LU9 (Taiyuan / Great Abyss) Acupuncture Point Guide
Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and practical clinical resources for qualified practitioners in Ireland and across Europe.
LU9, known as Taiyuan (“Great Abyss”), is located in the radial side of the anterior wrist. This guide summarises the standard location, traditional functions, common combinations, anatomy and essential safety considerations.
This is a professional reference for appropriately trained practitioners. It is not a self-treatment guide and does not replace accredited anatomical and clinical training.
LU9 Taiyuan quick reference
| Point name | LU9 — Taiyuan (“Great Abyss”) |
|---|---|
| Channel | Lung channel |
| Classification | Shu-Stream, Yuan-Source and Earth point of the Lung channel; Hui-Meeting point of the vessels |
| Region | Radial side of the anterior wrist |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Core landmark | At the radial end of the palmar wrist crease, in the depression beside the radial artery. |
Location of LU9 Taiyuan
At the radial end of the palmar wrist crease, in the depression beside the radial artery.
Use proportional B-cun measurement together with palpation and individual anatomy. A fixed centimetre measurement is not a substitute for anatomical location.
Traditional functions of LU9
- Tonifies Lung Qi and nourishes Lung Yin.
- Transforms Phlegm and regulates Lung Qi.
- Benefits the throat.
- Regulates the vessels in traditional theory.
These descriptions belong to traditional acupuncture theory. They are not claims that LU9 has been proven to diagnose, prevent or treat disease.
Traditional clinical applications
- Cough, breathlessness or throat symptoms only after appropriate medical assessment and within a relevant pattern.
- Weak voice, fatigue or dryness associated traditionally with Lung Qi or Lung Yin deficiency.
- Radial wrist discomfort where local treatment is appropriate.
Point selection should follow a complete assessment, differential diagnosis, informed consent and an individualised treatment plan.
Common point combinations
- LU9 + LU7: traditionally used to support Lung function and regulate the channel.
- LU9 + ST36: considered where tonification of Qi is part of the strategy.
- LU9 + PC6: used where Lung and chest symptoms coexist after red flags are excluded.
These are traditional examples rather than fixed prescriptions.
Anatomy and practitioner notes
LU9 is immediately adjacent to the radial artery and near superficial sensory structures and tendons. Locate the pulse precisely and keep the needle path away from the artery.
Needling and essential safety
Do not needle into the radial artery. Use gentle, conservative technique and apply firm pressure if bleeding occurs. Avoid needling where there is infection, vascular compromise, anticoagulation-related concern or recent wrist trauma without appropriate assessment.
Use sterile, single-use needles, appropriate skin preparation and a technique suited to the patient’s anatomy, health, medicines and treatment position. Stop and reassess if unexpected sharp, electrical or strongly radiating sensation occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is LU9 Taiyuan?
At the radial end of the palmar wrist crease, in the depression beside the radial artery.
What does Taiyuan mean?
Taiyuan is commonly translated as “Great Abyss”. The English rendering helps explain the traditional name but does not replace the anatomical landmark.
Can patients use this guide for self-needling?
No. This resource is written for qualified practitioners and does not replace supervised anatomical and clinical training.
Continue exploring Project Lotus
Visit our Acupuncture Point Guides, or read the LU7 Lieque Guide and PC6 Neiguan Guide.
Practitioners can also browse our professional acupuncture needles and the wider Practitioner Guides library.
Professional disclaimer: This article is provided for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners for general educational purposes. Traditional actions and applications describe established acupuncture theory and are not claims of proven clinical efficacy. It is not medical advice, does not replace accredited training and should not be used as a universal treatment protocol. Practitioners remain responsible for assessment, consent, safe technique, infection control, record keeping, referral and compliance with professional and legal obligations.
Reference standards and safety reading:
World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
Master Tung’s Acupuncture / eLotus CORE. LU9 Taiyuan reference page.
