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Each of the twelve regular meridians has many meridian points. For example, there are 11 acupoints on lung meridian, 20 acupuncture points on large intestine meridian, and 45 acupuncture points on stomach meridian; however, except for the governor vessel and the conception vessel, extra meridians do not have any meridian acupoints. Meridian acupoints are the main acupoints and are most frequently used. A meridian point is usually used to treat diseases of the meridian and the organs to which the acupoint pertains. Acupoints on the same meridian have a similar treatment effect. Acupoint study includes studying the location, needle insertion technique, indication, precaution and the specific usage of the points.

Fig. 13-2 Location of LU1 (zhongfu) acupoint

LU1 (zhongfu, Fig. 13-2) is an acupuncture point of the lung meridian. It is the alarm acupoint* of the lung, located on the anterior thoracic* region, at the same level as the first intercostal space*, lateral to the infraclavicular fossa*, 6 B-cun* lateral to the anterior median line*. The needle is usually inserted into this point no more than 0.8 cun, preferably 0.5-0.8 cun, transverse or oblique lateral insertion*. No deep needling toward the sternum* is permitted, to avoid causing pneumothorax*. This acupoint is usually used for treating lung disease and regional disorders along the meridian, such as cough, asthma, wheezing, chest pain (mainly excess conditions), distention and fullness of the lung, oppression in the chest, and shoulder and back pain.

LU5 (chize) is an acupuncture point of the lung meridian, the sea point, located on the anterior aspect of the elbow, at the cubital crease*, in the depression lateral to the biceps brachii tendon*. The needle is mostly inserted 0.8-1.2 cun in depth perpendicularly*. This point is often selected for treating cough, asthma, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), sore throat, acute abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea, summerheat stroke, infantile convulsions, as well as spasmodic* pain of the elbow and arm.

LI4 (hegu) is an acupuncture point on the large intestine meridian, located on the dorsum* of the hand, radial* to the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone*.* Perpendicular insertion of 0.5-1 cun is recommended. This point is selected for many reasons. It is usually applied for headache, conjunctive congestion* with swelling and pain of the eyes, toothache, epistaxis, deviated eye and mouth, otalgia (ear pain), fever and cold, absence of sweating or profuse sweating, amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods), and dystocia* (slow or difficult labor or delivery).