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Lung Meridian: Pathway, Points and Clinical Application
The Lung meridian is one of the fundamental axes within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and one of the most frequently used in daily clinical practice. Its direct relationship with respiration, the immune system and the skin makes it a key meridian in both acute and chronic treatments.
In this article, we approach the Lung meridian from a clinical and practical perspective, reviewing its function, pathway, most commonly used points and real application in practice, with a focus aimed at advanced students and professionals in acupuncture and physiotherapy.
What is the Lung meridian?
The Lung meridian is one of the twelve primary meridians and is associated with the Metal element. In TCM, the Lung is responsible for governing respiration and regulating the proper circulation of Qi throughout the body.
Its main functions include:
- Regulating breathing and energetic exchange with the exterior
- Distributing Qi and body fluids
- Controlling the skin, body hair and sweating
- Protecting the body against external pathogenic factors through Wei Qi
For this reason, imbalances in the Lung meridian do not manifest solely as respiratory problems, but also as skin disorders, recurrent infections or increased sensitivity to climatic changes.
From an emotional perspective, the Lung is associated with grief, sadness and melancholy, which explains why in some patients respiratory symptoms may appear or worsen after intense or prolonged emotional processes.
Pathway of the Lung meridian
The Lung meridian pathway is relatively short and straightforward, making it easy to locate and work with in clinical practice.
The meridian originates internally in the Lung, descends toward the large intestine and re-emerges superficially in the thoracic region. From there, it travels along the upper limb and ends at the thumb.
More specifically, the pathway is:
- Internal origin in the Lung organ
- Emergence in the infraclavicular region
- Descent along the anterolateral aspect of the arm
- Continuation along the forearm following the radial border
- Termination at the radial side of the thumb
This bilateral pathway allows practitioners to work with the meridian from both a local and systemic perspective, and to easily combine it with other meridians of the upper limb and thorax.
Main points of the Lung meridian and their clinical function
Although the Lung meridian has eleven points, daily clinical practice mainly relies on those offering greater therapeutic effectiveness and versatility.
Which Lung meridian points are most frequently used in clinical practice?
The most commonly used points are Lung 1, Lung 5, Lung 7 and Lung 9, as they allow practitioners to address both excess and deficiency patterns, as well as acute and chronic conditions.
Point selection will always depend on the energetic diagnosis and the therapeutic objectives of each session.
Lung 1 (Zhongfu)
Lung 1 is the Front-Mu point of the Lung, with a direct energetic action on the organ.
It is particularly used for:
- Persistent cough
- Asthma
- Chest oppression
- Dyspnea
It is highly effective in respiratory conditions, although it requires precise location and technique due to its proximity to sensitive structures.
Lung 5 (Chize)
Lung 5 is the He-Sea point of the meridian and is mainly associated with excess patterns.
It is indicated in cases of:
- Abundant phlegm
- Lung heat
- Throat inflammation
- Productive cough
In practice, it is frequently used in acute respiratory processes or when there is mucus accumulation.
Lung 7 (Lieque)
Lung 7 is one of the most widely used points of the Lung meridian.
Why is Lung 7 so commonly used in clinical practice?
This point stands out for its ability to simultaneously treat respiratory conditions, head and neck disorders, and processes related to external pathogenic factors such as wind.
Clinically, it is particularly valued for:
- Its rapid therapeutic response
- Good patient tolerance
- Ease of combination with other meridians
For these reasons, it is commonly used in both respiratory and musculoskeletal treatments.
Lung 9 (Taiyuan)
Lung 9 is the Shu-Stream and Yuan-Source point of the meridian and is primarily associated with tonifying Lung Qi.
It is indicated in:
- Energy deficiency
- Chronic fatigue
- Low immunity
- Long-standing respiratory conditions
It is a key point in preventive treatments and in patients with general weakness.
Clinical application of the Lung meridian
In which conditions is the Lung meridian indicated?
The Lung meridian is commonly used in respiratory pathologies, both acute and chronic, but its clinical application extends beyond obvious pulmonary symptoms.
It is frequently used in cases of:
- Chronic or recurrent cough
- Asthma and dyspnea
- Respiratory allergies
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Skin disorders associated with dryness or inflammation
Additionally, it is often included in immune-support protocols and preventive treatments, especially in patients prone to frequent illness.
Lung meridian time and its clinical relevance
According to the TCM body clock, the Lung meridian reaches its peak activity between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m.
What is the clinical relevance of this time?
Repeated awakenings during this time frame, accompanied by cough, breathing difficulty or chest tightness, may indicate an energetic imbalance in the Lung. This information, together with other signs and symptoms, can provide valuable insight during the diagnostic process.
Materials commonly used to treat the Lung meridian
What materials are typically used in clinical practice?
Working with the Lung meridian requires specific materials to ensure precision, safety and patient comfort.
In clinical practice, the following are mainly used:
- Sterile acupuncture needles adapted to the area and patient
- Disposable materials to ensure proper hygiene
- Electroacupuncture devices in selected cases
- Anatomical charts for accurate point location
Choosing the appropriate material directly influences treatment effectiveness and the patient’s experience.