LU 9 — Tài Yuān (太渊) — Great Abyss
On this page
1. Overview
LU 9 — Tài Yuān (太渊) — is an acupuncture point on the Lung meridian. Its English name, Great Abyss, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
At the wrist crease, radial to the radial artery at the radial side of flexor carpi radialis.
3. Actions
- Yuan-Source point — tonifies Lung Qi and Yin
- Influential point for all Blood vessels
- Transforms Phlegm and stops cough
- Promotes circulation
4. Indications
- Chronic cough and asthma from Lung deficiency
- Shortness of breath and weak voice
- Wrist pain
- Cardiovascular and circulatory disorders — Influential point for vessels
- Raynaud's disease
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun, avoiding the radial artery.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
LU 9 is the Yuan-Source, Shu-Stream and Earth point of the Lung, and the Influential (Hui) point for all blood vessels (Mai). This triple status makes it uniquely powerful. Its role as vessel Influential point underpins its use in cardiovascular conditions including Raynaud's disease and poor peripheral circulation.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LU 9 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Raynaud's disease, Allergies. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
