Yunmen Point (LU-2 / Cloud Gate)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yunmen (LU-2 / Cloud Gate). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, chest and shoulder pain, and goiter, plus classic combinations for bronchitis and shoulder conditions.
Indications
Clears and disperses lung qi, drains heat pathogens from the four limbs. Treats cough, wheezing, chest pain, shoulder pain, pain on the medial side of the shoulder joint, persistent heat in the four limbs, chest fullness and restlessness, hypochondriac pain radiating to the back, throat obstruction, shoulder pain with inability to raise the arm, and goiter. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and is the second point of the Lung Meridian. It clears and disperses lung qi and drains heat pathogens from the four limbs. It is a commonly used point for lung-related disorders and shoulder-arm pain. First documented in Suwen · Shuire Xuedun Lun. "Yun" means cloud, symbolizing lung qi and blood like clouds; "Men" means gate or portal. This point is the gateway where lung qi enters and exits – lung qi is distributed throughout the body from here, like clouds emerging from a mountain peak – hence the name Yunmen (Cloud Gate).
Precise Location
On the chest, in the depression of the subclavian fossa, at the medial edge of the coracoid process of the scapula, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with hands on the hips – the point is in the center of the triangular depression at the lower edge of the lateral end of the clavicle. (Alternatively, locate the subclavian fossa depression, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline.)
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. ② Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. Press and knead Yunmen with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to prevent and treat pulmonary disorders. Therapeutic actions: Clears and disperses lung qi, drains heat and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Cough: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Kongzui (LU-6). Acute bronchitis: Combine with Kongzui (LU-6). Shoulder pain with inability to raise the arm: Combine with Bingfeng (SI-12).
Contraindications
Gently place three fingers near Zhongfu and Yunmen, lightly knead while performing chest-opening exercises on the same side. This point should not be struck or slapped forcefully, as it may injure the lung.
