Zhongfu Point (LU-1 / Central Mansion, also known as Yingzhongshu, Fuzhongshu, Guimen)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zhongfu (LU-1 / Central Mansion). Learn its benefits for bronchitis, chest tightness, asthma, and tuberculosis, plus classic combinations for cough and frozen shoulder.
Indications
Massaging Zhongfu can help disperse and regulate stagnant qi, promoting its ascending and descending flow. For those suffering from long-term depression, irritability, and frequent chest tightness and shortness of breath, massage of this point brings immediate relief. According to the Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, it is most effective for "shortness of breath with inability to lie down." Pathologically speaking, "shortness of breath" indicates qi deficiency, and "inability to lie down" results from qi stagnation in the upper body – massaging this point disperses and regulates the stagnant qi, restoring its smooth flow. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and is the Mu-Front point of the Lung, as well as the meeting point of the Hand and Foot Taiyin. It disperses lung qi and regulates qi, stops cough and relieves wheezing, harmonizes the stomach and promotes diuresis. It is a key point for treating lung-related disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Zhong" means middle or central; "Fu" means mansion or storehouse. As the Mu-Front point of the Lung, lung qi gathers here; located beside the middle jiao (spleen and stomach), it is named Zhongfu (Central Mansion). It is also known as "Yingzhongshu," "Fuzhongshu," and "Guimen."
Precise Location
Bronchitis, chest tightness, shoulder and back pain, pneumonia, asthma, and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Location Method
Located on the Lung Meridian. On the chest, level with the 1st intercostal space, lateral to the subclavian fossa, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Stand upright with hands on the hips – there is a depression below the lateral end of the clavicle; the point is 1 horizontal finger-width (approximately 1 cun) below this depression.
Massage Method
Sit upright or lie supine. Bring the three fingers of the right hand (index, middle, ring) together and place them on the chest – the point is below the lateral end of the clavicle where the middle finger pad rests.
Compatibility
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Scraping therapy: For patients with heat constitution, scrape from top to bottom. Bring the right index, middle, and ring fingers together and knead the left Zhongfu clockwise for 1–3 minutes; use the left hand to knead the right Zhongfu counterclockwise for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Disperses lung qi and regulates qi, stops cough and relieves wheezing, harmonizes the stomach and promotes diuresis.
Contraindications
Cough: Combine with Zhongfu (LU-1) and Feishu (BL-13). Disease overview: Cough is a major symptom of respiratory disorders. Dry cough (without phlegm) is common in acute pharyngitis and early-stage bronchitis; sudden onset cough often indicates a foreign body in the bronchus; chronic cough is commonly seen in chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Massage sequence: Have the patient sit down. Stand behind the patient, locate Feishu (1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the 3rd thoracic spinous process) and massage for 2 minutes; then massage Zhongfu for 3 minutes. Frozen shoulder: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Jingqu (LU-8), Neiguan (PC-6), Houxi (SI-3), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Pulmonary tuberculosis: Combine with Fuliu (KI-7).
