LU10 (Yuji / Fish Border) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
LU10 Yuji is a ying-spring; fire point of the Lung channel. This Project Lotus reference brings together surface landmarks, traditional theory and practical safety considerations for qualified practitioners.
Quick reference
| Point | LU10 — Yuji (Fish Border) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Lung — Hand Taiyin |
| Classification | Ying-Spring; Fire |
| Region | Thenar border of palm |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Location | At the thumb-side border of the palm, beside the midpoint of the first metacarpal, where palmar and dorsal skin meet. |
Location of LU10 Yuji
At the thumb-side border of the palm, beside the midpoint of the first metacarpal, where palmar and dorsal skin meet.
Landmark sequence
- Support the open palm.
- Palpate the first metacarpal from its base towards the thumb.
- Identify its midpoint and the radial edge of the thenar eminence.
- Locate the depression at the palmar–dorsal skin boundary.
Where a B-cun measurement is given, use the patient’s proportional body measurement. It is not a fixed centimetre distance or a universal number of the practitioner’s finger breadths. Confirm the relevant landmarks by palpation before deciding on a technique.
Distinguishing nearby points
LU10 follows the first metacarpal midpoint at the thenar border. It is distinct from LU9 at the wrist and LI4 on the dorsum of the hand.
Traditional functions
Within traditional East Asian medicine, this point is commonly described in terms of the following functions:
- Clears Lung Heat
- Benefits the throat
- Descends rebellious Lung Qi
Traditional applications
Traditionally selected in Lung-Heat patterns with a sore throat, cough or hoarseness, and for local thumb or thenar discomfort when the assessment supports channel treatment.
These descriptions express traditional theory. They are not claims that this individual point has been proven to prevent or cure a medical condition. A symptom or channel label alone is insufficient to select a treatment.
Planning a point combination
Consider the treatment principle, local versus distal selection and the patient’s complete presentation. Related Project Lotus guides for comparison include LU7, LI4. These are educational comparison points, not a fixed prescription. Confirm the rationale, laterality and technique within accredited training.
Anatomy and essential safety
The thenar area contains small muscles, tendons, sensory branches and vessels. It is sensitive; use patient-specific technique and inspect for hand wounds, dermatitis or infection.
- Inspect the skin and assess local tissue, circulation and sensation. Do not needle through infected, ulcerated, inflamed or otherwise unsuitable tissue.
- Review relevant surgery, injuries, implants, bleeding risk, medication, pregnancy and previous adverse reactions.
- Use sterile single-use needles, appropriate infection control and safe sharps disposal. Obtain informed consent and document the treatment.
- Choose angle, depth and stimulation from anatomical assessment and accredited training. This guide gives no universal insertion depth. Stop and reassess unexpected sharp pain, neurological symptoms or a concerning response.
When medical assessment takes priority
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, or rapidly increasing throat swelling requires urgent assessment. Persistent hoarseness should be investigated.
Moxibustion
Moxa is not an automatic addition. Consider the traditional pattern, local anatomy and the practitioner’s training. Where heat is appropriate, assess sensation, skin condition, ventilation and the patient’s ability to report discomfort; supervise continuously and prevent burns.
Research note
Evidence concerning an acupuncture treatment or a multi-point protocol cannot be assigned automatically to this point alone. This guide does not claim an independently established clinical effect for LU10. Traditional functions and clinical evidence should be discussed separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is this point bilateral?
Yes. The surface landmarks apply on both sides. Treatment laterality depends on assessment and the chosen clinical strategy.
Can the image replace palpation?
No. The image shows the landmark relationship schematically. Body proportions, tendon visibility and tissue depth vary, so trained examination remains essential.
Is this a self-needling guide?
No. It is an educational reference for qualified practitioners and does not replace professional training or medical assessment.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Browse our Acupuncture Point Guides and professional acupuncture needles.
Professional note: Educational material for qualified acupuncture practitioners. Individual assessment, consent, safe technique and appropriate referral remain the practitioner’s responsibility.
References: WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations, updated reprint 2009 (entry LU10); CEIMEC point atlas (cross-check; WHO takes precedence where descriptions differ); Joel Penner, American Dragon: traditional point reference; NCCIH: acupuncture evidence and safety. Checked 5 October 2026.
