The Great Abyss pressure point (Lu 9) is a key acupoint on the Lung meridian and serves as the Yuan-Source point and Shu-Stream point in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Located at the wrist crease, below the base of the thumb, Lu 9 is essential for restoring respiratory function and regulating energy flow in the chest and upper limbs. It is often used to treat conditions such as coughing, asthma, and localized wrist discomfort.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | Lu 9 – Great Abyss |
| Body Area | Wrist |
| Exact Location | Wrist crease below base of thumb |
| Common Uses | Relieves coughing, asthma, wrist pain |
| Stimulation Technique | Press into hollow with thumb for 1 min |
| Contraindications | Avoid if skin is inflamed or area is healing from trauma or surgery |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
The Great Abyss pressure point is clinically applied for:
- Chronic and acute coughing, particularly with phlegm retention
- Asthma or wheezing, especially when due to Lung Qi deficiency
- Tightness or pain in the wrist joint, including repetitive strain injury
- Weakness in pulse and poor circulation, as this point is the influential point of the vessels
- Chest congestion or shallow breathing, linked to anxiety or fatigue
Lu 9 is highly valued in both respiratory therapy and localized musculoskeletal interventions.
Location
Lu 9 is located on the radial side of the wrist crease, in the depression just below the base of the thumb, lateral to the radial artery.
To locate:
- Hold the palm facing up
- Slide your finger down the thumb-side of the wrist crease
- Feel for a small hollow or dip adjacent to the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis muscle
The point is sensitive in most individuals and is frequently used in wrist reflexology and Lung meridian treatments.
How to Stimulate It
To activate the Great Abyss pressure point:
- Technique: Use the pad of your thumb to apply pressure
- Direction: Press downward into the hollow between the bone and tendon
- Duration: Maintain pressure for 1 minute with steady breathing
- Frequency: Use once to three times daily, especially during respiratory discomfort
- Posture: Best accessed while seated or resting the wrist on a table with the palm up
This point can also be combined with gentle circular massage for enhanced effect.
Benefits and Common Uses
Lu 9 is traditionally and currently used to:
- Ease chronic coughs and asthma, by strengthening the Lung and regulating Qi
- Support immune function, especially in weak or fatigued states
- Relieve wrist pain and tension, often from overuse or carpal tunnel-like symptoms
- Improve circulatory balance, as it’s the influential point of vessels
- Promote emotional letting go, aligning with the Lung’s association with grief in TCM
It plays a dual role in targeting both the respiratory system and peripheral nerve pathways of the upper limb.
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
Lu 9 lies near:
- The radial artery and vein
- The median nerve branch
- The tendon of flexor carpi radialis
Stimulation of this point may:
- Enhance lung ventilation and tidal volume through vagal activation
- Improve blood flow to the hand and wrist, aiding in tissue healing
- Regulate autonomic nervous function, particularly during breathing difficulties
- Address neuromuscular tightness around the wrist and palm
It is frequently used in integrative therapies for respiratory efficiency and wrist joint recovery.
Practitioner Insight
In my experience, this point is especially helpful for people dealing with dry, lingering coughs or constricted breathing after illness. It also offers relief from daily hand fatigue, especially in those who type, write, or lift repetitively.
Safety & Contraindications
Use caution with Lu 9 in the following situations:
- Local infection, inflammation, or surgical healing near the wrist
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy, due to proximity to the radial artery
- Neurological disorders affecting wrist sensitivity
Avoid excessive pressure on the artery and monitor for numbness or tingling. Refer to our acupressure safety guide for detailed usage protocols.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.
Related Points & Techniques
Lu 9 can be paired with:
- P 6 – Inner Gate for chest tightness and breathing support
- CV 17 – Sea of Tranquility for calming respiratory anxiety
- LI 4 – Joining the Valley to support immune and upper respiratory balance
Complementary techniques:
- Box breathing or paced respiration during stimulation
- Warm wrist wraps for wrist tension relief
- Gentle thumb-to-wrist acupressure tracing to regulate meridian flow
Scientific Perspective
Lu 9 has been identified in studies focusing on:
- Bronchial modulation and respiratory support through pressure-based therapy
- Effects on pulse regulation and heart rate variability, via proximity to vascular structures
- Supporting hand function in overuse syndromes and mild carpal tunnel symptoms
Emerging evidence confirms Lu 9’s dual impact on cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems (PubMed).