Lung Meridan Points 2 through 4

Today we will continue along the Lung Meridian to discuss the location, function and indication of points and their uses.

Lung 2 is located in the depression below the acromial extremity of the clavicle about six inches lateral to the midline (about one inch above Lung 1 on the torso of the body). The Chinese name of this point is Yunmen, which means “Cloud’s Door”. The image is of clouds as referring to heaven’s energy. The Qi of Heaven and Earth meet in the clouds.

Functions of Lung 2 are to dispel Lung heat, smooth the function of the joints, drain heat in joints, and eliminate anxiety. Some of the disorders this point is useful for are relieving cough, chest pain, asthma, and inflammation of the shoulder joint.

The next point on the Lung Meridian is Lung 3 located on the inner aspect of the upper arm approximately 3 inches below the axillary fold (underarm fold) on the radial side of the biceps muscle. The Chinese name of this point is Tianfu which translates to mean “Heaven’s Residence”. Lung 3 is one of the “window of the sky” points which are a set of points whose basic function is to improve the flow energy between the head and body. Some ‘window of the sky’ indications would be people who speak to themselves or will not speak at all, confusion, depression and forgetfulness. Other functions in addition to the ‘window of the sky’ are dispersing wind heat and regulating Lung Qi. Some common disorders for use are bronchitis, asthma, nosebleed, and pain in the medial upper arm.

Lung 4 is next along the meridian and is located about one inch below Lung 3. The Chinese name is Xiabai which is translated as “Gallantry” This image refers to “Protect White”-the color attributed to Lung energy is “white”. Functions include regulating Qi and Blood, sedating pain. Some common disorders this point is useful for are bronchitis, asthma, nosebleed and pain in medial upper arm.

Lung Meridan Points and How We Use Them

We will begin a series of Acupuncture Meridian tutorials. In Chinese medicine a meridian is an energy line that travel over a specific area of the body and is related to a specific organ of the body. Today we will begin with a description of the location of the Lung meridian, and the location, function and indications of Lung 1, the first point along the Lung meridian.

The internal Lung Meridian begins in the area of the stomach and descends to connect with the Large Intestine, its’ coupled meridian, ascending at this point it crosses the diaphragm and enters its primary organ, the Lung. The external lung meridian emerges from the area between the lung and throat, it descends along the frontal aspect of the upper arm. Reaching the elbow, it continues along the frontal aspect of the forearm to the radial aspect of the wrist and continues down the thenar eminence to the tip of the thumb.
The Lung Meridian has 11 points.

The first point along the external lung meridian, Lung 1, is located on the torso in the first intercostal space, about two inches below the clavicle, approximately six inches lateral to the midline of the body. The Chinese word for Lung 1 is ”Zhongfu” and is roughly translated to mean “Central Residence.” The image is that this is the central storage place or residence of the Lung Qi.

Functions of this point are to disperse heat in the chest, regulate and nourish lung qi and lung yin, and relax the chest area.

Indications for use of this point are: bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, pulmonary TB, emphysema, night sweats, throat blockage, nasal congestion, excessive sweating.
We will continue along the lung meridian next week.

Hormone Replacement Therapy New Findings

According to a large government study just published on October 20, 2010 in the Journal of American Medicine, women showed a definite increased risk of breast cancer from an estrogen plus progesterone hormone replacement. This has many women wondering how to combat the all too common disruptive symptoms of menopause which may include: hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, irritability and mild depression. Some alternative treatments to explore might be acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Some women have found a great deal of relief for their symptoms through acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies. “A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study of Acupuncture Treatment for Menopausal Hot Flashes” published in the journal Menopause. 2008;15 (6):1070-1078. found that acupuncture “..produced a significant decrease in hot flashes compared with a no-treatment, UC group (uncontrolled group).” On my website Acupuncture Alternative Care you can learn more about how acupuncture and Chinese herbs might benefit you in treating your menopausal symptoms.