Jonathan Clogstoun-Willmott
- May 29, 2020
Lung point 8, Jing Qu, is the eighth point on theLung acupuncture channel
This starts in the area of thestomach, rises through the lungs, and emerges in front of the shoulder at the level of the second rib.
Jing Qu has two main characteristics, partly explained below:
- Metal point
- Jing-River point
Location of Channel Gutter
On the anterior forearm, ‘Channel Gutter’ lies about 1 cun proximal to the wrist crease on the radial side of the radial artery at the base of the styloid process.
This puts it on the line betweenLung point 5andLung point 9.
To find it, run a finger from the wrist crease at Lung point 9 up the arm. Where it tips over the styloid process into the depression proximal to the radial bone is the point. It can be a little sore if pressed hard.
Acupuncturists sometimes worry that they’ll pierce the radial artery here, so they avoid it for that reason, but to breach the wall of an artery requires more force than most acupuncturists would ever think of employing.
Needling Lung 8
No more than 0.5 cun at the most.
Needle Sensation:
Usually felt towards the thumb.
No Moxa
No moxibustion on this point. The skin is too thin.
Actions of Jing Qu
- Descends Lung Qi
- Metal Point. Being the Metal point of a Metal meridian, this point is used by some schools of acupuncture to strengthen the pure Metal nature of the Lungs: take this to mean the ability to be objective and detached. (Unfortunately for this purpose it should theoretically be needled between 3am and 5am and if possible not between 3pm and 5pm. However, although I prefer not to use it in the afternoon, it still seems to work then.) When taken with the fact that it is a Jing River point, see below, this makes more sense. Basically, it can help the Lungs function better.
- Being a Jing River point, like other Jing River points Jing Qu is helpful when Qi is not flowing properly, especially in relation to the lungs, ie good for respiratory problems such as cough or asthma arising fromCold or Heat.
Indications for Lung Point 8
- Bronchitis, chest pain, asthma, cough, fullness or discomfort of the chest
- Feverish but not sweating: helps to clear Wind-Heat
- Pain in the area of the point eg the wrist
Comment on Lung point 8
This point isn’t much used although it’s hard to understand why not.
Lung point 8 is the Metal point, it’s the Jing-River point (which means it is a powerful point for treating cough and difficulty in breathing, chills and fever) so you’d think it would be used to back upLung point 7orLung point 6or perhaps Bladder 13 for full conditions: but it’s not.
Don’t know why.
Well, actually I do: it’s because many acupuncturists realise that it lies very close to the radial artery, is a shallow point because of the underlying radial bone, and it is therefore difficult, having obtained deqi, to send qi in the desired direction: there isn’t much room to manipulate the needle.
Also, other points are recommended in class and literature more often so, like sheep, we use them.
I don’t even use it much myself: perhaps I should, especially because, being the Metal point of a Metal channel, it has a purifying effect, strengthening the Lungs’ function: a little like the meaning of Lung point 4.
This point’s name, however, is Channel Gutter: this suggests the potential to drain undesirable qi, damp or phlegm: a clarifying, cleansing action, which is just what’s needed when your lungs are full of grunge, your mind is depressed and your spirit forlorn.
Jingqu action on the Mind
Our minds easily get obsessed these days, with money worries or the internet, friendships or our appearance. All of these tend to make us sit or stand with shoulders slumped, chest compressed.
Think of the benefits of striding uphill, body erect, deep cleansing breaths, and the sense of space and achievement we get from cresting a hill-top and seeing the city below: for a moment standing back from the hurly-burly and giving ourselves a more god-like vantage.
(Today’s Resolution: should use this point more often!)
Click here to return from Lung Point 8 to Acupuncture Point Locations.
For other points on the Lung channel, click below:
Lung-1 | Zhongfu | Middle Mansion |
Lung-2 | Yunmen | Cloud Gate |
Lung-3 | Tianfu | Heavenly Palace |
Lung-4 | Xiabai | Protecting White |
Lung-5 | Chize | Foot Marsh |
Lung-6 | Kongxui | Great Opening |
Lung-7 | Lique | Broken Sequence |
Lung-8 | Jingqu | Channel Gutter |
Lung-9 | Taiyuan | Great Abyss |
Lung-10 | Yujo | Fish Region |
Lung-11 | Shaoshang | Lesser Shang |
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- Tags: channel gutter, jingqu, LU 8
- Categories: Points and Channels
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