Lung 9 (LU 9) Tai Yuan — Supreme Abyss

This is the Yuan-Source and Shu-Stream point of the Lung and the Influential (Hui-meeting) point of the vessels. It is the principal point for tonifying the Lung and for regulating the vessels and pulse.

Lung 9 (LU 9) Tai Yuan 太淵 — Supreme Abyss

Location

At the wrist, on the radial side of the transverse wrist crease, in the depression between the radial styloid process and the scaphoid bone, lateral to the radial artery.

Anatomy

Lateral to the radial artery; the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the superficial branch of the radial nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Tonifies the Lung and Lung qi
  • Transforms phlegm
  • Regulates and harmonises the vessels (Influential point of the vessels)
  • Benefits the pulse

Indications

Cough, asthma, Lung qi and yin deficiency, disorders of the blood vessels and circulation, a weak or absent pulse, and pain of the wrist.

Needling

0.2-0.3 cun, perpendicular insertion, avoiding the radial artery.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion to tonify and warm the Lung in deficiency.

Point Combinations

With LU-1 and BL-13 to tonify Lung qi; with ST-40 to transform phlegm.

Classical Text References

The Yuan-Source, Shu-Stream (Earth) point and tonification point of the Lung, and the Influential point of the vessels.

Cautions & Contraindications

The radial artery lies immediately medial; needle on the radial side to avoid it.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.