Taiyuan Point (LU-9 / Great Abyss, also known as Daquan, Guixin, Taiquan, Tianquan)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Taiyuan (LU-9 / Great Abyss). Learn its benefits for cough, bronchitis, pulseless disease, insomnia, and wrist pain, plus classic combinations for sore throat and respiratory conditions.
Indications
Influenza, bronchitis, insomnia, pulseless disease, vasculitis, cough, pneumonia, tachycardia, diaphragmatic spasm (hiccups), and disorders of the wrist joint and surrounding soft tissues.
Precise Location
Located on the Lung Meridian. With the palm facing upward, at the radial side of the wrist crease – when the thumb is raised, a large tendon becomes prominent; the point is in the depression on the medial side of this tendon. That is, at the radial end of the wrist crease, in the depression where the radial artery pulsates.
Location Method
Lightly hold the back of the other hand with one palm, bend the thumb – the point is where the thumb pad and nail tip press vertically.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press with the thumb for a moment, then release, repeat 5–10 times. ② Scraping therapy: Scrape from bottom to top. Gently press vertically into the point with the thumb pad and nail tip – a sore and distending sensation will occur. Apply to both left and right hands alternately for 1–3 minutes per side per session. Therapeutic actions: Stops cough and transforms phlegm, regulates and unblocks the blood vessels.
Compatibility
Sore throat: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Shaoshang (LU-11), Renying (ST-9), and Taiyuan (LU-9). Disease overview: Sore throat is a major symptom of oropharyngeal and laryngeal disorders, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and difficulty swallowing – also known as "throat obstruction" (喉痹). Massage sequence: First, alternately press the contralateral Hegu with the thumb tip for 1 minute each side; then flick the contralateral Shaoshang with the thumb and middle finger more than ten times, switching hands for the other side; next, make fists with both hands extending the thumbs, gently knead Renying (1.5 cun lateral to the Adam's apple) for 1 minute; finally press Taiyuan 30 times. Bronchitis: Combine with Taiyuan (LU-9), Tanzhong (RN-17), and Fenglong (ST-40). Common cold: Combine with Taiyuan (LU-9), Dazhui (GV-14), and Jianjing (GB-21). Insomnia: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7) and Taiyuan (LU-9).
Efficacy & Actions
The Lung governs the hundred vessels; Taiyuan is the meeting point of the vessels. The Lung governs qi and respiration; qi is the commander of blood. This point opens at the Yin hour (3–5 AM) and receives qi first, holding a very important position among all acupoints. Massaging Taiyuan is highly effective for improving conditions such as physical weakness, qi deficiency, weak speech, pale complexion, and weak pulse. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and is the Shu-Stream point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Earth element in the five-element theory). It is also the Yuan-Source point of the Lung Meridian and the Meeting point of the vessels among the eight influential points. It stops cough, transforms phlegm, and regulates and unblocks the blood vessels. It is a key point for lung-related diseases and vascular disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Tai" means great or grand; "Yuan" means deep abyss. As the Yuan-Source point of the Lung Meridian, the meridian qi gathers here in great abundance and depth – hence the name Taiyuan (Great Abyss). It is also known as "Daquan," "Guixin," "Taiquan," and "Tianquan."
