Xiabai Point (LU-4 / Embracing White)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xiabai (LU-4 / Embracing White). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, dry retching, and intercostal neuralgia, plus classic combinations for lung and nerve conditions.
Indications
Disperses lung qi, calms the heart, soothes the chest, and harmonizes the stomach. Treats cough, wheezing, dry retching, and intercostal neuralgia. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. It disperses lung qi and regulates qi, calms the heart and soothes the spirit, soothes the chest and harmonizes the stomach. It is a commonly used point for lung-related disorders and chest-heart conditions. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Xia" means to embrace or flank; "Bai" means white, corresponding to the Lung's color in the five-element system. Located on the Lung Meridian, flanking and assisting the Lung – hence the name Xiabai (Embracing White).
Precise Location
On the anterior aspect of the arm, 4 cun below the anterior axillary fold, at the radial border of the biceps brachii muscle. Locate Tianfu (LU-3) first, then 1 horizontal finger-width (approximately 1 cun) below it.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the arm extended and palm facing upward. First locate Tianfu (LU-3, 3 cun below the anterior axillary fold at the radial border of the biceps brachii), then measure 1 horizontal finger-width downward – that is the point.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. ② Scraping therapy: For patients with lung heat, scrape from top to bottom. Press and knead Xiabai with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to prevent cough, wheezing, dry retching, and intercostal neuralgia. Therapeutic actions: Disperses lung qi and regulates qi, calms the heart and soothes the spirit, soothes the chest and harmonizes the stomach.
Compatibility
Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Chize (LU-5), and Fenglong (ST-40). Brachial plexus (median) neuralgia: Combine with Ximen (PC-4), Jianshi (PC-5), Daling (PC-7), Neiguan (PC-6), and Tianquan (PC-2). Tinea versicolor (white/purple skin patches): Combine with Tianfu (LU-3). Sore throat: Combine with Chize (LU-5) and Tianfu (LU-3). Urticaria (rash): Combine with Baihui (GV-20), Fengfu (GV-16), Quchi (LI-11), Zusanli (ST-36), Yinlingquan (SP-9), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6).
