicated for toothache (moxa on same side), and needling treats Wind-Cold invasion when sweating fails, also for malaria with chills.
Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), Chapter 68: Establishes that Ying-Spring points treat "body heat," explaining why LU-10 is a primary point for clearing Lung Heat and treating fever.
How to Locate
Relax the thumb and identify the first metacarpal bone on the belly of the thenar eminence from palmar to lateral. LU-10 is located at the midpoint by the border of the metacarpal bone.
Caution
The thenar eminence is richly innervated, making this point more sensitive and potentially painful during needling. Use quick insertion technique to minimize discomfort. While moxibustion is applicable according to some sources, many classical texts list this as a contraindicated or questionable point for moxa due to its Fire nature - applying heat (moxa) to a Fire point on a Metal (Lung) organ was traditionally considered potentially harmful, as Fire controls Metal in the Five Element cycle. The point is primarily used for clearing Heat conditions, making heat application counterproductive in most cases.
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 distention and soreness at the thenar eminence. The area has many nerve endings, so patients typically experience sharp initial insertion followed by deep aching or distending sensation. Sensation may radiate toward the thumb or wrist. Due to the sensitive nature of this location, quick insertion technique is recommended.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 3-5 minutes (use with caution; traditionally questionable)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Fire-Huo
Transporting Type
Spring-Ying Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians